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Western Michigan Music Scene
I sat in Ajax Stacks’ Audi and watched the world through the glossy tinted windows—which concealed an assortment of packaged Nabisco cookies in the back seat.
Starks (Avery Jackson) is not only one of Grand Rapids’ most famous rappers, but he’s also an order picker for a major snack manufacturer. As we drive down the busy night streets, he reflects on the past decade of hip-hop creation in Western Michigan.
“It’s great to be in this moment. Where I am now, what I’ve built for myself and my brand, how mature I am in the music industry,” he reflects.
Captivating Audiences: Performances 2023.
We drove down Bridge Street, speakers rumbling. He creates unreleased music deep in the archives of his iPhone.
Starks is often busy playing on stages near Grand Rapids. In March, he played a headlining show for Elevation at the Crossroads. He recently debuted an open mic called “Your Turn” at Turnstiles.
“I imagine a room full of people shouting ‘It’s your turn’ to build hype for each performer. Open mics are a shame for newbies. But I love them. No one does open mics like The microphone is better,” Starks said.
“It’s a great way for veterans to practice new material and experiment. I’m a big believer that the more you do something, the better you get at it. Even if you’re a natural at it.
Following last weekend’s performance at Cinco de Mayo in Chicago with The Soccer Rebellion, Ajax Stacks will perform with Las Canchas on May 17 and at Midtown in Grand Rapids on May 25. Push The City Cypher show. Get tickets online, $25-$35, for details at themidtowngr.com.
Video: Ajax Stacks and Speed Gang, “Papaya”
The Importance of Rhythm and Collaboration
We crossed the river and followed it north to Creston. Cross the bumpy cobblestone road and go uphill. As we approach Lookout Mountain, ascend above the city. Thick smoke billowed from the cracked car window. Couples lay hand in hand on spread blankets. All was bathed in the afterglow of the setting sun, which had now disappeared on the other side of the valley.
A recurring source of inspiration for Stacks is fatherhood. His 17-year-old daughter is an encouraging presence in his life.
“I’ve been a dad longer than I’ve been a rapper. I had my daughter when I was 19. But I was happy right away,” he recalls.
“It gave me a sense of urgency. It used to be beautiful. I remember working two or three jobs and working night shifts. I didn’t have a lot of free time. But I would still find myself balancing it while making music. Fatherhood. I built a little home studio in a spare closet and I would work until 3 in the morning and then go home and start recording.
Hard work and fatherhood: Ajax Stacks (Photo/Enrique Olmos)
Part of his creative process includes finding the right beat for the song. A few years ago, while living in Texas, Starks met one of his producers, Curran NAME. He said it’s common for him to meet other music industry professionals when he’s out and about. NAME is based in Dallas and has produced artists such as Dizzy Wright and Phillip Wolf.
“Beat is important. Our attention spans are generally shorter these days. If someone listens to my music, the first thing they hear is the beat,” he said.
“I often don’t say anything in the first few seconds. I can kill it on the track with the coldest bars you’ve ever heard. But if the beat doesn’t impress them in the first place, that’s okay.
Starks’ journey into hip-hop began with a poetry project in his senior English class at Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School. His success in class depends on getting an A on the final assignment. He would sit in front of the computer and write lines while listening to R&B instruments. His poems became more and more rhythmic until one of his classmates mentioned, “It sounds like you’re rapping.” Other of his peers chimed in, praising his writing ability.
For Stacks, rapping remains a poetic process—one that he refined into a specialized craft over time in the community where he grew up.
“Even though I explored other cities and came back,” Starks said.
“But you know, it’s not always like this. It’s definitely been a journey. It’s given me a sense of responsibility to be able to take care of the community and work with people.
Listen: Ajax Stacks and Jon Connor, “Right and Wrong”
Playing downtown later this month: Ajax Stacks (Photo/Enrique Olmos)
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