Emerging from the gritty streets of Detroit, Black Lion Society (BLS) represents more than just music—they embody resilience, community activism, and a fresh take on hip hop that blends sharp lyricism with feel-good vibes. Formed in 2014, the duo has steadily built a reputation through award-winning tracks, high-profile collaborations, and a commitment to social change. As of October 2025, with their new EP Let The Fun Begin set to drop tomorrow on Bandcamp, BLS continues to evolve while staying true to their Motor City roots.
Background and Formation
Black Lion Society was founded by Jake Diamondz (also known as J. Moore) and Big S.C.A.M (King Solomon), two MCs who grew up amidst Detroit’s challenges of poverty, violence, and systemic inequality. Jake hails from the Brightmoor neighborhood and began his music career in the early 2000s, influenced by the city’s underground scene. Big S.C.A.M, from Detroit’s east side, drew from personal hardships including incarceration and family struggles. The pair met through mutual connections in the local hip hop community and officially formed BLS in 2014 (though some sources note 2015), aiming to use their platform for empowerment and positive messaging.
Their name symbolizes strength, unity, and African heritage, drawing from the lion as a cultural icon of protection. Inspirations include Detroit legends like Slum Village and J Dilla, as well as broader figures such as Malcolm X and the Black Panthers. BLS views hip hop as an extension of the civil rights movement, focusing on themes of racial justice, police brutality, and community upliftment. From the ashes of Detroit’s economic struggles, they crafted a sound that’s raw yet uplifting, often incorporating elements of jazz, soul, and spoken word.
Members: Jake Diamondz and Big S.C.A.M
• Jake Diamondz (J. Moore): A father and community organizer, Jake emphasizes mental health and self-education in his work. His playful rhyme patterns and energetic delivery shine in tracks that encourage movement and positivity.
• Big S.C.A.M (King Solomon): Overcoming personal adversities like prison time, Big S.C.A.M brings resilience and mentorship to the duo. His verses often tackle heavy topics with a call to collective action.
Together, they handle everything independently—from songwriting in home studios to distribution—maintaining DIY ethics to preserve authenticity.
Discography and Key Releases
BLS’s catalog emphasizes fun, funky production alongside conscious lyrics. Key highlights include:
• “Party In The Hills” (2016): Their breakout single, which moved substantial units independently and hit the UK Top 40 chart. It marked their entry into the national scene.
• “Top Ten” (2019): Soundtracked Adidas’ 40th anniversary of the iconic sneaker, showcasing their ability to blend commercial appeal with street cred.
• “What’s Going On” feat. Doug Wonder (2023): A powerful track addressing social issues, featured on the movie soundtrack Black Skin (released spring 2024), alongside artists like Sounds of Blackness and RL from NEXT.
• “My Bad My Baby” (October 2024): An ode to the dance floor, produced by Fella Fella, aiming to bring fun back to hip hop with nods to classics like Eddie Kendricks’ “Keep On Truckin’” and Mr. Cheeks’ “Lights Camera Action.”
• “Run It Back” (2024): A revamped anthem that became the sound drop for the Detroit Tigers’ 2025 Opening Day, featured on Fox 2 News. It also captured the vibe for the Detroit Pistons’ playoff push.
• “Back to Work” (2025): A recent single emphasizing hustle and return to form.
Their debut album Black Lion Society (2016) and follow-up Roar (2019) explore mental health, education reform, and Black excellence. An upcoming single features Redman, hinting at more collaborations.
Achievements, Tours, and Collaborations
BLS won Best Hip Hop Group at the 2016 Detroit Underground Hip Hop Awards, solidifying their local status. They’ve toured with Kash Doll and performed alongside legends like Trina, Lloyd Banks, Redman, Method Man, T.I., Danny Brown, 2 Chainz, Brother Ali, Young Dro, and Killa Priest.
In 2024, they honored Amp Fiddler and J Dilla at benefit concerts, toured Canada with Cash Money affiliates, and rocked festivals like Rappin’ In The Rivers in Montana. 2025 highlights include opening the MLB season with “Run It Back” for the Tigers and music features during the NBA Playoffs. They’ve earned nominations for Michigan Music Awards and features in local media.
Despite challenges like financial hurdles, industry gatekeeping, and the COVID-19 pandemic’s disruptions, BLS has adapted through virtual performances and independent hustling.
Community Involvement and Activism
Beyond music, BLS is deeply embedded in Detroit’s grassroots scene. They organize workshops on hip hop as therapy, youth empowerment programs, and anti-violence initiatives with nonprofits like the Detroit Justice Center. Performances at schools, protests, and community events raise funds for affordable housing and criminal justice reform. They mentor young artists via free cyphers and online sessions, fostering the next wave of conscious creators. Voter registration drives and digital activism round out their efforts, with future projects eyeing environmental justice.
Upcoming: Let The Fun Begin EP and Beyond
Set for release on October 24, 2025, via Bandcamp, Let The Fun Begin promises a funky shift from darker themes, focusing on energetic, danceable tracks. Pre-orders are teased, and it’s poised to build on their momentum. With bookings like Dilla Day LA in February 2026, BLS shows no signs of slowing.
Connect with Black Lion Society on Instagram (@blklion_society), Facebook (BlackLionSociety257), SoundCloud, and their Linktree for updates. In a genre often heavy on emotions, BLS reminds us: it’s time to let the fun begin.
BLACK LION SOCIETY
