Memphis rappers have profoundly shaped the world of hip-hop with a gritty, lo-fi sound that reflects the city’s raw energy and cultural depth. Known for its innovative, bass-heavy beats, Memphis rap laid the foundation for mainstream trends, inspiring countless artists and sparking the rise of trap music. More than just music, Memphis rap embodies the spirit of resilience and creativity, giving a voice to life’s struggles and triumphs. This article presents the most impactful Memphis rap artists, followed by insights from national artists on the legacy and influence of Memphis rappers.
What Makes Memphis Rap Unique
Memphis rap stands out not only for its memorable beats and deep bass, but also for its ability to tell compelling stories through raw, emotionally charged lyrics. The lo-fi production style, often described as minimalistic, gives Memphis rap a hypnotic and almost atmospheric quality, which creates a stark contrast to the “polished” sounds of other subgenres. The genre’s marriage of Southern soul and Memphis culture helped shape the rise of both crunk and trap, two movements that revolutionized the broader hip-hop landscape. This distinctive sound continues to resonate, influencing modern rap and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in hip-hop.
Spotlight on Memphis Rappers: Past and Present
- DJ Spanish Fly
Known as the godfather of Memphis rap, DJ Spanish Fly introduced the raw sounds that defined the genre. With tracks like Smokin’ Cheeba-Cheeba, he set the stage for Memphis’s future sound. - Three 6 Mafia
Pioneers of crunk, Three 6 Mafia put Memphis on the global hip-hop map. Known for hits like Stay Fly, they won an Academy Award and influenced the horrorcore rap movement. Founding members like Gangsta Boo and DJ Paul continue to inspire today’s artists. - Yo Gotti
A modern Memphis rap artist, Yo Gotti gained fame with hits like 5 Star and Down in the DM, bringing a polished Memphis sound to mainstream audiences. His label, CMG, continues to elevate other Memphis talents. - Gansta Boo
A trailblazer in Memphis rap, Gangsta Boo rose to prominence as a member of the legendary group Three 6 Mafia. Known for her bold lyrics and undeniable presence, she helped shape the Southern hip-hop sound with hits like Where Dem Dollas At. As one of the first female rappers to break through in the male-dominated Memphis rap scene, her influence continues to inspire new generations of artists. - 8Ball & MJG
Recognized for their storytelling and Southern flair, 8Ball & MJG are legendary rappers from Memphis whose tracks like Space Age Pimpin’ paved the way for the Southern hip-hop sound. - Young Dolph
Known for his hard-hitting lyrics and entrepreneurial spirit, Young Dolph’s songs like 100 Shots reflect his Memphis roots and dedication to independence. - Moneybagg Yo
A prominent voice in modern Memphis hip-hop, Moneybagg Yo combines personal narrative with hard beats in tracks like Time Today, showcasing the evolution of Memphis rap. - Al Kapone
Al Kapone’s contributions to Memphis hip hop include his work on the Hustle & Flow soundtrack, blending Southern rap with cinematic elements. Not to mention, most of Memphis’ favorite hype song Whoop That Trick. - Gangsta Pat
One of the first rappers from Memphis to gain mainstream attention, Gangsta Pat’s intense lyrics and underground appeal helped establish the gritty Memphis rap scene. - Glorilla
With her song FNF taking over social media in 2022, Glorilla continues to make her mark on Memphis’ female rap scene and the global rap community as a whole.
Modern Era of Memphis Rap
Beyond iconic Memphis rap legends, a new wave of talent is shaping the genre while staying rooted in Memphis’s distinctive sound. NLE Choppa brings a sharp, fast-paced style that resonates with a young audience, blending personal storytelling with modern beats in tracks like Shotta Flow. Leading ladies in rap Aleza, K Carbon, Gloss Up, and Slimeroni are prime examples of how Memphis’ female rappers have taken center stage with chart-topping singles and a variety of upcoming projects and album releases.
Kevo Muney combines soulful hooks and introspective lyrics, capturing the struggles and triumphs of Memphis life in songs like Leave Some Day. Each of these artists not only honors the legacy of Memphis rap but also brings innovative elements that continue to push the genre forward, ensuring that the Memphis sound remains both relevant and influential on a global scale.
Cultural Impact and the Future of Memphis Rap
Memphis rap’s influence extends far beyond the city, leaving a lasting impact on global music. Known for its lo-fi, raw sound, Memphis rap’s gritty beats and dark lyricism have found their way into both underground movements and mainstream hits, setting trends that redefine hip-hop. This scene continues to inspire and influence artists worldwide, from producers who sample its signature bass-heavy beats to rappers who channel its unapologetic spirit. As emerging artists add their voices, Memphis rap is evolving, carrying its legacy forward with an unmistakable edge and authenticity that keeps it at the cutting edge of music culture.
Memphis Rappers on Their Favorite Classic Tracks from the 901
In the words of Charlamagne Tha God, “the best rappers in the game right now are from Memphis. While we certainly don’t disagree, this isn’t the first time Memphis rappers have changed the face and sound of popular music. In that spirit, we spoke to four of the best Memphis rappers (Bleu Levees, Lukah, PreauXX, and Tyke T) to hear their choice for the best track from Memphis’, “Golden Era.”
Bleu Levees
Although Michael Royal, better known as Bleu Levees, is originally from New Orleans, he knows a thing or two about Memphis hip-hop. “When I first came down here, of course, I knew about 3-6, but it wasn’t until I started rapping myself I stumbled upon some real Memphis gems,” he says. With his new single “Switch the Knob”, Bleu Levees is gaining new fans around the country and earning praise from critics for his dexterous flow and vulnerable lyrics. In short, Bleu Levees is quickly becoming a “Real Memphis gem” himself. About his favorite song from Memphis’ past, he writes:
“The one that still sticks out today for me is Gangsta Blac’s “My Click So Thick.” That’s just one of those tracks you put on when you wanna cruise through the city or to whatever your destination is. Also, coming from a poet’s background, the track is not only Raw but it also has poetic qualities as he tells his story, which may be what drew me to the song. Besides, it’s also one of the smoothest beats anybody has rapped on.”
Lukah
South Memphis-based emcee Lukah is a bit of an anomaly amongst the city’s current crop of rappers, embodying the best of both the new and old schools of hip-hop. His most recent album “When the Black Hand Touches You” has been hailed as a “tour de force” and one of the finest rap albums to come from the Bluff City in years, which we co-sign whole-heartedly. Lukah writes:
“My choice is Playa Fly’s “Nobody Needs Nobody” feat. Gangsta Blac, because this is what my neighborhood called the South Memphis anthem. Fly and Blac are from South Memphis and that song spoke directly to us South Memphians. We could relate strongly to what was being said and the messages in the song. And though everybody in Memphis loves that song, I feel the South connected to it more because it was somebody speaking from our neighborhood. Lines like “I rather please you than tease you / please don’t make me decease you / I believe instead of having you dead / I rather lyrically beat you” were very inspirational for me and I related to it deeply. I like the fact that he acknowledged that it’s very much possible for him to cause harm to those in the way or causing damage to the foundation. But instead of doing that, he’d rather hurt you lyrically with his words and we all know words are powerful. I still live by those lines today. For me, that song is everything.”
South Memphis-based emcee Lukah is a bit of an anomaly amongst the city’s current crop of rappers, embodying the best of both the new and old schools of hip-hop. His most recent album “When the Black Hand Touches You” has been hailed as a “tour de force” and one of the finest rap albums to come from the Bluff City in years, which we co-sign whole-heartedly. Lukah writes:
“My choice is Playa Fly’s “Nobody Needs Nobody” feat. Gangsta Blac, because this is what my neighborhood called the South Memphis anthem. Fly and Blac are from South Memphis and that song spoke directly to us South Memphians. We could relate strongly to what was being said and the messages in the song. And though everybody in Memphis loves that song, I feel the South connected to it more because it was somebody speaking from our neighborhood. Lines like “I rather please you than tease you / please don’t make me decease you / I believe instead of having you dead / I rather lyrically beat you” were very inspirational for me and I related to it deeply. I like the fact that he acknowledged that it’s very much possible for him to cause harm to those in the way or causing damage to the foundation. But instead of doing that, he’d rather hurt you lyrically with his words and we all know words are powerful. I still live by those lines today. For me, that song is everything.”
PreauXX
Much like Bleu Levees, rapper PreauXX (pronounced “pro”) hails from New Orleans, but has fully embraced becoming part of the community of Memphis rappers. Over the past several years, he has become one of the city’s most celebrated underground artists with his combination of charisma, lyricism, and intellect, as well as his captivating live performances. PreauXX writes:
“If I had to choose one of the songs that influenced me from the Memphis rap era, it has to be a Project Pat song. The record is “Life We Live” from the classic album Mista Don’t Play. I remember the most simple and fun times in my life when I didn’t have anything. And whenever I put that song on it takes me back. Humble beginnings, not forgetting where you come from, all of that…that’s what that song does for me. That record is a timeless feeling and you can’t recreate something that genuine.”
Tyke T
Born Tyrone Stroble, Memphis-based rapper Tyke T is not only a successful solo artist, but also the head of the Driven by Music brand. From tours with B.o.B and Boosie Badazz to a number of his songs being featured on shows from MTV, Starz, and VH1, Tyke T is proving that contemporary trap music can win over fans while still being both thoughtful and soulful. Tyke T writes:
“There are so many songs to choose from because Memphis is and has always been so damn bumpin’, but one of my favorite Memphis songs that resonates with me is 8 Ball’s “Stop Playin Games”. The reason why I love this record so much is because Memphis is such a “no-nonsense” city man. Everybody is on their grind, everybody is out here hustling, trying to get to the money, and we don’t have time for games. He’s telling you on the record that if you are “playing games” then you are wasting time and missing out on money. So if you are still playing games…..STOP! The beat is crazy, and P.Diddy is just being P.Diddy on that junt lol. It’s fire!”
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