What is Memphis rap?
Memphis rap is a regional subgenre of hip hop that originated in Memphis, Tennessee, during the mid to late 1980s. It is also known as Memphis hip-hop or Memphis horrorcore.
Questions about Memphis rap
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who are the pioneers of Memphis rap?
DJ Spanish Fly is commonly cited as one of the genre's pioneers, credited as the bridge between 1980s electro-funk and the gangsta rap that followed. Early artists and groups associated with the sound include Gangsta Pat, Project Pat, Tommy Wright III, La Chat, Gangsta Boo, 8Ball & MJG, and Three 6 Mafia.
What instruments and production techniques define the Memphis rap sound?
Memphis rap relies on the Roland TR-808 drum machine, minimal synth melodies, double time flows with triplet rhythms, and heavy sampling from soul, funk, horror film scores, and classical music. The sound is often described as a distorted, lo-fi soundscape built around cowbell, syncopated rhythms, powerful sub-bass, and sharp digital snares.
How did Memphis rap artists distribute their music?
Memphis rap artists released music through independent labels and relied on a grassroots approach, spreading their sound through the club scene and self-pressed mixtapes. Independent cassette circulation networks became an important way of preserving and distributing the music throughout the region.
Which Memphis rap artists achieved mainstream success?
8Ball & MJG and Three 6 Mafia are the Memphis rap acts most associated with mainstream success, with the pairing achieving relative commercial success and even an Oscar. Three 6 Mafia's Mystic Stylez, along with Come with Me 2 Hell by DJ Paul and Lord Infamous and Lil Noid's Paranoid Funk, were particularly influential releases.
How has Memphis rap influenced modern music?
Memphis rap built a cult following online through MP3 blogs, influencing rappers such as Lil Ugly Mane, Freddie Dredd, Denzel Curry, and SpaceGhostPurrp. It has also been cited as a direct influence on Phonk and helped give rise to crunk and trap music, with artists like $uicideboy$ and other acts on the G59 record label driving a later boom in popularity.