MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Right now Memphis rap music is as popular as it has ever been with artists such as superstar Glorilla leading the way.
Over the past years, rap music from Memphis has also given people real-life insight into the harsh reality of crime and violence plaguing Memphis every day.
The same violence we’ve seen takes the lives of Memphis rap stars and those whose stars were just beginning to shine.
The music isn’t selling a fairytale but real-life experiences in Memphis of those in front of the mic.
Each song speaks of crime and violence.
It’s the same crime and violence that’s made Memphis a hotbed for rap multiple rap artists spanning the last 35 years.
Over the last twenty years, several rap artists from Memphis have taken over the genre becoming major superstars.
Three Six Mafia, Eight Ball and MJG, Yo Gotti, Money Bag Yo, Young Dolph, Key Glock, Glorilla, and many others.
It’s not all glitz and glamor.
Artemis Peppa Williams said he’s impacted many of the rap superstars who have come out of Memphis.
“Authentic, genuine, soulful. It’s real. It comes from the heart,” Williams said.
We’ve seen Memphis rising stars like Pooh Shiesty get sat down.
Pooh is currently serving time in a Florida Prison after being involved in a shooting.
Williams said it’s the real-life testimonies in Memphis rap music that is feeding the culture.
“You must be from the culture to understand the culture. Until we as a whole sit down at the table to understand why this is happening then you can come up with a better solution,” Williams said.
Rap legends 8Ball and MJG said not much has changed the music today from when they got started in the 80′s.
“It’s a lot of talent around here but we still have a lot of cats from towns like this that’s never really got out of the city, MJG said.
“We were both lucky and blessed because we went through a lot of the same things people have gone through back then and going through now. We just didn’t have all of the social media,” 8Ball said.
The lesson these rappers want to give they say is hopefully received by the up-and-coming artists is rap about the problem while also becoming a part of the solution.
“I’ve seen dreams come true. I’ve seen stars made. I’ve been a part of countless careers who have made it, Williams said.
“If you got small babies and you want to see them grown and be there. Be there for your music the same way be there to see it grow up,” MJG said.
Download the FOX13 Memphis app to receive alerts from breaking news in your neighborhood.
Trending stories:
©2022 Imagicomm Memphis, Inc.