“Gangsta Walk”
When talking about Southern Hip-Hop and Hip-Hop in general, there is always one city and genre which is often overlooked and understated. With that of course being the raw, gritty and violent genre of 90s Memphis Rap. If You’re here already then you likely already know some of the history surrounding this scene. However, for those who may not know. Memphis Rap can be traced back as early as the mid to late 1980s. When local acts like 8Ball & MJG, DJ Spanish Fly, & DJ Zirk would get their start beatboxing and rapping at school and in the neighborhood. Around this time, according to DJ Zirk. DJ Squeeky would rap alongside MJG whom are both natives of the Orange Mound Neighborhood located in Memphis, TN. Also, According to Zirk, a cat named Marcus B from the Mound is allegedly the first person in Memphis to rap “Gangsta Shit”. However, since the information on Marcus B starts and ends here, it is difficult to determine how and what he specifically did. As, the 1990s started to roll around two songs from two different people would provide the landscape for the Memphis Rap scene throughout the entire 90s. With those songs being “Get Buck” by Pretty Tony & “Gangsta Walk” by DJ Spanish Fly. After these songs, people like DJ Spanish Fly, DJ B.K. and Young Lo. Would start hustling their own tapes through local record stores, tire shops, and even gas stations and barbershops. These people and especially Spanish Fly, would be the first acts in the city to make a significant amount of money off selling rap music locally. By the year 1994 the scene had grown exponentially with many producers, deejays, and of course rappers providing their talent in an effort to make some quick money. With some of these being Tommy Wright III, DJ Sound, and DJ Paul to name a few. Popular beefs would spawn between rival crews and producers like DJ Paul who famously sampled works created by DJ Squeeky & Zirk, which would essentially cause a never-ending conflict between the two groups. While some of the drama and beefs are definitely noteworthy. It is their passion for the music behind it all and the time and effort they put into hustling $5-$10 tapes around the hood, which makes this genre legendary. Majority of the tapes from this era came from rappers and producers who were still in High School. And who were using cheap equipment to record. That is what makes it so special to me and many others who enjoy Memphis Rap. It is an example of making the most out of the least. And is still probably the most unique subgenre of rap period!