9 Tra Family (1995)

9 Trae Family – Underground Tape (1995)

Produced by Gangsta Pimp, 9 Tra Family’s solo tape stands as a chaotic and confrontational Memphis underground release from the mid-90s, surrounded by controversy even by local standards. While the exact spelling of the group’s name varies. I Believe it is actually meant to be 9 Tre Family or 9 Tray Family as nine trey just means 93. The group consisted of Lil Tony Tone, MC Mike, Bony Tony, MJ, and Gangsta Pimp. One of the most notorious aspects of this release is the long-circulated claim that the equipment used to record the tape was stolen from DJ Livewire, who is directly dissed on the project along with members of the Butcher Squad. Most explicitly on “Fuck The Butcher Squad.” Whether myth or fact, the tape reflects the raw tension, rivalries, and street politics that defined Memphis rap during this era. Sonically, the project balances gritty street narratives with regional pride and aggressive posse cuts. Tracks like “Memphis Is The City Where We Come From” and “Born And Raised In Tennessee” ground the tape firmly in local identity, while darker cuts such as “Nigga Down For Another 187” and “Live By The Sword” showcase the violent realism common to mid-90s Memphis rap. Gangsta Pimp’s production ties everything together with lo-fi menace, ominous melodies, and raw drum programming. A volatile, historically charged release that captures both the sound and the conflicts of Memphis’ underground tape scene at its most unfiltered.

Tracklist:

1. Gangsta Pimp – Intro

2. Lil Tony Tone – 6 Shit

3. Bony Tony – Bony Playa

4. Gangsta Pimp – Memphis Is The City Where We Come From

5. MJ – Climbing A Stairway To Heaven

6. Lil Lunatic – Live By The Sword

7. MC Mike – Nigga Down For Another 187

8. Livewire Diss Interlude

9. Bony Tony, Gangsta Pimp – Fuck The Butcher Squad

10. Gangsta Pimp – Side B Intro

11. Rockabye Mix

12. Lil Tony Tone – Rockabye

13. Gangsta Pimp, Lil Tony Tone, MJ – Rollin’ Clean

14. Gangsta Pimp – What The Nigga Name?

15. MC Mike, HP – Get Buck

16. Lil Tony Tone – Ain’t No Love

17. HP – In My City

18. Gangsta Pimp, Bony Tony – Born And Raised In Tennessee

19. Gangsta Pimp – Outro