When he released his debut album Kulture Friction in 2021, it was during the height of the Covid pandemic, so his plans for visual accompaniment would have to wait. Now, he’s realizing his Kulture Friction dreams with a series of music videos, filmed in Los Angeles, New York, and Africa.
“Yup!” is a standout from Kulture Friction. Produced by CMajor (who is Marco’s younger brother), the song is a bouncy ode to getting blocked. The video was filmed in New York City on the one of the coldest weekends of the year (doesn’t that sound nice about now) by Peach Pig Productions. Alison LoPresti directed, produced, and edited, and Kenneth Martell lensed the elaborate production. The video stars Marco, CMajor, and dancers Larry Curry and Robin Sanders as they flee the fans through the streets of Brooklyn. Take a look
If you would like to see your music video on Music Video Monday, email cmccoy@memphisflyer.com.
Clayborn Temple, Mason Temple, the Sterick Building, and the airport could each receive more than $1 million in federal funding this year, U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Memphis) announced Thursday.
Cohen said more than $18.8 million have been appropriated for several Memphis-area projects recently, though, the money would need Congressional approval before it flows.
Credit: Steven Cohen via Facebook
The budget earmarks came from approval in the the Transportation and Housing and Urban Development (THUD), Commerce Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS), and in the Homeland Security subcommittees.
“Memphis and the 9th District are doing particularly well in this year’s appropriations process,” Cohen said in a statement. “I am pleased to see my requests for the restoration of historic buildings approved, and the investments in police and public safety will help protect our community.
“This is early in the process and these projects must still pass on the House floor and in the Senate before being signed into law, but I am encouraged with the progress so far.”
Clayborn Temple
Credit: Clayborn Temple via Facebook
Clayborn Temple burned to the ground in April. Investigators ruled the fire an act of arson. In late May, officials said they identified a person of interest in the case. As of yet, however, no arrest has been made.
Clayborn leaders promised to rebuild. The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis launched the “Reimagine Clayborn Fund” in May. The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, Mellon Foundation, and Ford Foundation committed a total of $1.5 million to the fund that month.
Cohen announced Thursday the federal government could grant the project more than $3.1 million.
Mason Temple
Credit: Historic Mason Temple via Facebook
Less is known about the restoration project for the historic Mason Temple. However, the church south of Crump could get $1.2 million from Congress for ”restoration, rehabilitation, and technology system upgrade to the historic site.”
In a letter to the Appropriations Committee, Cohen said, ”It is an appropriate use of taxpayer money because maintaining the historical landmark, which draws thousands of tourists to the Memphis Downtown area each year, will help to increase economic development.”
The church is where Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his famous “Mountaintop” speech the night before he was assassinated.
The Sterick Building
Credit: CBRE
In 2023, Stuart Harris, principal of Constellation Properties, announced that his team closed on the purchase of Downtown’s historic Sterick Building.
The 340,000-square-foot, 29-story skyscraper was built in 1929, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. However, the building has stood vacant since 1986. Previously, the idea of a purchase had been complicated, owing to a ground lease that had considered the building separate from the land it sits on. But the new agreement resolves that issue, allowing for future plans of a full redevelopment to begin taking shape.
Cohen said the feds could contribute $1.2 million to the project. The building, he said, ”was one of the tallest buildings in the South before being abandoned and becoming one of Memphis’ largest blighted structures.”
Memphis International Airport (MEM)
Credit: Memphis International Airport
MEM’s $700 million modernization and seismic project could get a $4.2 million boost from Congress, should the earmarks remain. The funding was requested by Cohen and U.S. Rep. David Kustoff (R-Memphis).
Here are some more Memphis projects that could get federal funds in this year’s budget:
Covenant Gardens Senior Apartments: $1 million
The funding would be used to build 103 units of affordable housing for lower-income seniors.
Monroe Plaza and extended pedestrian infrastructure improvements: $850,000
The funding would be used to convert an underutilized street into a new Downtown plaza.
Electrical Infrastructure Upgrades at Montgomery Plaza: $850,000
The funding for the Memphis Housing Authority will be used to upgrade the existing electrical infrastructure.
University of Memphis Park Avenue Campus Upgrades: $850,000
Funds would be used to replace the water and sewer lines, repave and restripe for long term use and pedestrian and vehicle safety on the Park Avenue Campus.
Memphis Community Engagement Youth Facility Renovation and Vulnerable Family Housing Project: $850,000
Funds will be used to renovate community facilities serving at-risk youth and provide additional housing for vulnerable families experiencing homelessness. The city will work in collaboration with The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Memphis and Hospitality Hub.
Memphis Homeless Veterans Homes Renovation Project: $250,000
The funding will be used for renovations to support homeless veterans’ housing. The city will work in collaboration with Alpha Omega Veterans.
Reimagining Southwest Tennessee Community College Renovations Project: $250,000
The funding will be used to renovate and modernize key facilities on the campus.
Memphis Police Department Equipment Upgrades Project: $1 million
The funding would be used to make critical software improvements to keep the Memphis Police Department aligned with best practices in public safety, utilizing predictive policing and data-driven operations.
Enhancing Shelby County District Attorney’s Victims/Witness Unit and Data Collection Services: $1 million
The funding would be used to enhance the victim/witness services program and support digital forensics to recover, analyze and preserve electronic data.
Community Project Funding for City of Memphis Youth Violence Prevention Initiative: $1 million
The funding would be used to expand to a second location in South Memphis and increase services to youth and families to disrupt the pipeline to prison. The city plans to work with the community organizations Heal 901 and Pure Academy.
Shelby County Emergency Operations Center: $1 million
The funding would be used to construct a new emergency operations center that will serve all seven municipalities of Shelby County.
Country singer-songwriter Parker McCollum takes the stage for Memphis Botanic Garden’s Live at the Garden series. (Photo: Courtesy Memphis Botanic Garden)
“Home Is A Dream I Keep Having” Closing Reception Urban Art Commission Friday, July 18, 5-8 p.m. Noah Miller and Sara Moseley’s exhibit, a reflection on the meaning of home, closes this weekend. The reception will have free refreshments, live music from Dream Journal, an avant-garde music project from Robby & Rachael Grant, and a DJ set. Read more about the show here.
Live at the Garden: Parker McCollum Radians Amphitheater at Memphis Botanic Garden Friday, July 18, 8 p.m. See country music star Parker McCollum take over the Radians Amphitheater stage this Friday for Memphis Botanic Garden’s Live at the Garden series. Individual lawn tickets start at $89.25. All lawn seating is general admission and is located behind the table seating sections. Attendees are allowed to bring their own food and beverages including coolers or can purchase from on-site vendors.
Shopping!
Chickasaw Oaks Vintage Street Market: Shop unique vintage finds including clothing, home goods, accessories, and furniture. Plus, get your vintage treasures tailored on the spot with an on-site alterations vendor. | Chickasaw Oaks Village, Saturday, July 19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
End of All Art Books Pop-Up: Shop new and used books, curiosities, and limited special edition Slowdown Dry Goods collaborative merch. Patrick Sansone of Wilco will be signing his new book of photography, “Noticings” at noon. | Slowdown Dry Goods, Saturday, July 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Memphis Oddity & Curiosity Market: Find the oddest of oddities and the most curious of curiosities! | Hi Tone, Saturday, July 19, 4-10 p.m.
Sing 2 Sing-Along Orpheum Theatre Saturday, July 19, 2 p.m. Sing along to the show-stopping numbers of Sing 2’s unforgettable soundtrack. Arrive dressed as your favorite character, warm up your singing voice, and get ready to rock the Orpheum. Tickets are $12. Up next in the Sing-Along series is Greaseon August 2nd.
Lampyfest Lamplighter Lounge Saturday, July 19, 3 p.m. Celebrate the historic Lamplighter’s new improvements with music by Aquarian Blood, Jack-O & the Sheiks, Dr. Brown, Turnt, Jeffery Evans & Ross Johnson, Tyler Keith, and Superfun YeahYeah Rocketship. Karaoke to follow. Cover is $10. Oh, and, hey, before you go, read this totally awesome music story by Alex Greene before you go.
Asian Night Market Agricenter International Saturday, July 19, 4-10 p.m. The ever-popular Asian Night Market returns for a third year, promising a feast for your senses with dishes and flavors from over 70 food vendors across the U.S. Live cultural performances, a lion and dragon dance, DJ, eating contest, and more will take up the stage, and kids can enjoy a kids zone. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate for adults, $5 for children 6 to 12 years old, and free for children 6 and below. Get your tickets here.
Colombia Night Overton Square Saturday, July 19, 6-9 p.m. Celebrate Colombia’s independence with music, dance, traditional food, and more in Overton square. Expect live performances, tastings, and storytelling — for free admission. Dress in yellow, blue, and red.
Mystic Krewe of Pegasus: Christmas in July Dru’s Place Sunday, July 20, 3 p.m. Join the Mystic Krewe of Pegasus Memphis for a festive summer twist on the holiday season — all to benefit the Memphis Child Advocacy Center. Enjoy holiday performances by Fantasia Bordeaux, Bela D’Ball, Papa Chubb, Boy Dustin, and many more of Santa’s favorite entertainers. The krewe will be bringing all the Christmas cheer with a 50/50 auction, fun games, prizes, and surprises throughout the afternoon, so put on your best holiday attire (or your most outrageous Christmas-in-July look) and get ready to celebrate.
There’s always something happening in Memphis. See a full calendar of events here.
A GOP-created task force to “end” childhood hunger in Tennessee started work this week, while state Democrats criticized GOP cuts to food assistance programs.
The “End Childhood Hunger Act” was passed unanimously by the Tennessee General Assembly earlier this year. It created a task force to broadly review ”the challenges of affordability and accessibility of high quality nutrition in this state.”
More narrowly, the group would review programs like the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Summer Food Service Program. The task force would look to build partnerships with government agencies and nonprofits for solutions to “the state’s childhood hunger challenges.” It would also look at challenges with Electronic Benefit Cards (EBT), like theft and fraud.
“I have had some concern once the task force was authorized that the name of the task force may suggest that there are children who are currently going hungry in Tennessee.”
“I have had some concern once the task force was authorized that the name of the task force may suggest that there are children who are currently going hungry in Tennessee,” Carter said to kick off the meeting. ”I would say we do all that we can across a number of different state agencies to ensure that’s not the case.”
State Rep. Mary Littleton (R-Dickson) co-sponsored the legislation to create the task force. She said during the meeting Tuesday that the goal is to “figure out how a child is going hungry and stop it.”
State government program leaders then outlined the many ways Tennessee is helping to feed hungry children, including the state and federal programs mentioned above.
Commissioner Carter said food production “is not the issue,” and that America produces enough to “actually feed the world.” Even Tennessee “produces enough health and nutritious foods.” Carter said getting that food to the right people — distribution — was the main issue.
While Carter wondered at the beginning of the meeting whether or not there were hungry children in Tennessee, data say there’s no doubt. Feeding America, the national nonprofit, said the child food insecurity rate in Shelby County was nearly 28 percent in 2023, according to its latest data. The group said it would cost an additional $106 million to feed those 65,140 food-insecure children here.
“Tennesseans with children report more often that the food they purchased did not last in the last 12 months,” ETSU said. “When asked specifically about food lasting, 31 percent of those with children reported that it was often true that the food they bought did not last long enough compared to 13 percent of those without children.”
Credit: ETSU
State Democrats criticized Republican lawmakers saying they “have only made hunger worse,” according to Sen. Charlane Oliver (D-Nashville). For this, they point to Gov. Bill Lee’s recent decision to reject federal funding for a food assistance program that would have fed 700,000 Tennessee children this summer. Lee said the $3 million to administer the program was too costly. Instead, Lee implemented a state-run summer food assistance plan to feed kids in 15 counties. Shelby was not one of them.
”We wouldn’t need a task force if Republicans stopped making policies that deepen the crisis,” Oliver said in a statement. “I welcome any serious effort to feed hungry children. But let’s be real: no task force can undo the harm being done in real time.
”We wouldn’t need a task force if Republicans stopped making policies that deepen the crisis.”
Sen. Charlane Oliver (D-Nashville)
”If lawmakers want to end childhood hunger, they can start by reversing their own damaging decisions.”
Further, Democrats said federal legislation passed earlier this year in President Donald Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill will further cut food assistance programs.
Nancy Keil, the president and CEO of Middle Tennessee’s Second Harvest Food Bank, called Trump’s law the “largest rollback of hunger relief in U.S. history.” She said the bill will eliminate 300 million meals for Tennesseans over the next decade.
“Even more, SNAP brought $1.9 billion in federal food dollars into Tennessee last year, supporting more than 6,600 local grocery stores and farmers’ markets,” Keil said.
Elon Musk. Photo by Trevor Cokley / Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons
xAI is “disheartened” but “not surprised” by the appeal filed by Southern Environmental Law Center’s (SELC) regarding their construction permit.
“SELC’s baseless, politically driven appeal is riddled with factual inaccuracies, legal fiction and most importantly, undermines the diligent and important work done by the County leaders in properly issuing the Construction Permit.
On Tuesday, the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) filed the appeal with the Memphis and Shelby County Air Pollution Control Board on behalf of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Young, Gifted, and Green.
SELC’s appeal claims the Shelby County Health Department’s (SCHD) decision violates the Clean Air Act and ignores “hundreds of comments opposing the draft permit.”
The filing specifically asks the Memphis and Shelby County Air Pollution Control Board to exclude large gas turbines from the nonroad exemption.
xAI and the Greater Memphis Chamber have stressed a “fact over fiction” message when responding to concerns raised by environmental advocacy groups.
The company released the following statement in response to SELC’s appeal
“At xAI we believe facts matter.The truth is that the 15 permanent turbines subject to the properly issued Construction Permit would make the Electrolux facility the lowest emitting facility of its type in the United States. Despite this, SELC seeks to appeal the properly issued Construction Permit that enables us to achieve this remarkable milestone. Here is another important fact: all of the temporary turbines at Electrolux have already been decommissioned and the only turbines operating are the ones allowed under the properly issued Construction Permit.
During the public comment response period, SCHD responded to SELC’s concerns in the name of environmental justice and impact on Southwest Memphis, with the following:
“No legal basis exists for denying or altering an otherwise lawful air construction permit on the basis of cumulative impacts on environmental justice concerns. Additionally, the permit application included an extensive evaluation of environmental justice.”
As xAI promised to continue to comply with local and federal laws in the wake of the filing, state leaders believe this appeal is a step in the right direction for the community.
State Rep. Justin J. Pearson (D-Memphis) called the action “extraordinary and necessary,” and called for SCHD to “protect the health and well-being of the community.”
“The Shelby County Air Pollution Control Board must revoke xAI’s air permit and take immediate steps to ensure xAI and other major polluters comply with the Clean Air Act,” Pearson said. “The SCHD must also commit to issuing permits that reflect the full scope and impact of industrial activity in our communities. “
Hamburgers from Smackers Restaurant & Eatery among the offerings (Credit: Smackers)
You can get hungry watching other people play golf.
So, thanks to a news release from PGA tour headquarters, here is the skinny on fare you can order during FedEx St. Jude Championship tournament week, which will be August 6th through 10th at TPC Southwind.
Tacos from Torchy’s Tacos will be available at the 18th and Mane fan zone.
Smackers Restaurant & Eatery, which is known for its wings, burgers, and grilled salmon club sandwich, will be represented at the 18 Green Courtyard.
And, according to the release, “They join a fan-favorite lineup of returning vendors,” including The Rendezvous and Germantown Commissary. Other local favorites mentioned are Pronto Pup, Snowbirds Frozen Treats, and coffee from Cxffeeblack.
“Fans can also look forward to the return of Birdies & Bubbles, serving up an exclusive tournament-week menu of Southern-meets-Italian dishes from James Beard Award finalists Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman, the chefs behind Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen, Hog & Hominy, and Catherine & Mary’s. “
And to wet your whistle, “Coca-Cola Consolidated has signed on as the official soft drink provider of the FedEx St. Jude Championship.”
Displayed artwork by Lurlynn Franklin. Photo courtesy ARTSmemphis
The Mid-South’s primary arts funder, ARTSmemphis, announced Wednesday that it reached a historic milestone, having distributed $100 million in grant dollars to local artists and arts organizations since its founding in 1963.
“Not only are we celebrating our historic work, but we’re continually setting the stage for future growth,” said Elizabeth Rouse, ARTSmemphis president and CEO, in a press release. “To reach the $100 million mark is affirming on so many levels, but our mission continues — as we partner with contributors to elevate our support and make more possible for Memphis through the arts.”
In the past year, ARTSmemphis has invested $3.4 million into the local arts community through 187 grants to 66 organizations and 24 individual artists based in Shelby County. The nonprofit also launched, in partnership with Music Export Memphis, a new Artist Emergency Fund for local artists and brought back its ARTSassist program, the only unrestricted grant program of its kind in Shelby County. Meanwhile, its Arts Build Communities grant program, in partnership with the Tennessee Arts Commission, increased its maximum grants from $3,500 to $5,000 per organization.
The fiscal year ending on June 30th was also one of the most successful fundraising years on record for the nonprofit, the second highest revenue-generating year in recent history since 2021, when ARTSmemphis received a $500,000 American Rescue Plan grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) following the pandemic. In January, it received a new $50,000 award by the NEA to provide capacity building grants to Memphis arts organizations, prioritizing those with budgets under $500,000 and those that are led by or prioritize people of color.
ARTSmemphis has also been instrumental in establishing the Office of Culture & Creative Economy for the City of Memphis, announced in October.
To celebrate its milestone, the organization will bring back its fundraiser ARTrageous, last celebrated in 2005. “ARTrageous is more than just a party,” said Rouse. “It’s a tribute to the power of the arts and the community that fuels it.”
Taking place this November 13th at Crosstown Arts, the event will have “live music, interactive art, captivating performances, and unforgettable surprises,” says the description on ARTSmemphis’ website. Tickets are on sale now.
Aerial image of xAI plant in South Memphis. (Photo Credit: Southern Environmental Law Center)
Environmental and community advocacy groups have filed an appeal to challenge xAI’s air permit.
Today, the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) filed the appeal with the Memphis and Shelby County Air Pollution Control Board on behalf of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Young, Gifted, and Green.
The appeal also challenges xAI’s gas turbine operations.
Earlier this month, xAI was granted a permit by the Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) to run 15 gas turbines at its data center in South Memphis.
“SCHD decisions around unpermitted turbines create a dangerous precedent that opens the door for xAI or other companies to disregard federal and local law and operate large polluting turbines without any permits or penalties,” SELC said in a statement.
SELC’s appeal claims SCHD’s decision violates the Clean Air Act and ignores “hundreds of comments opposing the draft permit.”
Prior to the approval of the air permit, SELC sent a letter to Dr. Michelle Taylor, director and health officer for SCHD, that said they obtained aerial images showing 35 gas turbines on site.
SCHD responded to the SELC’s concerns stating that the temporary ones were not pertinent to their application process for the 15 permanent turbines.
“While responding to those comments, SCHD wrongly claimed that the federal Clean Air Act didn’t apply to xAI’s unpermitted gas turbines, citing an exemption for ‘nonroad engines’ — typically defined as things like construction equipment, smaller backup generators or lawn mowers,” SELC said. “However, the Clean Air Act specifically says that turbines as large as the ones at the xAI site do not qualify for this exemption.”
The appeal specifically asks the Memphis and Shelby County Air Pollution Control Board to exclude large gas turbines from the nonroad exemption.
During the public comment response period, SCHD responded to SELC’s concerns in the name of environmental justice and impact on Southwest Memphis, with the following:
“No legal basis exists for denying or altering an otherwise lawful air construction permit on the basis of cumulative impacts on environmental justice concerns. Additionally, the permit application included an extensive evaluation of environmental justice.”
SELC has called these responses a “flawed narrative” and fears their decision would invite other companies to “operate large polluting turbines without any permits or penalties.”
President and CEO of Young, Gifted, and Green, LaTricea Adams condemned the agency for “not protecting” South Memphis — a community she said is “burdened with a history of environmental racism, legacy pollution, and redlining.”
“As a Black woman born and raised in Memphis, I know firsthand how industry harms Black communities while those in power cower away from justice,” Adams said.
The NAACP, who previously sent a letter to SCHD and Memphis Light, Gas, and Water (MLGW) urging them to stop xAI operations, said this appeal is a “second chance to prioritize” community health.
xAI’s methane turbines have been linked to smog-forming pollutants and formaldehyde, which have neen linked to asthma, respiratory illnesses, and heart problems.
“We will persist until the health department and every other agency follows the law, and we will ensure that the safety and well-being og Black people are not treated secondary to the profits of Elon Musk’s xAI,” NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said.
Randy Hough in the new Tops Bar-B-Q & Burgers food truck (Photo: Michael Donahue)
Tops Bar-B-Q & Burgers just keeps rolling along.
Literally.
The company, which currently has 17 Mid-South locations, now has a food truck, slated to hit the road in about two weeks.
Standing in front of the 22-foot step van with pictures of a big red pig and “Tops” on the sides, Tops executive Randy Hough says, “This is Tops’ first food truck. And the reason that we decided that we needed a food truck is a couple of reasons. One, we want to get our great brand into our guests’ mouths and into where we’re not, areas of Memphis where we currently don’t have a store.”
Randy Hough (Photo: Michael Donahue)
And, he says, “We thought if there was a part of Memphis or a town where we’re not, we could also go over there and park for a little bit before we find a location.”
Like Downtown Memphis, where they currently don’t have a location. “Maybe that’s an avenue for us to get a brick-and-mortar store down the road in that particular area.”
A food truck is also a great way to bring Tops to an event, Hough says. “Take Collierville, for example. Or Whitehaven. An event down there. It’s a way for us to go down and be able to give them a great cheeseburger or a great barbecue.”
And a food truck can save the day if there’s a problem — anything from power outages to plumbing problems — at one of their locations. “We’ve now got a way to have continuity in that store. Be able to bring the food truck, open up, and service our guests even though we may be without power or maybe without that location operational for days or weeks.”
The food truck won’t feature the entire Tops menu, Hough says. “Usually, on a food truck you can’t bring everything on board.”
They have to be selective, he says. “But know this: That great cheeseburger and that great barbecue sandwich will certainly be part of it.”
The food truck also will carry sausage, which is something new, and hot dogs, Hough says.
They can use the food truck when they want to introduce a new product. “When we have an item like our quesadilla we just did and want to try that ahead of time before we get into our brick-and-mortar stores, the food truck’s a great way to see what the guests, what our folks in the Mid-South, are going to want to eat. This will give us an avenue to try it out with them and they can tell us what they think before we put it on the actual menu in our stores.”
The Tops food truck won’t be traveling all over the United States. “You typically want to stay relatively close, for the most part, so I’d say the Mid-South is our arena. If we had a particular event that we want to drive for a day, we’ll do it. Like if we had to go to Nashville or Jackson or, certainly, down to Corinth. But, primarily, we want to stay right here in the Mid-South.”
More Tops food trucks may be on the horizon. “I think the plan is there’s room for that,” Hough says. “As we learn and grow, I think there could be more in the future.”
Hough didn’t give any definite locations yet as to where the food truck will be set up, but, he says, “I’d say we’re about two weeks away but you will certainly see us down at the Rhodes [Avenue] store.”
The Tops at 3970 Rhodes Avenue closed after a fire. “While we’re renovating and getting back open we’ll be parked down there for our Rhodes guests here pretty soon.”
Tops Bar-B-Q & Burgers food truck (Photo: Michael Donahue)
