CMG’s very own Wave Chapelle grabs Jet Life captain Curren$y for his vibe “Let Me Be Great.”
The two emcees talk their ishh about the spoils of a relentless grind. The up-tempo effort is laced by T-AL.
Last year, Wave got a chance to join Curren$y on his “The Drive in Theatre” tour. He reflected on the experience during an interview with DJ Smallz.
Peep “Let Me Be Great” below.
Wave Chapelle Grabs Curren$y for ‘Let Me Be Great’
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Virghost connects with Memphis rap vet Tom Skeemask and up-and-comers Soulman Snipes and FlowSo for his new track “The Grind.”
The mellow ode to hard work and persistence is Virghost’s first official single of 2015.
“The Grind” showcases Virghost, Snipes and Tom Skee dropping lines about their unyielding hustle over a chill backdrop boasting a Fat Pat sample. And talented hip-hop/R&B artist FlowSo croons smoothly on the hook.
Currently residing in Nashville, Virghost said the song was inspired by his continuous effort to record good music that generates income for his family.
“A lot of hip-hop purists will try to tell you it’s not about the money; it’s just about the art,” Virghost said. “I beg to differ! It’s about the art and the money. No one wants to be a broke rapper, especially someone like me with a wife and kids. That’s my new mind state: to kick knowledge and positivity to the people and profit off of my talents in the process.”
Virghost is currently working on a new album, which is slated to drop in the first quarter of 2016.
Stream “The Grind” below.
Virghost Recruits a Few Friends for ‘The Grind’
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New Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) data reveals that the University of Memphis (U of M) has the lowest crime rate of state schools boasting more than 5,000 students.
According to the TBI’s 2014 “Crime on Campus” report, the U of M had an incident rate of 14.6 offenses per 1,000 people. However, the average for Tennessee’s 10 largest institutions was 24.7 incidents per 1,000 people.
East Tennessee State University is the only other large institution that had a crime rate lower than 20 offenses per 1,000 people.
This the second consecutive year the U of M has had the lowest crime rate of the state’s largest colleges and universities.
Larceny/theft was the most common offense committed on U of M’s campus. According to the TBI’s report, there were 160 occurrences of larceny/theft last year. Only 13 people accused of committing an offense within the category were cleared of their alleged illegal act.
Shoplifting, pocket-picking, and theft of building, motor vehicle, or motor vehicle parts are all offenses categorized as larceny/theft in the report.
U of M isn’t the only school impacted by larceny/theft. Thirty-two percent of all 2014 offenses reported by Tennessee colleges and universities were categorized as larceny/theft.
Crime reported by Tennessee colleges and universities collectively decreased by 6.3 percent in 2014. There were 6,329 offenses reported last year. But in 2013, there were 6,752 offenses reported.
The Crime on Campus report was compiled using data submitted to TBI’s Tennessee Incident Based Reporting System (TIBRS) program.
Four Shelby County Corrections Deputies are facing up to 20 years in federal prison for attempting to smuggle OxyContin into the Shelby County Jail at 201 Poplar.
Louis Goggans
U.S. Attorney Edward Stanton discusses federal indictment of four jailers.
The four defendants are Anthony Thomas, 27; Marcus Green, 33; Brian Grammer, 35; and Torriano Vaughn, 28.
All four men were indicted last week.
A press conference was held at the U.S. Attorney’s office Monday regarding the federal indictments. U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee Edward Stanton, Shelby County Sheriff Bill Oldham, Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Todd McCall were all in attendance to discuss the jailers’ illicit endeavors.
During the press conference, it was disclosed that an undercover operation was arranged by the FBI’s Tarnished Badge Task Force in July 2014. The effort involved “cooperating” inmates who requested for the defendants to smuggle OxyContin, a narcotic pain reliever, in exchange for cash payments from a third party outside of the jail.
Cooperators would give the defendants the name of an individual, who they would meet up with at various locations throughout Memphis. The individual would provide presumed OxyContin pills (actually placebos) and cash to the defendants. Subsequently, the prescription pills would be smuggled into the county jail and provided to the cooperating inmates.
After transactions were completed, the cooperators would turn the pills over to law enforcement.
When asked if there were potentially more jailers smuggling contraband for inmates, Shelby County Sheriff Oldham said, ‘You always have that possibility.’
“One of the things we’re going to continue to do is be as vigilant as we can, using all of the resources that we have to prevent that from occurring,” Oldham said. “And when it does occur, to make sure that those individuals are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
U.S. Attorney Stanton said the investigation is another example of the uptick law enforcement has seen with the demand for and addiction of prescription drugs.
“These four individuals, they were sworn to uphold the law and protect contraband from coming in,” Stanton said. “And, as the indictment alleges, they were simply drug dealers looking to make extra cash by bringing drugs into 201 Poplar — the same place they took an oath to protect contraband from coming in.”
If convicted, all four defendants face up to 20 years in federal prison without the possibility of parole.
The case was investigated by the Tarnished Badge Task Force, which is comprised of investigators from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Memphis Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
A bedridden Le Bonheur patient receives a live performance in ‘Melodic Medicine.’
There’s an old saying that music can soothe the soul. And research shows it can serve as a form of therapy — boosting the ability to reduce stress, depression, muscle tension, and other physical and psychological issues.
A new documentary highlights the positive impact music has on youth at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. Entitled Melodic Medicine, the 12-minute film profiles local artists interacting with patients and providing them with intimate performances, along with a few smiles.
“We always complain about our daily lives — stuff we have going on,” said a member of Chinese Connection Dub Embassy during the documentary. “We don’t take the consideration to look toward others who have it a little worse than [we] do. We have to be thankful.”
Other artists who appear in the documentary are Cimberly Rene, William Charles, Danny Cosby, Vanessa Winter, and Frankie Hollie.
All of the aforementioned artists are involved with the Musicians for Le Bonheur project, a movement launched in 2010 by Memphian Justin Jaggers. Since its establishment, around 40 artists have come together annually to raise money for and awareness of Le Bonheur through a compilation album, as well as live performances. All of the proceeds raised from the endeavors go toward supporting Le Bonheur’s efforts in pediatric medicine. Thus far, the project has raised around $10,000 for Le Bonheur.
Since the 1950s, Le Bonheur has served Memphis children, and those throughout the Mid-South, refusing to turn away a patient no matter their financial status.
Melodic Medicine was created as part of this year’s Musicians for Le Bonheur project. The film is narrated by WMC-TV Action News 5 morning reporter Amy Speropoulos and directed by Jaggers.
“I love coming down here and playing my guitar, and you can’t beat a smile of a kid,” said Frank Hollie in the documentary. “And when a kid smiles at you for playing something that they know or something that they like, it’s just very heart-touching.”
Check out Melodic Medicine below.
New Documentary Showcases Musical Impact on Le Bonheur Patients
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To show his hometown appreciation, Young Dolph threw a free citywide concert last May.
People from all across the community traveled to South Memphis’ Lincoln Park for “A Plus Day.” The first of its kind, the gathering boasted both high-energy performances and motivational commentary for the youth.
Swarms of people crowded around a platform inside the park as they rapped along to each track Dolph performed. The promising emcee also brought out a few guests, which included the likes of 8Ball & MJG, Don Trip, Drumma Boy, Starlito, Paul Wall, and Travis Porter.
Other people in attendance for A Plus Day were DJ Squeeky, K97 radio personality Devin Steel, and former Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton.
Check it out below.
Throwback Thursday: Young Dolph Throws ‘A Plus Day’
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Havi, one-half of genre-defying hip-hop duo The Sidewayz, is gearing up to release his debut EP, Trü Grit.
Slated to drop late spring (May-ish), the project will feature his partner-in-crime Sal, along with Singa Bromfield of The Bromfield Trio.
Havi recently dropped the first vibe off the effort: “Sinbad.” It’s an energetic party cut laced by Michael Aldridge, who is responsible for most of the production on Trü Grit.
Havi keeps things simple on the song’s chorus but illustrates a crazy night on the town cleverly during his verse.
“I’m having a lot of fun with just keeping things simple and crunk with the beats my producers are giving me,” Havi said. “I think there’s less science behind my songs these days and more magic. I just go out into the Memphis night and get inspired by the raw energy that’s in these bars and underground clubs.”
Stream and download “Sinbad” below.
Havi of The Sidewayz Drops ‘Sinbad’
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The amount of untested rape kits in Memphis continues to decline.
During the Memphis City Council’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee meeting Tuesday, it was revealed that 300 additional rape kits have been tested since last month.
Presently, 5,686 rape kits have received analysis or are at the forensic laboratory awaiting analysis. But another 5,846 kits remain untested. An additional 1,142 have been processed for serology (evidence of bodily fluids), but haven’t been sent off to a laboratory for DNA analysis.
The Memphis Police Department (MPD) discovered 12,374 untested rape kits in late 2013 and early 2014. The sexual assault kits were reportedly taken as far back as 1975.
The latest rape kit stats are below:
• 12,374 total rape kits discovered untested in 2013/2014
• 5,546 kits untested by end of February 2015
• 2,275 kits at forensic laboratories now
• 1,142 processed for at least serology
• 2,122 negative for serology
• 1,289 processed for DNA
• 375 investigations have been initiated
• 108 investigations remain active
• 267 investigations have been closed
• 36 individuals identified as being previously convicted
• 72 indictments issued
• 35 named suspects (20 multi-case suspects)
• 37 John Does (unidentified)
• 33 victims/suspects are deceased
• 39 victims declined to participate in an investigation
• 6 victims were unable to be located by law enforcement
• 54 cases were past the statute of limitations
• 23 cases had insufficient/degraded DNA
• 3 cases investigated did not meet the statute definitions of a crime
• 2 cases involved consensual partners
Green beer, Irish cuisine and parties aren’t the only things to look forward to this St. Patty’s Day.
Da Mafia 6ix is releasing their album, Watch What U Wish…, on the holiday.
A spin-off of legendary Memphis collective Three 6 Mafia, Da Mafia 6ix was introduced in 2013. At that time, the group consisted of Three 6 Mafia’s original members minus Juicy J.
The line-up has changed since its emergence due to Lord Infamous suffering a fatal heart attack and Gangsta Boo leaving for undisclosed differences. DJ Paul, Koopsta Knicca, and Crunchy Black are the remaining pieces of the puzzle.
DJ Paul spoke to VladTV about Da Mafia 6ix’s formation and the impact Lord Infamous’ death had on the group. He also talked about their upcoming album, Gangsta Boo’s decision to leave Da Mafia 6ix, and Juicy J’s recent statements about retiring.
Check out both parts of the interview below.
DJ Paul Talks Lord Infamous’ Death, Gangsta Boo Leaving Da Mafia 6ix
DJ Paul Talks Lord Infamous’ Death, Gangsta Boo Leaving Da Mafia 6ix (2)
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Eighty percent of this year’s second-graders will walk across the stage at their high school graduations in 2025 prepared to pursue higher education or a meaningful career if a new Shelby County Schools (SCS) strategic plan is effective.
“Destination 2025” seeks to ensure 80 percent of graduating seniors will be college- or career-ready; 90 percent of students will graduate on time; and 100 percent of college- or career-ready graduates will enroll in a post-secondary education.
“The current state of the school system is solid but needs lots of sustained improvement,” said SCS Superintendent Dorsey Hopson. “If we’re able to reach the goals we set forth, it’ll change not only schools in the district but the economic outlook for Memphis and Shelby County. We did an analysis: If we have 90 percent of students graduate and going to post-secondary opportunities, it’ll generate about $5 billion in the next 10 years.”
Hopson revealed the five key priorities that will be implemented to help achieve Destination 2025’s goals during a kickoff event at Cummings School last week.
Those include strengthening early literacy; improving post-secondary readiness; developing teachers, leaders, and central office support to drive student success; expanding high-quality school options; and mobilizing family and community partners.
The dozens of elementary students who sat in pews in the Cummings School auditorium erupted in cheers after hearing the rewards that would be provided to the schools that boasted the highest increase in literacy rates.
Each student in both the elementary and middle school that has the greatest growth in literacy performance on this year’s TCAP compared to last year will win a pair of tickets to a Grizzlies game next season.
The high school with the greatest improvement in literacy performance on its End-of-Course assessment compared to last year will receive a school-wide celebration hosted by K-97 FM, along with a yet-unnamed “A-list recording artist.”
Presently, only about a third of SCS students read at grade level by the time they finish the third grade. SCS is implementing a new comprehensive literacy plan, improving pre-K classes, and seeking out more teachers who specialize in early education literacy.
“If you don’t know how to read, you’re going to be significantly hampered in life,” Hopson said. “No matter what you want to be, you have to know how to read.”
The Destination 2025 plan will provide students with more access to rigorous courses and expand the career pathways of youths who don’t attend college.
The plan also seeks to strengthen SCS’s development of teachers, principals, and central office supporters.
“The most important thing is not [a student’s] socio-economic background or their race, but the person who stands at the front of the class, so we want to make sure that we have great teachers throughout the district,” Hopson said. “We [also] want to make sure that we have great school leaders. There’s no such thing as a great school without a great leader.”
Destination 2025 will also target and improve identified “struggle schools” as well as provide continued expansion to the ones that presently boast higher scores.
During the celebration last week, the SCS elementary students, who sported red shirts emblazoned with the words “Destination 2025,” marveled at performances from the Overton High School show choir and Whitehaven High School marching band, along with Grizz, the Memphis Grizzlies mascot.