If there’s a modern sound that defines the South these days, it’s “down South crunk.” In any major Southern city, there’s a few prized rap jewels. But Atlanta seems to be the hotbed of the movement. They’ve got enough jewels (or should we say, bling-bling?) to fill a museum.
A few of Atlanta’s shining stars will be joining popular Memphis acts at CrunkFest 2004 on Friday, July 2nd, at 7 p.m. at the Mid-South Coliseum.
The annual S&S Entertainment show will feature Atlanta’s Ying-Yang Twins, Trillville, Lil’ Scrappy, and Crime Mobb. They’ll be joined by Memphis acts Yo Gotti, Criminal Manne, and Kristyle. And if that’s not enough, Mac Brez, Nu-Nu, and Pastor Troy will be there too.
Atlanta’s Ying-Yang Twins pioneered the crunk movement. In 2000, when they released their first big single, “Whistle While You Twurk,” the crunk sound was in its infancy. These days, the Twins are bigger than ever with appearances in the film Soul Plane and an upcoming Pepsi Smash performance on the WB. Not to mention that their song “Salt Shaker” has become a dance club anthem.
Lil’ Scrappy is relatively new to the crunk scene, but this Atlanta native didn’t waste any time releasing a hit single. “Head Bussa” has gotten heavy airplay on MTV and radio stations throughout the South. Trillville’s “Never Eva” has received just as much attention.
As for Memphis names on the CrunkFest bill, Yo Gotti is a must-see. He and his group of childhood buddies from North Memphis recently signed with the king of all crunk rap labels, Cash Money Millionaires. After the popularity of “Shawty,” Yo Gotti is leading the way in Memphis rap.
Other names on the bill worth sticking around for include local indie rapper Criminal Manne, whose single “Tryna Bust Sumthin” has become a local radio hit. Kristyle, a 15-year-old honor student from Memphis, should make for an interesting show. He was chosen to open for Lil’ Bow-Wow on last year’s Unleashed tour.
