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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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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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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South Memphis spitter Young Dolph recently dropped the fifth installment of his High Class Street Music series.
On the heels of its release, Dolph stopped by Atlanta’s Hood Rich Radio to promote the project. During an interview with DJ Scream, the Castalia representative talked about his recent listening party in ATL and the independent success he’s acquired since his emergence.
Dolph also touched on the importance of Memphis artists unifying, having both Rick Ross and Young Jeezy jump on his “Preach (Remix),” and his friendship with Gucci Mane.
Before the interview culminated, Dolph spoke about possibly making XXL’s 2015 Freshman Class and maintaining friendships with people who provided support early in his career.
Check out the interview below.
Young Dolph Talks New Mixtape, Memphis Unification, and Gucci Mane
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March 5th will forever be a historical day for Memphis.
On this date in 2006, the city’s very own Three 6 Mafia became the first rap group to win an Academy Award. Their track “It’s Hard Out Here For A Pimp” won in the Best Original Song category at the 2006 Oscars.
DJ Paul and Juicy J, along with then-labelmate Frayser Boy, penned the track. It appeared in Hustle & Flow, a film written and directed by fellow Memphian Craig Brewer.
Check out footage of DJ Paul, Juicy J and Frayser Boy winning and accepting the award below.
Three 6 Mafia Made History on March 5th, 2006
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Fans who bought Yo Gotti’s 2003 effort, Life, not only got an earful of raw, street-oriented music delivered from the perspective of a hustler-turned-rapper. They also received a tour through Gotti’s old stomping grounds in North Memphis.
Life came packaged with a bonus mini-documentary that showcased Gotti taking a trip to areas he hustled in, mingling with comrades, and reflecting on his rough upbringing.
Gotti strolled through North Memphis’ Garland Street, a block he distributed narcotics on as a youngster and witnessed many friends fall victim to. He also visited Ridgecrest Apartments in Frayser, a complex he’s rhymed passionately about throughout his career.
During the visual, Gotti also freestyled, touched on the downsides to the music industry, and provided tips to aspiring artists.
Check out all three parts of the mini-documentary below.
Throwback Thursday: Yo Gotti’s Life Mini-Documentary
Throwback Thursday: Yo Gotti’s Life Mini-Documentary (2)
Throwback Thursday: Yo Gotti’s Life Mini-Documentary (3)
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New Orleans native and Gold-selling artist Fiend has been making his presence known on the rap scene since the early ’90s. But national acclaim came with him joining the once-dominant label, No Limit Records, dropping verses on hits such as “Make ‘Em Say Uhh,” and playing roles in films like I Got the Hook Up.
Now a member of Curren$y’s Jet Life Recordings, International Jones still seems as hungry as he was when he sported a diamond-encrusted tank and camouflage threads. However, he’s diversified his style a bit throughout the years. Not simply sticking to the raw, street-oriented style that brought him success in the ’90s on into the new millennium, nowadays it’s not a shocker to hear Fiend spit a lot smoother and refined on tracks. Nevertheless, he still manages to create music that can be enjoyed by both those hustling on the street corners and those hustling inside of corporate offices.
Fiend recently dropped his latest project, Keep Ya Cool. A follow-up to his spring mixtape, Lil Ghetto Boy, Keep Ya Cool displays Fiend embracing the same formula that he utilized on projects like Tennis Shoes & Tuxedos, Cool Is In Session, and Life Behind Limo Glass. But he doesn’t take on too much of a laid-back persona that he forgets to shed light on those suffering in impoverished communities, controversial occurrences like the Trayvon Martin verdict, and repercussions of the street life.
Fiend took time out to talk about Keep Ya Cool, his love for live instrumentation, his upcoming album, how he wants to be remembered, and his Sleepy Bear Tees clothing line.
To check out the interview, click here
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