Tag: Throwback Thursday

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Calling the Bluff Music

Throwback Thursday: Frayser Boy’s “Me Being Me”

An Academy Award winner and Bay Area representative, Frayser Boy brought a refreshing sound to the Hypnotize Minds collective.

Along with Lil Wyte, he introduced people to the lifestyles of grinders in Memphis’ Frayser community. Prior to Wyte and Frayser Boy’s arrival, artists who rhymed about the city’s Whitehaven, South and North Memphis areas filled Hypnotize Minds’ roster.

Frayser Boy’s sophomore album, Me Being Me, dropped in 2005. Although I thought his debut, Gone On That Bay, was better overall, the follow-up was still pretty solid.

The project’s title track/intro “Me Being Me” is one of the album’s standouts. Frayser Boy’s gritty lyrics mix perfectly with DJ Paul and Juicy J’s signature production, catchy whistling sounds, and turntable scratches. 

Stream “Me Being Me” below.

Throwback Thursday: Frayser Boy’s ‘Me Being Me’

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Throwback Thursday: MLK’s “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” Speech

On April 4th, 1968, a bullet from a Remington Model 760 rifle claimed the life of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

The night before his assassination, King delivered his memorable “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech at Mason Temple, Church of God in Christ.

During the speech, King addressed the Memphis Sanitation Workers Strike, a work stoppage implemented by black sanitation workers who refused to labor until they received the same wages and treatment as their white colleagues.

King also spoke passionately about the importance of African-American unity, equal rights, and nonviolent protests. And he touched on the possibilities of him being murdered by whites, and expressed his determination to carry out God’s will.

Check out King’s groundbreaking speech below.

Throwback Thursday: MLK’s ‘I’ve Been to the Mountaintop’ Speech

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Throwback Thursday: Big K.R.I.T.’s “Rotation”

Big K.R.I.T., one of the illest lyricists to emerge in recent years, shined both lyrically and production-wise on his 2011 mixtape, Return of 4Eva.

One of my favorite vibes off the soulful, bass-ridden project is “Rotation.” On the track, K.R.I.T. expresses the love and appreciation he has for his old school Chevy.

Stream “Rotation” below. 

Throwback Thursday: Big K.R.I.T.’s ‘Rotation’

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Throwback Thursday: Project Playaz’ “WTTWGALOM”

Gritty Memphis-bred rap group Project Playaz dropped their debut album, Til We Die, back in 2000.

The group, primarily composed of Criminal Manne and Thugsta, used the effort to touch on Memphis’ unique culture, lucrative underworld, and issues of crime and poverty.

The album also served as an outlet for the spitters to reflect on personal experiences.

On the album’s track “WTTWGALOM,” Thugsta single-handedly shares chapters of his life over a mellow vibe crafted by DJ Squeeky.

Stream the track below. 

WTTWGALOM | Listen for free at bop.fm

Throwback Thursday: Project Playaz’ ‘WTTWGALOM’

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Throwback Thursday: Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together”

A few names come to mind when I think of soul music, but one that really stands out is Al Green.

Originally from Forrest City, Arkansas, the Platinum-selling, Grammy Award-winning artist and reverend has called Memphis his home for decades. And he’s heralded for his soulful melodies across the globe.

One of my favorites from Green is his soothing classic “Let’s Stay Together.” Stream it below. 

Throwback Thursday: Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together”

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Throwback Thursday: Willie Hutch’s “Kelly Green”

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Legendary singer, songwriter, and musician Willie Hutch created music decades ago that continues to influence musicians today.

Hutch has to be the most sampled artist by Three 6 Mafia producers D.J. Paul and Juicy J — think records like “Stay Fly,” “Poppin’ My Collar,” and “I Choose You.”

Similar to Marvin Gaye, Hutch possessed a distinctly soulful sound that reigned supreme on Motown Records during its heyday. He’s also largely known for creating the soundtracks for Blaxploitation films The Mack and Foxy Brown.

One of my favorite songs by Hutch is titled “Kelly Green.” The song appears on his Midnight Dancer album. Check it out below.

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Throwback Thursday: DJ Zirk’s “Lock ‘Em N Da Trunk”

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Hailing from Orange Mound, one of Memphis’ most historic and culturally rich communities, DJ Zirk took the city by storm when he dropped the bass-ridden track “Lock ’Em N Da Trunk.”

Although it was released to the masses nearly two decades ago, the Memphis classic continues to get played in whips, nightclubs, and at Jookin’ events.

Zirk recently collaborated with former rivals Three 6 Mafia Da Mafia 6ix to create “Lock’m N Da Trunk V.2.” The alternate version is on Da Mafia 6ix’s new Hear Sum Evil mixtape.

Peep Zirk’s original version of “Lock ’Em N Da Trunk” below.

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Throwback Thursday: Lil Daniel and Dr. Rico vs. G-Nerd and Lil Black

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Since its emergence in the late ’80s, Gangsta Walking has been a positive way for inner-city youth to express themselves. Now known as Jookin’, the style of dance typically involves a person sliding, chopping, rippling their arms, stomping, tiptoeing, and twisting their body to a rap song.

Over recent years, the dance subgenre has received attention globally. Videos of Jookin’ battles have collectively garnered millions of views on Youtube.

Lil Buck, one of Memphis’ most popular Jookers, catapulted the dance style to new heights after touring with Madonna as a back-up dancer, appearing on shows like Ellen DeGeneres and So You Think You Can Dance, and collaborating with acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

In addition to Buck, there are numerous Jookers in Memphis that are highly respected. And Lil Daniel, Dr. Rico, G-Nerd, and Lil Black are amid that bunch.

In 2010, Daniel and Rico banded together to battle G-Nerd and Black during a Jookin’ competition. Peep both parts of the battle below.

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Throwback Thursday: OG Boo Dirty’s “Change Gone Come”

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Back in March 2012, South Memphis-based spitter OG Boo Dirty dropped his Born a Soldier, Die a Vet mixtape.

The project boasts several tracks worth checking out. However, there is one cut that stands out significantly: “Change Gone Come.” Inspired by Sam Cooke’s heartfelt classic “A Change is Gonna Come,” Boo Dirty opens up about some of his struggles (and accomplishments) on his version of the song. Stream it below.

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Throwback Thursday: Starlito’s “Mental Warfare”

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Arguably one of rap’s most underrated lyricists, Nashville artist Starlito is heralded for being insightful and honest in his music.

From battling depression, Codeine-dependence and insomnia to enjoying the spoils that come from an extensive underground fanbase and street ties, Lito uses his music to reflect on real-life circumstances. And this is the case with his 2012 mixtape, Mental Warfare.

The project’s title track brings listeners into the mind of an emcee attempting to stay sane while dealing with day-to-day challenges. “Mental Warfare” is produced by DJ Burn One and features a soothing hook from Robin Raynelle. Stream it below.

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