Memphis isn't necessarily a hot-bed for hip hop, but it's had its moments. Three 6 Mafia came from Memphis, as did 8 Ball & MJG. Alternative rapper Cities Aviv and gangster rapper Yo Gotti come from the southwestern Tennessee city as well.
Most recently, a rapper named Young Dolph has come out of Memphis, doing a style of rap music that embodies his spiritual forefathers Three 6 Mafia while keeping it modern enough to make waves throughout the internet. His album recently debuted at #49 on the Billboard 200, a big statement from an independent album. Titled King of Memphis, it's clear that Young Dolph is doing wonders for his hometown; maybe putting Memphis on the map harder than any rapper since Juicy J.
To get you acquainted with the Memphis trapper, we're highlighting his ten essential tracks.
"Fuck It"
Young Dolph's most-played King of Memphis cut on Spotify is titled after the rapper's attitude: "Fuck It." He goes in hard over the trap beat, dropping some Juicy J-esque jewels along the way.
"They tried to lock me out, I kicked the door down and I took it
Ain't never sold cocaine but I'm so street that I can cook it
Before I learned by ABCs I learned how to hustle
Girl, you just another lost bitch out here fucking with these bustas
Spiked my root beer with the lean and she just took a Xanax
Blame it on the pill while she coming out her panties"
"Pulled Up" featuring 2 Chainz & Juicy J
The video for "Pulled Up" is like half rap music video and half Friday-like comedy. Dolph even has his own Chris Tucker in the form of DC Young Fly. Check the duo out as they go to Los Angeles, and link up with 2 Chainz and Juicy J to make it a star-filled event.
"Preach"
Memphis obviously wasn't an easy place to come up for Young Dolph. On "Preach," he details a tough up-bringing over a bangin' Zaytoven beat.
"I don't fuck with these niggas cause they shady
These bitches they just wanna have my baby
Born in the 80s, crack baby
Mama she was in the streets, so guess who raised me (the streets)
You muthafuckin' right
Couldn't get it from my mama, so I got it off the block
Been working my whole life, but I ain't never punched the clock
9 years old I seen a nigga get shot, damn"
"Never Had It" featuring Young Dolph
Thugger's polarizing Barter 6 project featured Young Dolph on a Wheezy-produced slow-burner. "Never Had It" is some of the best work from both artists, and proves that these two are a dynamic duo when placed together.
Colonel Loud - "California" featuring T.I., Young Dolph, Ricco Barrino
West Coast rap is enjoying a high-point currently, and although these four artists all come from the southeastern United States, they celebrate the California weed, women and weather with this hip hop-infused, prog-funk-leaning, unlikely single.
"Down South Hustlers" featuring Slim Thug & Paul Wall
Memphis rap has a lot in common with Houston rap, and when Dolph linked up with Slim Thug and Paul Wall, that sound really comes through in a fly way. Over a bass-filled, minimal beat, the trio of MCs lean and swerve with their words, AND in their Cadillacs
"She Not Mines" featuring Problem
Dolph talks about how he's been hustling since an early age over another Zaytoven beat. This one was off 2014's High Class Street Music 4 (American Gangster), a great tape from our subject.
"16 when I sold my first p
Fuck playing basketball, I gotta eat"
"They Watchin"
Dolph is great at infusing a little humor in his raps, like collaborators Juicy J and 2 Chainz before him. On "They Watchin," he drops this gem on us:
"Nowadays you can't pay a nigga to keep it real
I'm kicking niggas up out the spot like I'm Uncle Phil"
"Get This Money" featuring 2 Chainz
Dolph links with 2 Chainz once more for "Get This Money," a Drumma Boy-produced cut that allows both artists to flex their humorous bars while keepin' it real. This one's a few years old, but it's still ill.
"Get Paid"
We started this list with a King of Memphis cut, and we're ending it with one too. Be sure to spin the album, and pick it up if you like what you hear. Support independent music. If "Fuck It" summarizes his attitude, "Get Paid" summarizes his motives for what he does.