Memphis Welcomes “Lo-Fi in Hi-Fi” Series Celebrating Underground Rap Classics
Memphis’s iconic underground rap scene of the 90s serves as the foundation of numerous modern music genres, including crunk, trap, and an integral role in the South’s ascension to the center of the hip-hop universe. Despite these humble beginnings with home recordings and without the support of major labels, the artists of this era carved a niche in the music universe with their distinctive sounds and talents. Today, their efforts and contributions are being celebrated in the newly unveiled “Lo-Fi in Hi-Fi” series.
A Unique Initiative Paying Homage to Classic Rap
The “Lo-Fi in Hi-Fi” series is a unique event that seeks to revisit and honor the seminal artists of the 90s Memphis rap. The series will feature listening parties for some of the era’s most important albums, giving the public an opportunity to experience these groundbreaking music pieces in a new light. These parties will be hosted by Shangri-La Records at the Memphis Listening Lab, every fourth Thursday from May until October. The events are free and open to the entire public.
Featured Albums of the “Lo-Fi in Hi-Fi” Series
This year’s inaugural “Lo-Fi in Hi-Fi” series lineup will include six significantly influential albums from the 90s rap scene of Memphis. Commencing on May 23rd with Playa Fly’s “Movin On’,” the series will then feature Tommy Wright III’s “On the Run,” Gangsta Pat’s “Deadly Verses,” La Chat’s “Murder She Spoke,” Gangsta Blac’s “74 Minutes of Bump,” and Kingpin Skinny Pimp’s “King of Da Playaz Ball.”
Shedding Light on the Underground Legends
The artists receiving the spotlight in the series had significantly shaped the city’s breakthrough in the 90s. Despite their limited mainstream presence, they continue to influence the genre. Notably, Playa Fly, an influential affiliate of Three 6 Mafia, had etched his influence with the 1998 album, “Movin On”. Artists like Tommy Wright III and Gangsta Pat played a significant role in evolving the rap with their unique beats and matured style exploding in their albums “On the Run” and “Deadly Verses”.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling
Strong female voices like La Chat were instrumental in breaking the glass ceiling in the Memphis rap scene, making the way easy for other female artists. La Chat’s debut album “Murder She Spoke” testifies to her ruthless music style. Simultaneously, Gangsta Blac’s regional hit “S.O.U.T.H. Parkway,” which led many new fans to discover the Memphis rap OG, stands as a testament to his influence.
Remembering the Unforgettable
Other prominent artists such as Kingpin Skinny Pimp, known for his association with Three 6 Mafia, have also found their place in the lineup, celebrating his 1996 debut “King of Da Playaz Ball,” which remains one of the era’s most defining projects.
These names and their works have deeply shaped the Memphis rap scene, and the “Lo-Fi in Hi-Fi” series aims to give their music the recognition it deserves today. For more information about the series and the full list of invited guest speakers, interested individuals can visit the official website at https://www.memphislofiinhifi.com/.
