I was disappointed to learn that Kreativ Sole had closed, but Huntsville has a new upscale hip-hop boutique called Valet Boutique (@ValetBoutique) that has a full array of urban wear for the discerning customer. Visit them at http://valetboutique.blogspot.com/, like them at http://www.facebook.com/valetboutique or follow them at https://twitter.com/ValetBoutique.
James Music, formerly James Records and Tapes, is a legendary urban music institution on Memorial Parkway in Huntsville, which I honestly thought had closed. Instead, I learned that the building had suffered water damage and thus was closed for awhile, but is back open again. There is an especially good selection of rare vinyl, a section of local Huntsville rap artists, and a good selection of blues and southern soul.
Renardo Ward and friends at King’s Palace Cafe, Memphis, 11/02/12 (at King’s Palace Cafe)
The Barnes Family gospel singers perform on the Neosoulville stage at the River Arts Festival in Memphis, 10/27/12
Memphis rap duo Fly Society (@moneychessecash) made an appearance at the Royal Studios event in South Memphis, 10/25/12
DJ Paul (@DJPaulKOM) at the album release instore for his new album “A Person of Interest” at Spin Street in Memphis, 10/22/12
Shreveport rap veteran KP, also known as K-Pistol, first came to prominence in early 2000 with the pioneering rap group N.H.C., who had gained a following with songs like “Lifeguard” and “Parking Lot Pimpin” from their debut album “Respect The Game.” The group eventually broke up, but KP has continued to record and occasionally release new material, more recently putting out Louisiana hits like “Put Your Hands On Me, Then” and “Ratchet Girl.” You can listen to some of KP’s music at http://www.reverbnation.com/kpakakpistol.
Sound City Music on Marshall, Texas’ West Houston Street is a neighborhood institution whose walls are literally filled with rap, blues and gospel, including a …
M & M Records has been Tyler, Texas’ main spot for Texas rap albums and mixtapes, gospel, blues and T-shirts. It’s off the beaten path, but definitely worth a visit, and you might just find that out-of-print Texas rap CD you’ve been wanting.
