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Memphis rap
Memphis rap

When a veteran old-school rapper comes out with a new album, people are sometimes skeptical, particularly if it has been a long time since the artist has had anything out. They wonder if he’s been able to “keep up with the times”, if his music can be relevant to today. Any such concerns regarding Gangsta Blac should dissolve upon hearing the very first track of Return of the Gangsta, the long-awaited new album from the legendary South Memphis artist. Songs such as “Gangsta, Gangsta” and the obvious single “Go Hard, Go Ham” are so packed with raw energy that it sounds as if it was just yesterday that we were hearing “S.O.U.T.H. Parkway”. Nor does Blac merely pick up where he left off, but in many ways this new album reveals him as an artist continuing to grow and develop, while never losing sight of the traditional Memphis rap foundation from where he came. Only one well-known Memphis rapper is featured on the album, Mac E on the song “I Be”, but Blac and his young cohorts maintain enthusiasm and interest throughout. Return of the Gangsta is a triumphant return for one of Memphis’ most important voices. Here’s hoping he doesn’t stay away that long ever again. 

Trap Mob gets the crowd buck at the 4th Annual Orange Mound Block Party, July 30, 2011

Trap Mob gets the crowd buck at the 4th Annual Orange Mound Block Party, July 30, 2011

The 4th Annual Orange Mound Block Party, July 30, 2011. Boss Diva and Trap Mob performing. 

The 4th Annual Orange Mound Block Party, July 30, 2011. Boss Diva and Trap Mob performing. 

The 4th Annual Orange Mound Block Party, July 30, 2011. Joe Cool, Red Dot Committee and E-Real performing. 

The 4th Annual Orange Mound Block Party, July 30, 2011. Joe Cool, Red Dot Committee and E-Real performing. 

As soon as the Orange Mound Block Party got underway, the Memphis Police Department showed up and began citing people for having alcohol or beer in the park. There is a city ordinance against beer in the parks, but the annoying thing is that usually whenever you drive past this park (or many others in Memphis) you see old bums drinking beer in the parks, and the police never do a thing. But as soon as there is a predominantly-Black community event, they show up ready to enforce the ordinance strictly.