Founded 1963 Relaunched 2019. The Postmodern South.
Memphis rap
Memphis rap

After a significant hiatus, Project Pat returns with his new solo album Loud Pack on Hypnotized Minds, sure to please fans of hard-core Memphis rap. Revelling in political incorrectness, Pat raps about robbery, drug dealing, gang-banging and marijuana, but he does it so energetically and over beats so banging with the classic Hypnotized Minds sound and feel that the listener can’t help being exhilarated as all the rules are broken. Stacking paper seems to be the dominant theme of the album, expressed in songs such as “Duffle Bag”, “7 Days A Week”, “Money On My Mind” and the final “Dollar Signs”, which features appearances from Three-6 Mafia and Rick Ross. “I Play Dope Boy” , “Flashin” and indirectly “Niggas So Cut Throat” are songs about robberies and treachery. “Gang Signs” rejoices in the nihilism of gang-banging and bragging about it, but over a powerful beat that makes the whole thing seem fun, while “I Got A Question” is delivered over a track full of Asian musical influences. The only really pimped-out track on Loud Pack is “Kelly Green”, a tribute to the mystic weed personified as a woman, over a soulful, laid-back groove. Production, by DJ Paul and Juicy J, is first-rate throughout, making Loud Pack an album not to be missed. 

The rap group DSP on stage at the Pepsi Pavilion, Beale Street, Memphis, July 2, 2011

At the Tate Avenue Block Party in South Memphis, June 4, 2011

At the Tate Avenue Block Party in South Memphis, June 4, 2011

OG Boo Dirty takes the stage at the Tate Avenue Block Party and tells South Memphis to “Stand Up!”, June 4, 2011

At the Tate Avenue Block Party, South Memphis, June 4, 2011

At the Tate Avenue Block Party, South Memphis, June 4, 2011

Driving back from Tunica, it suddenly occurred to me that it might be the weekend for the annual block party on Tate Avenue in South Memphis, and I was right. Every year the event seems to get bigger, and this year there was a concert stage, a moonwalk for the little kids, plenty of performances from some of Memphis’ best rappers, an appearance from Tony Allen of the Memphis Grizzlies, and some of the best barbecues chicken I’ve ever eaten! It was so much fun, I forgot about the heat altogether

And finally, there is the King Magazine Edition of Savvy Saturdays at Curtis Given’s Level II on American Way in Memphis, with doors opening at 10 PM. Lots to do this weekend. 

Another event going on this weekend at Club Kahlua.