Best Memphis Rappers, Memphis rappers have been making waves in the music industry for decades, with a rich history and unique sound.
In this article, we will explore the 10 best Memphis rappers of all time, starting with Three 6 Mafia, who were pioneers of the “horrorcore” subgenre and won an Academy Award for their song “It’s Hard out Here for a Pimp.”
Yo Gotti gained national attention in 2006 with his hit single “Gangsta Party,” while Project Pat is known for his gritty lyrics and distinctive voice.
Moneybagg Yo is a relatively new addition to the scene, gaining national attention in 2017 with his mixtape “Federal 3X.”
Young Dolph gained fame in the mid-2010s with his mixtapes “High Class Street Music” and “Blue Magic,” while NLE Choppa is known for his high-energy performances and positive messages in his lyrics.
Gangsta Boo was a member of Three 6 Mafia before embarking on a successful solo career, while Kingpin Skinny Pimp was one of the pioneers of the Memphis rap scene in the early 1990s.
La Chat gained fame in the late 1990s with her collaborations with Three 6 Mafia, and 8Ball & MJG, while not strictly from Memphis, had a huge influence on the Memphis rap scene with their smooth flow and soulful beats.
Best Memphis Rappers Of All Time
Whether you’re a fan of horrorcore, trap, or old-school hip hop, there’s something for everyone in the world of Memphis rap.
- Three 6 Mafia
No list of Memphis rappers would be complete without mentioning Three 6 Mafia. The group, formed in 1991, was made up of DJ Paul, Juicy J, and Lord Infamous, among others. They were pioneers of the “horrorcore” subgenre and went on to win an Academy Award for their song “It’s Hard out Here for a Pimp” from the movie “Hustle & Flow.”
- Yo Gotti
Born in Memphis in 1981, Yo Gotti (real name Mario Mims) has been rapping since the mid-1990s. He gained national attention in 2006 with his hit single “Gangsta Party” and has since released numerous successful albums and mixtapes. His most recent album, “Untrapped,” was released in 2020.
- Project Pat
Project Pat (real name Patrick Houston) is the older brother of Three 6 Mafia member Juicy J. He gained fame in the late 1990s with his debut album “Ghetty Green” and has since released numerous successful albums and mixtapes. He’s known for his gritty lyrics and distinctive voice.
- Moneybagg Yo
Born Demario DeWayne White Jr., Moneybagg Yo is a relatively new addition to the Memphis rap scene. He gained national attention in 2017 with his mixtape “Federal 3X” and has since released several successful albums, including “Time Served” and “A Gangsta’s Pain.”
- Young Dolph
Born Adolph Thornton Jr., Young Dolph gained fame in the mid-2010s with his mixtapes “High Class Street Music” and “Blue Magic.” He’s known for his gritty lyrics and distinctive voice and has collaborated with numerous other Memphis rappers.
- NLE Choppa
NLE Choppa (real name Bryson Potts) gained fame in 2019 with his hit single “Shotta Flow.” He’s known for his high-energy performances and positive messages in his lyrics. He’s also a vocal advocate for mental health and meditation.
- Gangsta Boo
Gangsta Boo (real name Lola Mitchell) was a member of Three 6 Mafia before embarking on a successful solo career. She’s known for her aggressive, no-holds-barred lyrics and has collaborated with numerous other Memphis rappers over the years.
- Kingpin Skinny Pimp
Kingpin Skinny Pimp (real name Derrick Hill) was one of the pioneers of the Memphis rap scene in the early 1990s. He gained fame with his debut album “King of da Playaz Ball” and has since released several successful albums and mixtapes.
- La Chat
La Chat (real name Chastity Daniels) gained fame in the late 1990s with her collaborations with Three 6 Mafia. She’s known for her smooth flow and tough lyrics and has released several successful albums and mixtapes over the years.
- 8Ball & MJG
While not strictly from Memphis (they’re from nearby Orange Mound), 8Ball & MJG have had a huge influence on the Memphis rap scene.
The duo, made up of Premro Smith (8Ball) and Marlon Jermaine Goodwin (MJG), gained fame in the early 1990s with their debut album “Comin’ Out Hard.”
They’re known for their smooth flow and soulful beats and have collaborated with numerous other Memphis rappers over the years.
In conclusion, Memphis has a rich and vibrant rap scene with a long history of talented artists.
From the pioneers of Three 6 Mafia to the modern hits of NLE Choppa, Memphis rappers have left their mark on the music industry and continue to inspire new generations of artists.
Whether you’re a fan of horrorcore, trap, or old-school hip hop, there’s something for everyone in the world of Memphis rap.