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26 Best Rappers from Memphis

juicy j on stage
Juicy J at NXNE on June 22, 2014, in Toronto. Photo by The Come Up Show

Last updated on July 18th, 2022 at 02:13 pm

Memphis is a small city in south-eastern Tennessee with a long and storied music history. The city was home to blues legend Sonny Boy Williamson, and it also played a significant role in developing rap music as we know it today. 

The home of Beale Street, Memphis has experienced intense growth over the last few decades as one of the country’s most urban hubs. It is now home to more than half a million people, making it one of the most populated cities in Tennessee. 

In this article, we explore some of the best rappers from Memphis.

Juicy J

Juicy J is a founding member of the hip-hop group Three 6 Mafia. He’s also a successful solo artist, with hits such as “Bandz a Make Her Dance” and “Low.” 

Juicy J has worked with some of the biggest names in the rap game, including Wiz Khalifa, Lil Wayne, and Kendrick Lamar. 

He is a respected figure in the Memphis rap scene, and his influence can be heard in the music of many up-and-coming artists. His real name is Jordan Michael Houston, and he was born in Memphis in 1975.

juicy j rapping into microphone
Juicy J (front) and DJ Paul (back) performing in 2009.

Young Dolph

Young Dolph first gained attention with his 2016 mixtape King of Memphis.

Young Dolph’s real name was Adolph Thornton Jr., born on August 11th, 1985, in Chicago, Illinois. When he was just two years old, his family moved to Memphis. 

Young Dolph was known for his catchy hooks and his often humorous lyrics. In addition to being a successful rapper, he was also a successful entrepreneur. 

He had his own line of clothing and even started his own record label, Paper Route Empire.

Young Dolph died of gunshot wounds on June 16, 2018 when he was shot 22 times outside of a bakery in Memphis.

Key Glock

Key Glock is a young Memphis rapper who is quickly making a name for himself.

He first gained attention with his 2018 mixtape Glock Season, which was heavily inspired by the work of Houston legend DJ Screw. 

His real name is Markeyvius Cathey, and he was born and raised in the Orange Mound neighborhood of Memphis. He began rapping at 14, and he cites Lil Wayne as one of his biggest influences. 

Key Glock is signed to Young Dolph’s Paper Route Empire label, and he is currently working on his debut studio album.

Pooh Shiesty

Pooh Shiesty is a Memphis rapper currently signed to Gucci Mane’s 1017 Records. He first gained attention with his 2020 song “Back in Blood,” which was produced by Atlanta trap legend Zaytoven. 

Pooh Shiesty’s real name is Lontrell Williams. Many of his lyrics deal with violence, crime, and street life. This is no surprise, considering he was raised in Memphis’s notorious Orange Mound area. 

Many of his songs have been used in popular memes, and he has amassed a large following on social media.

Big Scarr

 

Big Scarr is another Memphis rapper best known for his work with the group Three 6 Mafia. 

He first gained attention as a member of the rap group Da Mafia 6ix, formed by former Three 6 Mafia members Juicy J and DJ Paul. 

Big Scarr’s real name is Cory Mitchell, and he was born and raised in Memphis. Many of his lyrics deal with the dark and violent side of life in the city. 

This is no surprise, considering he was raised in one of Memphis’ most notorious housing projects, the Tall Oaks.

Duke Deuce

Duke Deuce is a young Memphis rapper who quickly made a name for himself. He first gained attention with his 2018 single “Crunk Ain’t Dead,” which was produced by Atlanta trap legend Zaytoven. 

Duke Deuce’s real name is Marquavis Goolsby, and he was born and raised in the Shelby County neighborhood of Memphis. 

According to Duke Deuce, his music is heavily influenced by the work of Three 6 Mafia and Lil Jon. He is currently signed to CMG and working on his debut studio album.

Big Moochie Grape

Being from Memphis, Big Moochie Grape has been rapping since he was 11. At first, he would rap battles with his friends, but as he got older, he realized that making songs was his true passion. 

Memphis-born Big Moochie has been rapping since the early 2000s. His debut album, The Return of Mr. Big Moochiewas released in 2006, and he has since released four more albums. 

Big Moochie is known for his unique delivery and his clever wordplay. He has a loyal following in Memphis, and critics have praised his music.

In 2016, he released a project called “No Hooks,” which was well-received in the Memphis area. Since then, he has been working nonstop on new music and perfecting his craft. His real name is Maurice Wallace, born on July 10th, 1995. He is currently signed to the rap label Hoo Bangin’ Records.

Big30

Big30 is a relatively new rapper from Memphis, but he is already making waves in the local scene. 

His debut album, The Takeover, was released in 2019 and quickly became a hit with fans. Big30’s music is a mix of trap and hip-hop, and he often raps about his life growing up in the city. 

He was born and raised in the Orange Mound area of Memphis, and his real name is Antonio Hatter.

Berried Alive

With a unique flow and infectious energy, Berried Alive is one of the most exciting young artists in Memphis right now. 

His music is hard-hitting and often personal, with lyrics that deal with subjects like mental health, family, and relationships. 

Berried Alive’s debut album Mental Health was released in 2019 to critical acclaim, and he has since followed it up with a string of well-received singles. 

His real name is David Allen, and he was born in 1997 in Memphis.

Co Ca$h

Co Ca$h is a Memphis rapper best known for his work with the group, you guessed it, Three 6 Mafia. 

He first gained attention as a member of the rap group Da Mafia 6ix, formed by former Three 6 Mafia members Juicy J and DJ Paul. 

Co Ca$h’s real name is Matthew Stuart Cash, born in Slough, England. He moved to Memphis at six and has been involved in the local rap scene since the early 2000s.

Moneybagg Yo

Moneybagg Yo is a Memphis rapper who is currently signed to Interscope Records. 

He first gained attention with his 2016 mixtape All Gas No Brakes. Moneybagg Yo’s real name is Demario DeWayne White Jr., born on September 4th, 1991, in Shelby County, Tennessee. 

Being from Memphis, Moneybagg Yo’s music is heavily influenced by the work of Three 6 Mafia. He is known for his catchy hook-writing and his often violent and explicit lyrics.

moneybagg yo in an interview
Moneybagg Yo during an interview at HotSpot ATL in 2020. Photo by HotSpotATL.

Don Trip

Don Trip is a Memphis rapper who is best known for his work with the group Starlito. He first gained attention with his 2011 mixtape, Step Brothers, which he released with Starlito. 

Don Trip’s real name is Jermaine Lamarr Cole, and he was born in Nashville, Tennessee. He moved to Memphis as a child, and he began rapping at the age of 14. 

Don Trip is known for his introspective and personal lyrics, and he has said that his biggest influences are Tupac Shakur and Nas. 

Also, he has a close relationship with fellow Memphis rapper Yo Gotti.

Scarr

Scarr is one of the newest rappers in the Memphis scene. This 20-year-old artist is from the Whitehaven area of Memphis. Scarr’s real name is Javon Marshall, born in 2000. 

He is well-known for his song “SoIcyBoyz,” which he released in 2019. Memphis producer Tay Keith produced the song. 

When Scarr is not making music, he spends time with his two young daughters. This young artist is one to watch in the coming years.

Glock

Many people consider Glock to be one of the best rappers from Memphis. Glock is another member of group Three 6 Mafia.

Three 6 Mafia has won multiple Grammy Awards and has been nominated for numerous others. 

Glock’s solo career has also been very successful, and he has released several albums that have been well-received by critics and fans alike. 

He was born and raised in Memphis, and his real name is Derrick Coleman.

EBG Ejizzle

EBG Ejizzle is a local Memphis rapper who has been making music for over a decade. 

He is best known for working with the local hip-hop collective Da Mafia 6ix. Ejizzle’s debut album, Hood Politics, was released in 2016 and received critical acclaim. 

His follow-up album, No Hooks 2, was released in 2017 and featured the single “No Hooks,” which became a local hit. His real name is Eric Bellinger, and he is also a member of the group Hotboy$ Mafia.

Yo Gotti

He was born in 1981 as Mario Mims. His first album was released in 2006 and he has been going strong since then. 

He is currently signed to Roc Nation. Gotti has released several studio albums, one being Untrapped (2019). He is best known for his songs “Down in the DM,” “Rake It Up,” and “I Know.” 

His real name is Mario Mims, but he’s better known by his stage name, Yo Gotti. In addition to being a successful rapper, he is also the founder of CMG Records.

yo gotti on stage in green light
Yo Gotti performing in 2013. Photo by The Come Up Show.

Project Pat

Project Pat was born in 1972 as Patrick Houston. He is the older brother of Juicy J, who is also a successful rapper. 

Pat has been in the rap game since the early 1990s and has released several albums, his latest being Cheez-N-Dope 2 in 2018. He is best known for his songs “Chickenhead,” “Don’t Save Her,” and “Keep It, Hood.” 

Also, he has collaborated with several other famous rappers, including Three 6 Mafia, Wiz Khalifa, and Juicy J.

DJ Paul

DJ Paul is one of the pioneers of Memphis rap and is also a founding member Three 6 Mafia. 

DJ Paul has won multiple Grammy Awards and is widely considered one of the most influential figures in the history of rap music. 

His unique style and production skills have helped him stand out from the crowd, and he is one of the most respected rappers in the industry. His real name is Paul Beauregard, and he was born in Memphis in 1971.

Lil Wyte

Many people consider Lil Wyte one of Memphis’ best rappers. He first gained attention with his debut album, Dirty South Rydaz, in 2003. 

The album was a success, leading to him being signed by Asylum Records. He has since released several more albums, including “Phinally Phamous” and “The One and Only.” 

His real name is Patrick Gann, and he is known for his fast-paced rapping style. He was born and raised in Memphis and still lives in the city today.

Double 007

James Bond, also known as Double 007, is a Memphis-based rapper and producer. He was born in 1978 and has been making music since the early 2000s. 

His first album, The Memphis Tape, was released in 2005. He has since released several more albums, including The World Is Yours and No Limit Soldier. Double 007 is known for its aggressive and hardcore rap style.

8Ball & MJG

8Ball & MJG are a hip-hop/rap duo that originated in Memphis, Tennessee. The duo is made up of Premro Smith (8Ball) and Marlon Jermaine Goodwin (MJG), and they’ve been friends since they met a Ridgeway Middle School in 1984.

Their rap career started in 1991 and has been going strong ever since. They’ve released a total of 8 albums (the most recent of which was in 2010), and their top songs are “You Don’t Want Drama” and “Forever.” Both artists also maintain a solo career with numerous solo albums released when they weren’t working on an album together.

K-Rock

K-Rock was born Cardis Burns and was part of several Rap groups over the years. The most famous are Prophet Posse and Killa Klan Kaze. Unfortunately, this rapper died in 2018 when he was just 39 years old. He left behind 4 children, and a GoFundMe was created for them but ultimately didn’t gather widespread support.

Gangsta Pat

Gangsta Pat was born Patrick Hall in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1973. He began his rap career in the 1980s and remained mostly underground until he was discovered by Atlantic Records. His most popular songs are “I Wanna Smoke” and “Mo Murder.”

A fun fact about Gangsta Pat is that his father is William Clarence Hall, who is a drummer known for playing with the Blues Brothers Band.

Gangsta pat with lil ripsta
Gangsta Pat with Lil Ripsta at RedRum Records in 2020. Photo by Lil’ Ripsta.

Gangsta Blac

Gangsta Blac’s real name is Courtney Harris, who was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and became popular in the mid-’90s. Beyond just solo albums, he also has many cooperative projects with Three 6 Mafia and other rap stars. His most famous works are “Breakin the Law” and “Can It Be.”

Gangsta Blac says he was inspired by the sound of 8Ball & MJG and the Geto Boys. His music is popular all over the south of the US, and he released his latest single, “Fuck Over My Love,” in 2021.

Kingpin Skinny Pimp

Derrick Dewayne Hill, better known by his stage name Kingpin Skinny Pimp was born in Memphis and began raping in junior high school. He formed an early partnership with DJ Squeeky, but the partnership didn’t last long as he went on to work for Three 6 Mafia.

He’s produced several albums over the years but doesn’t retain the rights to all of them. His first album, King of Da Palayz Palls, for example, belongs to Paul and Juicy J. His most recent release was “Samurai Phonk” in 2022, and it is a collaboration with YA$H and SXNSTXRM.

The above-mentioned are some of the best rappers from Memphis, Tennessee. They have all made a name for themselves in the rap industry and have influenced many other artists. If you’re a fan of rap music, then you should check out their work. If you think we should add a Memphis rapper to this list, let us know in the comments!

Written by Bo Weber

Supporting artists since 2014

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