From pioneers Three 6 Mafia and 8 Ball and MJG to contemporaries including Moneybagg Yo and Yo Gotti, Memphis has helped shape hip-hop into music’s most popular genre – and established Memphis and Southern rap as important sub-genres. 

Memphis rap and hip-hop burst onto the scene in the late '80s and '90s with DJ Spanish Fly, Gangsta Pat, Eightball & MGJ, Al Kapone and Three 6 Mafia. Quickly, the Memphis rap style, which was known for its heavy high-hat track beats, began to influence the industry. Today, Yo Gotti, Young Dolph, Tay Keith, Moneybagg Yo, BlocBoy JB and more continue Memphis' rap tradition. 

WHERE TO GO NEXT 

All points of interest below are mapped from the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, just steps from the bollards and FedExForum.

Walk 5 minutes

Memphis Music Hall of Fame
Visit the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, where rap icons Three 6 Mafia and 8 Ball and MJG are commemorated. Spy Three 6 Mafia’s Oscar for Best Original Song, “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp,” among the museum’s collection. 
Get Directions

Drive 9 minutes

Memphis Slim Collaboratory
Catch live shows at Memphis Slim Collaboratory, including beat battles, producer showcases and more. 
Get Directions

Various locations

Live Hip-Hop
Hip-hop artists and rappers represent at venues citywide. You might catch a performance, DJ night or hip-hop showcase at Height Lounge, House of Mtenzi Museum, the Hi Tone or another local venue. Check out our live music calendar for more opportunities to see local hip-hop artists perform.