'There’ll never be another Gangsta Boo': Memphis Rap OGz honor late rapper at RiverBeat
Memphis rap is enjoying a spotlight moment, with the likes of GloRilla , Moneybagg Yo, NLE Choppa and others, turning out hit singles, platinum albums and earning more mainstream acclaim than any generation before them. But the originators and innovators of the Bluff City rap scene are also seeing their foundational contributions given a much overdue reappraisal and respect.
Providing a platform for these old school greats, the May 2 opening night of the RiverBeat Music Festival in Memphis featured a performance from a collective billed as the Memphis Rap OGz — a timely celebration that coincided with the 30th anniversary of one of Memphis rap's most influential years, 1995. (The groundbreaking rap records of '95 are the subject of Shangri-La Records ' second season of its "Lo-Fi in Hi-Fi" listening and panel series , which kicked off April 24).
The Memphis OGz show at the Tito's Pavilion Stage was both intimate and atmospheric, with the sun setting over the Mississippi River providing a picture postcard backdrop for the set. While the scene was lovely, the music itself reflected a grittier, grimier aesthetic, as a crew of veterans that included La Chat, Al Kapone, Crunchy Black, Skinny Pimp, Gangsta Pat, DJ Spanish Fly and DJ Zirk, brought an exciting edge to the proceedings at Tom Lee Park.
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS: Public Enemy's Chuck D honored by Soulsville Foundation for work as artist, activist & more
The emotional centerpiece of the show came with a tribute to the late Gangsta Boo , the electrifying female MC who made her reputation as part of the Three 6 Mafia collective. The Whitehaven-bred rap phenom, born Lola Chantrelle Mitchell , died Jan. 1, 2023, at age 43 from an accidental drug overdose.
As a banner with Gangsta Boo's image was unfurled on the stage, the various rappers, including La Chat, took turns performing some of the tracks she was associated with, before leading the crowd in chants of: "There'll never be another Gangsta Boo."
The evening's other highlight came with a performance by Al Kapone. Although the creative and adventurous Kapone has branched out stylistically over the years, his rap prowess and commanding skills on the mic were on full display.
The crowd exploded when he launched a rendition of his "Hustle & Flow" anthem, "Whoop That Trick," as the proceedings climaxed with a guest appearance by rapper 8Ball to close the show.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis rappers honor Gangsta Boo during set at RiverBeat in Memphis
