Memphis rap

Memphis rap has been characterized as being low budget, using repetitive vocal hooks and a "distorted", that uses the Roland TR-808 drum machine and minimal synth melodies. The genre commonly features double time flows with triplet flows, Because of the lack of resources, bedroom studios were often pushed to the extreme. Usually, the lyrics are quite dark and depict graphic subject matter. DJ Spanish Fly had introduced the synthetic drum-kit sound with the TR-808, splitting the Memphis scene in two between those who preferred the live versus the digital sound. Alongside a strong drum beat were "cowbell, syncopated rhythms, powerful sub-bass, and sharp digital snares", these elements becoming the hallmarks of the Memphis rap sound. Looping is also a signature with no steadfast rule, although looping is used over chopped edits.Memphis rap has been cited as an influence on the development of Phonk, a subgenre that draws on its sampling practices and sonic aesthetic. Memphis artists released recordings on independent labels. The dominance of New York and Los Angeles's hip hop scenes forced southern artists to form an underground style and sound to compete with the other regions. Artists used a grassroots approach through word-of-mouth in the club scene and mixtapes to promote their music.Memphis rap artists often relied on independent methods of production and distribution, including the use of cassette tapes shared through local networks. ==Artists==

DJ Spanish Fly is commonly cited as one of the pioneers of the genre, being the bridge between 1980s electro-funk and the heavier gangsta rap of the following decade. Other early artists and groups associated with Memphis rap include C-Rock, Gangsta Pat, Lil Slim, La Chat, Skimask Troopaz, Gimisum Family, Project Pat, Tommy Wright III, Princess Loko, Da Crime Click, Lil E, Stout Pimp, Bloody Bones, II Tone, DJ Squeeky, DJ Zirk, DJ Sound, Blackout, Playa Fly, Gangsta Boo, Al Kapone, Lil Heavy, Mental Ward Click, MC Mack, Lil Noid, 8Ball & MJG, and Three 6 Mafia, with the latter two achieving relative commercial success and even an Oscar. Three 6 Mafia's Mystic Stylez and other releases by members of the group such as Come with Me 2 Hell by DJ Paul and Lord Infamous and Lil Noid's Paranoid Funk were particularly influential in the genre's development. ==Influence and modern sound==

Despite largely staying underground, it has attained a cult following on the internet from MP3 blogs, influencing rappers such as Lil Ugly Mane, Freddie Dredd, Denzel Curry, and SpaceGhostPurrp, and has seen a large boom in popularity through other artists including $uicideboy$ and other artists recording for the G59 record label. It has also brought in the rise of crunk, trap music, and phonk. ==See also==