MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Rapper, producer and writer, Al Kapone is quintessential to Memphis culture.
His contributions to the development and recognition of southern Hip-Hop artists helped firmly cement 3rd Coast rap as legitimate players in the genre, alongside Atlanta and Miami.
The soundtrack of Hustle & Flow opened the world's eyes and ears to the new sound being generated out of the city known for kings, B.B and Elvis, and the Doctor of Soul, Al Green.
Kapone is credited with writing the film's title track, "Hustle & Flow" and the unofficial Memphis Grizzlies theme song, "Whoop that Trick." Those songs and dozens more are the product of conditions by which music was made at bedsides using samples from horror film scores and drum machines.
During rehearsals for his performance at River Beat, a new festival replacing the long running Beale Street Music Festival, Kapone opened up about the controversy surrounding the change and what it means to local artists.
The South Memphis born rapper has clocked an estimated 12 performances at the old guard BSMF held every year since 1977. With the cancellation of that event this year, due to low revenue in recent years, River Beat is filling the gap with a weekend long, 4 stage, music experience happening the first weekend of May, a time slot traditionally reserved for BSMF.
The arrival of a new festival has raised controversy with many music fans protesting by opting not to attend River Beat.
Organizers say the final attendance count for the inaugural event was around 30-thousand people, an acceptable turnout by their account. However, that headcount is 20 percent less than Beale Street Music Festival's 2023 numbers.
Kapone says it's the artists who suffer in the end. Whether is BMSF or River Beat he encourages music fans to buy tickets and support musicians, especially homegrown talent like himself.