‘There’ll Never Be Another Gangsta Boo’: Memphis Rap OGz Honor Late Rapper at RiverBeat

Memphis rap pioneers were celebrated at the RiverBeat Music Festival in Memphis. The festival paid tribute to the late Gangsta Boo, a prominent figure in the genre. As Memphis rap enjoys a resurgence, artists like GloRilla, Moneybagg Yo, and NLE Choppa achieve mainstream success. Thus, the foundational contributions of the city’s original artists are receiving much-deserved recognition.

A Celebration of Legacy

The opening night of the RiverBeat Music Festival on May 2 featured a performance by a collective known as the Memphis Rap OGz. This event coincided with the 30th anniversary of a pivotal year in Memphis rap history—1995. Groundbreaking records from that year are the focus of Shangri-La Records’ second season of the “Lo-Fi in Hi-Fi” listening and panel series. This series began on April 24.

The Memphis OGz show at the Tito’s Pavilion Stage created an intimate atmosphere. This was enhanced by the picturesque sunset over the Mississippi River. While the setting was serene, the music delivered a raw and gritty aesthetic. A lineup of veteran artists, including La Chat, Al Kapone, Crunchy Black, Skinny Pimp, Gangsta Pat, DJ Spanish Fly, and DJ Zirk, brought an electrifying energy to Tom Lee Park.

Honoring Gangsta Boo

The emotional highlight of the evening was a tribute to the late Gangsta Boo, born Lola Chantrelle Mitchell. She gained fame as part of the Three 6 Mafia collective. Tragically, she passed away on January 1, 2023, at the age of 43 due to an accidental drug overdose.

As a banner featuring Gangsta Boo’s image was unveiled on stage, the rappers took turns performing tracks associated with her legacy. The crowd joined in unison, chanting, “There’ll never be another Gangsta Boo.” This celebrated her impact on the Memphis rap scene.

Al Kapone Takes the Stage

Another standout moment came from Al Kapone, whose dynamic performance showcased his rap skills and stage presence. Known for his creative versatility, Kapone captivated the audience with a rendition of his anthem “Whoop That Trick” from the film Hustle & Flow. The excitement reached a peak when rapper 8Ball made a surprise guest appearance to close the show, leaving the crowd exhilarated.

The RiverBeat Music Festival not only honored the legacy of Gangsta Boo. It also highlighted the enduring influence of Memphis rap pioneers, ensuring that their contributions to the genre are celebrated and remembered.

Source: Commercial Appeal