Tay Keith is Giving the Music Culture in Memphis a Needed Boost

Grammy-nominated producer Tay Keith has made a turnaround for the music scene in the city of Memphis. A lot of people from the city can vouch; because he put the city on the map, as where it lands a mark for the music industry that the city has something to prove. He continues to make a platform that everyone can ride to. Drake gave “Elevate” producer a platform that people can’t help but hear. After the “Look Alive” joint came out unexpectedly, Keith shot up! The city of Memphis was on their feet by the assist of BlocBoy JB by “shooting” and bringing the home culture back! I have asked a few people, who are fans of Tay Keith and the culture who are in and from the city, about the turn around it had this year; and they have provided some of the answers to the questions on what is next for the city in the next coming years and many more.

As a Middle Tennessee State University graduate, people are finally understanding that the culture is coming back but even harder! The most eccentric thing about the music culture of the city is that most have the same sound, but for Keith, he creates more of a trap like vibe that created diversity in music. One said, “That the city is a rich history for a few genres by having the birthplace of rock n’ roll.” One thing you can notice that we all share a common mentality that sets us apart from any other city. The “SICKOMODE” producer has defined a new wave for the city. When asking some people about the sound of Memphis, many have different meanings of it. Some say the sound of Memphis is a mixture of trap and crunk but yet classic vibes with a heavy bass line. Others say it has a different versatile of melodies to match with any type of tempo, but you can hear a piece of sinister hustling music more than anything.

Most think producers have stolen the Memphis sound because of the early artists or groups like Three Six Mafia or 8Ball and MJG. It is original but most allowed it for it to happen. It’s time that we take it back. In a few years, we can create a whole different vibe that the fans are waiting to hear. With the spotlight on the city, there are more artists to come out to pave through to continue the success of the culture. When the “Look Alive” record came out earlier in the summer, it became something the city was waiting for. Many reacted to the track as a banger within the 10 seconds. Many were excited for the city because it sheds light on us that was much needed to show the world what we have to offer. With the cosign of Drake, it automatically looked at it as the potential and what the city was made of. We all love Tay Keith, so seeing him and Blocboy win in such a big way motivated us all and showed us that anything really is possible.

Photo Credit: @300visions

As a mogul in the hip-hop game, the city will be well-known with its roots within a few years because Memphis has created the wave. His style has been influenced by rappers and producers who have come out of the city and whoever wanted to be a part of it. We keep pushing our boundaries and making opportunities for ourselves while our city progresses by taking it back to the south. The artists push the city forward to progress the city. With the hip-hop scene shifting upward from the infamous 8ball and MJG until now, the rap scene now has a younger but more bounce hip-hop vibes. Artists are experimenting with their voices and sound by going with what’s hot and who inspired them. As long as they credit the originators, it’s cool. It’s more versatile but puts their own twist to make it their original own style while adapting to it.

Many heard at a recent concert that Drake and Tay will be doing a collaboration next year. I have asked a few people do you think it will be a classic or can you wait until it actually comes out. Most say Drake shows another level on his beats, but many also feel that they should hear it first because Drake will challenge him.

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