“PowerPlay” Monthly Playlist Series Announcement, Vol 1 (Memphis10) Explained

by Micheal Grady September 22, 2021

We would like to think of this as a formal announcement of our plans to extend our reach, beyond our product offerings. Moving forward, on the first Monday of every month, we will share a themed playlist of 10-20 songs across several platforms. The first installment pays homage to our home. Memphis, Tennessee.

A unique collection of music paying homage to the most beautiful land in the world. Three weeks removed from 9/01 day comes our first installment of the monthly “PowerPlay” series. Whether through a sample, reference, lyric, label, or a particular artist, all of these records are tied to the city of Memphis in one way or another. Enjoy.

(If you are not subscribed to any of the following streaming services, you can still listen to the playlist in its entirety on Spotify and/or YouTube.)

Listen Here:

Our aim with this collection of music was not to put together the most “Memphis” playlist. Instead we wanted to share a series of more unexpected records, with the hopes of introducing the listeners to new music, while also highlighting the wide ranging cultural impact and influence that the city of Memphis has, beyond just the South. Parallels between some of our selections and the most beautiful land in the world aren’t exactly obvious, so we decided to briefly explain the relevance of each record.

1. Señorita – Justin Timberlake

“Ladies and gentlemen

It's my pleasure to introduce to you
He's a friend of mine, yes, yes I am
And he goes by the name, Justin
All the way from Memphis, Tennessee
And he's got something special for y'all tonight…”

There’s no better intro for a playlist paying homage to Memphis. The lead track from Justin Timberlake’s first solo album, Justified.

2. Memphis – AG Club

If the title wasn’t enough for you, this song samples “Ridgecrest Killaz” by Lil Yo.

3. Otis – Jay-Z & Kanye West (ft. Otis Redding)

According to Stax, in August 1962 Otis drove Johnny Jenkins to Memphis for a recording session at Stax Records. At the end of the session, Stax Co-Owner Jim Stewart allowed Redding to cut a couple of songs with the remaining studio time. This led to his first single “These Arms of Mine,” his debut album Pain in My Heart two years later and a career that changed soul music forever.

This record samples Redding’s “Try a Little Tenderness,” which was recorded at Stax Records in 1966.

4. bAcKbOnE – Co Cash

A SLEEPER from an artist based out of the most beautiful land in the world.

5. EARFQUAKE – Tyler, The Creator

We know what you’re thinking. ‘What does this song have to do Memphis?’ For those who are familiar with the record (if you weren’t prior to the playlist, you’re welcome) initially you probably thought Playboi Carti’s first line was “Make that body roll.” But, he actually says “We ain’t gotta ball, D.Rose, huh.”

Though short tenured, Derrick Rose is a Memphis legend. In his lone year at the University of Memphis, he led the Tigers to the NCAA tournament National Championship game.

6. Made Me – Snootie Wild (ft. K CAMP)

A memorable and melodic hit record from Memphis Artist, Snootie Wild.

7. Money – Shy Glizzy (ft. Young Dolph)

“Just a young boss ***** straight outta South Memphis, and guess what?”

An underrated feature from Memphis artist, Young Dolph.

8. The Feeling Keeps on Coming – Nipsey Hussle

The sample on this song is pulled from Isaac Hayes’ “The Feeling Keeps On Coming.”

Hayes’ “The Feeling Keeps On Coming” is track 6 on his sixth studio album Joy, which was released under Memphis’ Stax Records in October 1973.

9. Who Run It (Remix) – G Herbo (ft. Lil Uzi Vert)

This record samples/remixes Three 6 Mafia’s “Who Run It.”

10. Poppin’ My Collar – Three 6 Mafia (ft. Project Pat)

Timeless classic by Memphis legend’s, Three 6 Mafia and Project Pat.

11. Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You) – UGK (ft. Outkast)

One of the top 5 songs of ALL-TIME, regardless of genre. This record was produced by DJ Paul and Juicy J.

12. Victory – Wave Chapelle

Production, content, bars, chorus….this record has it all. Formerly a student at Memphis’ LeMoyne-Owen College, uber-talented and now independent artist Wave Chapelle was once signed to Yo Gotti’s CMG label and has strong ties to the city.

13. Bandz – Blac Youngsta (ft. Yo Gotti & LunchMoney Lewis)

A catchy song by two of Memphis’ most well-known artists, Blac Youngsta and Yo Gotti.

14. Raymond Washington – DOM KENNEDY *

“Jeans still Acne, ballin' like Landry
Ballin' like Ja Morant
If I go now, I'll makе top ten
Realest ****** from my city, talking all time”

An amazing record by an influential yet slept on artist. In the Chorus, Kennedy references the Memphis Grizzlies Point Guard Ja Morant.

*unavailable on SoundCloud*

15. m y . l i f e - J. Cole, 21 Savage & Morray

"Ja Morant, I'm on my Grizzly"

One of the best artists of all-time shouts out the young superstar, Ja Morant.

16. Penny Jerseys – Skyzoo & Pete Rock

“Son, my whole block was in Penny jerseys
I wore mine and it felt like the whole city heard me”

BAR after BAR. A record about the cultural impact of legendary hooper, footwear icon, and Memphian, Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway.

17. Long Live a$AP – A$AP Rocky

“Purple sippin', finger twistin', teeth glisten like it's Memphis”

If you’re from or have ties to the city Memphis, it’s VERY likely that you know someone who has permanent golds. It’s a staple in the culture.

18. 200 Pies – Conway the Machine (ft. 2 Chainz)

“Did my scorin' in Portland, I'm Bonzi Wells with the headband”

In August of 2021, Bonzi Wells was named the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at LeMoyne-Owen College, a Division 2 HBCU in Memphis, TN.

19. Paris Morton Music – Drake

“I miss Memphis, Tennessee, my cousins, my dad
The simplistic beauty that all of them Southerners have”

Though it’s well documented that he is from Canada and primarily resides in Toronto, we don’t really care. Drake is a Memphian.

20. Everyday – BlocBoy JB (ft. Moneybagg Yo)

The outro. An introspective song by two Memphis artists.