Memphis-born rapper, writer and producer Al Kapone has been dropping beats and rhymes since the early 1990s. In fact, he was prolific long before his date with mainstream destiny, thanks to his song “Whoop That Trick” in Craig Brewer’s film Hustle & Flow. As a multi-platinum songwriter and president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Memphis Chapter, he’s busier than ever and inspiring the next generation of Memphis artists to throw their hats in the entertainment ring.
I recently had a chance to sit down with the humble and grateful artist to discuss all make and manner of staying in the game a half century into life.
RCL: For those who don’t know your history, tell us about the early days of your career.
Al: My career started before the 90s when I was in the 6th grade at Lauderdale Elementary, now Ida B. Wells Elementary. From the dancing to the DJing to the fashion and graffiti, that’s where I fell in love with hip hop and was engulfed by the culture overall. I spent a short time in Atlanta during my career, but the gravitation pull of Memphis brought me back. Memphis is home.
RCL: While you are known for rap, haven’t you worked in soul and blues music as well?
Al: I’ve always been a fan of music in general and wanted to emulate different styles through hip hop. The Blues were always a part of my sound even on my first album. Take the song “It Ain’t Over” and you can hear the blues. It really hit me around 2016. That’s when I decided to compile all of my blues sounding songs, add a couple new songs and make a compilation. That was my original idea but I found myself producing more new blues rap songs, also learning more blues history. I then decided that the blues rap soul fusion is the direction I want to go in.
RCL: Where did “Oh, Boy” and “Al Kapeezy” come from?
Al: Oh Boy and Al Kapeezy are phrases from my homie E40 in the Bay area. He’s a major artist. I was working with him in the late 90s and 2000s. That was the Bay area lingo, and it just stuck. What really made me embrace it was the way it helped reframe my image. Al Kapone is clearly connected to the iconic gangster, a name I chose as a teenager, not realizing my music longevity would last for decades, while Al Kapeezy Oh Boy keeps it fun and more accessible.
RCL: What are you up to these days?
Al: Right now, I am mainly engulfed in rap blues fusion. Through that I’ve created a curriculum – an education initiative – and have spoken at several colleges so far, including the University of Memphis and Berklee College in Boston. The whole idea is educating students on the correlation between rap and the blues and rap. I mentor to students at local schools, as well, on everything from life, industry and navigating the hard times. It’s from my point of view, and we discuss pitfalls, peer pressure, wanting to fit in and be cool. Those things that can pull you in negative direction. If you have a focus and goal, it can help you stay on the right track.
RCL: Who are you collaborating with musically?
Al: I’m working with North Mississippi All Stars, Eric Gales and up and coming artist Singa B. It’s all about reinventing yourself whatever stage you are in life.
RCL: Are there any new partnerships or sponsorships you’d like to mention?
Al: I’m working with the Memphis & Shelby County Film and TV Commission bringing awareness to the music community about how the Film Commission can assist with music videos in some of the same ways they work with movies and commercials that are filmed in Memphis. Also increasing filmmakers' awareness of Memphis music when they ask for local music for their films. I’ve recently been asked by The Tennessee Entertainment Commission to help increase awareness of Memphis music for commercial use on behalf of the Memphis & Shelby County Film and TV Commission, as well as helping to add Memphis music businesses to the Tennessee Entertainment directory to increase statewide visibility for clients looking for services in Tennessee. It’s been a great working relationship with Linn Sitler, Film Commissioner; Sharon O’Guin, Deputy Film Commissioner; and Robert King, Social Media Manager.
RCL: How do you separate your personal and professional life?
Al: It’s way easier now that my kids are grown and doing well. I just have to make sure my lady is happy. I have 100 percent learned that it is important to nurture your relationship, to maintain it just like you nurture your business and your craft. Give ample attention to what’s most important in your life.
RCL: Who are your favorite Memphis artists right now? Historically?
Al: I’m really enjoying Big Boogie’s live shows and of course GloRilla. I’m also enjoying Singa B’s passionate and authentic approach to the blues. He’d make Robert Johnson proud. Lastly, I’m digging TallT Gray, an artist playing punk rock. Legacy wise, it’s got to be Al Green, The Bar-Kays and Wendi Moten.
RCL: What is Memphis’s biggest challenge right now? Opportunity?
Al: Biggest challenge is changing the mind sets of the younger generation – not all of them – but some who want instant gratification. We have to encourage them to work – and value life. It doesn’t happen overnight. Fast money normally ends as fast and way more dramatically. Social media age with youngsters is all instant gratification. Our biggest opportunity is in our entertainment industry here in Memphis. It’s respected worldwide, and our legacy is unmatched as it dates back generations across all genres. I hope we can really take advantage of it in a way that makes it more prosperous and makes Memphians stay here. We also need more education for young and older artists to help them better understand the business.
RCL: Anything else you’d like to add?
Al: Shout out to all of our sports teams – The Grizzlies, Memphis Tigers, 901 FC when we had them, Redbirds and even Memphis Wrestling. They have all embraced my music and song “Whoop that Trick” which is all about the spirit of winning.
I spent a short time in Atlanta during my career, but the gravitational pull of Memphis brought me back.