Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
A central figure in Memphis Rap’s legendary second generation of the early 90s, producer, DJ and rapper Tommy Wright III cut a distinctive path – one that is as relevant today as 40 years ago.
Building on foundations built by local DJs such as DJ Spanish Fly, Tommy Wright and his label Street Smart Records helped define the increasingly menacing Memphis Rap sound, which sat apart from the well documented hip-hop scenes of the East and West Coast.
With raw, 808-heavy production and high-octane raps laced with wild lyrics, Tommy Wright and his peers galvanized a sound that continues to be interpolated, referenced, and sampled by everyone from amateur producers to the biggest artists in the world.
Tommy reflected on this era and his approach following his debut UK show at ORMSIDE Projects for Life is Beautiful.
A central figure in Memphis Rap’s legendary second generation of the early 90s, producer, DJ and rapper Tommy Wright III cut a distinctive path – one that is as relevant today as 40 years ago.
Building on foundations built by local DJs such as DJ Spanish Fly, Tommy Wright and his label Street Smart Records helped define the increasingly menacing Memphis Rap sound, which sat apart from the well documented hip-hop scenes of the East and West Coast.
With raw, 808-heavy production and high-octane raps laced with wild lyrics, Tommy Wright and his peers galvanized a sound that continues to be interpolated, referenced, and sampled by everyone from amateur producers to the biggest artists in the world.
Tommy reflected on this era and his approach following his debut UK show at ORMSIDE Projects for Life is Beautiful.
