Calling the Bluff, Memphis Flyer

Reaching the Finish Line: My Reflections on the Boston Marathon Bombings

Louis Goggans — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:40:18 -0500

Imagine nearing the finish line of a marathon after running 26.2 miles. Your heart is pumping.…

Hustle & Flow: Q & A with Al Kapone

Louis Goggans — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:58:28 -0500

If there was a table designed exclusively for the forefathers of Memphis rap, Alphonzo “Al Kapone” Bailey would be among the artists seated at the head. With the release of several albums and compilations, he’s managed to sell thousands of units independently, and is viewed as one of the most respected artists within the underground rap movement.…

Q & A with DJ Paul of Three 6 Mafia

Louis Goggans — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 11:44:57 -0500

You can’t mention pioneers within the Memphis and Southern rap scene without name-dropping Three 6 Mafia. One of the most legendary Southern rap groups in history, the collective has sold millions of records throughout the years by delivering hit after hit.…

Straight Outta Southside: The Sidewayz is Breaking Barriers

Louis Goggans — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 09:40:27 -0500

It’s not every day that you see a rap group coming out of South Memphis that’s influenced by rock artists such as The Killers, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. But when you do, you see The Sidewayz.…

Q & A with Big Sant

Louis Goggans — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:35:00 -0500

“Bitch, I ain’t no hype man!” Big Sant passionately spits in the beginning of his first verse, as well as on the chorus of “Holdin’ My Nuts,” one of the tracks off his mixtape, MFxOG.

With the recent success of his protégé and fellow-Meridian, Mississippi native, Big K.R.I.T., Big Sant was viewed by those unfamiliar with his musical efforts as nothing more than a hype man for the Def Jam Records-signed artist.…

Michael Koretzky Talks Future of Journalism at the U of M

Louis Goggans — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:20:15 -0500

Yesterday evening, I attended the University of Memphis’ 31st Annual Freedom of Information Congress that featured controversial journalist Michael Koretzky.

Titled “An Evening with Michael Koretzky,” the event was presented by the U of M's student chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (Koretzky is a board member of the national chapter).…

Q & A with Gangsta Boo

Louis Goggans — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 14:37:33 -0500

At the tender age of nine, Lola “Gangsta Boo” Mitchell spit her first raps on a karaoke machine that she got as a birthday present. Years later, this childhood hobby blossomed into her delivering standout verses on gold and platinum albums, worldwide exposure, and being labeled a legend within the Southern rap movement.…

Rock Artist J. Chris Takes Different Lane with Harvest Mill

Louis Goggans — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:13:28 -0500

Rock music isn’t a genre that a significant number of African-American artists experiment with, especially when they already have a background in gospel, R&B and rap. However, Jerroll “J. Chris” Christopher is breaking the mold with his band Harvest Mill.…

Turk talks about new mixtape, judicial corruption, snitching, fellow rapper B.G., and more

Louis Goggans — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 16:05:38 -0600

Free after spending nearly nine years in prison, Tab “Turk” Virgil doesn’t seem to have missed a step on Blame It On The System, his first post-incarceration musical release.

Hosted by mixtape heavyweight DJ Holiday, the 15-song installment is more of an audio-biography of Turk’s life.…

The Southern Entertainment Awards Celebrates 10 Years

Louis Goggans — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:20:58 -0600

For a decade, the Southern Entertainment Awards (SEAs) has provided independent rap artists, producers, DJs, event promoters, and music fanatics with the chance to enjoy panel discussions, artist showcases, and a star-filled awards ceremony.

Everyone from the likes of Def Jam Records’ Big K.R.I.T., Grand Hustle’s B.O.B., Southern rap heavyweight Gucci Mane, Memphis' own Yo Gotti and platinum producer Drumma Boy, and even female rap superstar Nicki Minaj have graced the event with their presence over the years.…

Successful Rapper, Producer David Banner Speaks at Rhodes College

Louis Goggans — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 16:25:38 -0600

On the last night of Black History Month, more than 100 students and city residents gathered in the Hardie Auditorium at Rhodes College to hear world-renowned artist, producer, and actor David Banner share his thoughts on the state of hip-hop.

As I stepped into the room, I noticed a variety of ages and races in attendance.…

A Lesson on Black History Month

Louis Goggans — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 15:29:44 -0600

February is a special month for many reasons. Couples go out of their way to express their love for one another on Valentine’s Day.…

My Experience on The Teen Appeal's Media Panel

Louis Goggans — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 11:09:49 -0600

On Tuesday afternoon, I had the opportunity to be featured on a media panel, along with five other established journalists in Memphis, in conjunction with The Teen Appeal’s Scholastic Journalism Week.

The event, "Meet The Press," took place at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library.…