The Memphis Rap Tour Proves Why Memphis IS the Blueprint
Memphis has never followed trends, we've created them.
Memphis has never followed trends, we've created them.
That's why The Memphis Rap Tour by Backbeat Tours feels like such a necessary experience for both tourists and Memphians. As the only tour dedicated entirely to Memphis rap and hip hop legends, it dives into the artists, neighborhoods, and culture that helped shape modern rap music.
Led by Taylor Barksdale, one half of the brother-sister duo behind Memphis's first rap and hip hop bus tour, the experience is equal parts history lesson and celebration. Taylor kept us entertained from start to finish, sharing stories and insights that made the city's rap history come alive. It's easy to see why she won a Welcome to Memphis Pick Award.
The tour covers Memphis icons like Young Dolph, Three 6 Mafia, 8Ball & MJG, Project Pat, Yo Gotti, GloRilla, and more, while also highlighting the DJs and producers who helped build the city's signature sound. We rode through neighborhoods like Orange Mound and South Memphis (the same communities many of these artists called home) and got to see firsthand how the city influenced the music.
One of my favorite parts was that this wasn't a boring "sit back and listen" kind of tour. We played the music, sang along, danced, and stopped at murals and landmarks honoring Memphis rap legends. It felt immersive, not just informative.
What makes the tour especially valuable for Memphians is the opportunity to better understand our roots. So much of today's music contains samples, sounds, and references that originated in Memphis. From the city's horrorcore era to the raw production styles that emerged from limited equipment and budgets, Memphis artists created a sound that would go on to influence hip hop around the world.
The tour is a reminder that Memphis isn't just part of rap history. It’s a reminder that we helped write it.
Whether you're visiting the city or have lived here your entire life, The Memphis Rap Tour offers a deeper appreciation for the artists, neighborhoods, and culture that made Memphis one of the most influential cities in hip hop.
BOOK THE TOUR
Tickets are $68 and the tour is approximately 2.5 hours.
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