909Memphis first appeared on Underground Underdogs when his dance track “Prove it” was initially released. It piqued interest. Under this name, a plethora of anthemic singles were to be found. We determined there were some facets of this character that needed illustration and further depth. Introspection, Mixed Feelings, and Stark Honesty outline the persona.
Virginia based “Memphy” is somewhat of anomaly. Said best by a new listener, while watching his “Pure Spirit” visuals;
“Oh, he’s different.”
Indeed he is. Having been born in London as the result of a whirlwind romance, promptly flown to The United States and eventually playing Collegiate Soccer makes for interesting origin story. This background is reflected in his clean-cut dress and style, which is perhaps not a rapper’s typical fabric. “I moved here when I was two years old. The first time my mom had ever been to the US, was that move.”
In some ways his sound is approachable and digestible for those with their fingers on the pulse of the Underground rap. His beat selection is absolutely vital, predominantly operating on floaty, cloudy synth backdrops pinned down by pulses of sub tones. This particular brand of instrumental is not revolutionary, however, when 909Memphis inflects his voice in signature timbre and weaves in his own vocal counter melodies into tight arrangements, the subtle marks of individuality begin to emerge. Combine this with his completely original “Coke Lord”, or self-admitted “Rich White Boy” aesthetic, and it becomes unmistakably, 909Memphis.
“I went through several different phases, liking all different types of music. In Middle School I hopped on that Akon wave, T-pain, and things like that. Then for a while I loved studded belts and Screamo music, but at the same time Pop and EDM. It wasn’t until high school that I started to like A$AP Rocky, Wiz Khalifa, Mac Miller, and Tyler The Creator.” Memphis explained, reflecting on his early musical influences. “I sort of kept it under my skin though. It came to a point where playing Soccer was something I was seriously pursuing- it’s a part of my household and culture. At the same time I was so fascinated by the life of Celebrities. It was hard for me to accept that, like.. I wanted to try drugs. To smoke weed.”
This subtle pull towards an exorbitant lifestyle seemed to linger, until his initial experience with drug use bore fruit in his mind. “And that’s it. That’s when I first knew I wanted to make music, the first time I smoked weed. We would listen to Yung Lean, ASAP Mob, Chris Travis.. they really influenced me. I used to just get smacked and listen to Yung Sherman’s instrumentals and get in my feelings, I became really interested in production.”
For several years, 909Memphis worked as a producer, closely mimicking the airy, dreamlike production of both the aforementioned influences, as well as now-collaborative partner and close friend, Og Abi. “He’s my best friend, It’s not even on some business shit. He texts me everyday, reminding me of how rich we’re going to be.” The friendship of Og Abi was brought into fruition through a simple message, 909Memphis explains; “I remember the first time I messaged him on Twitter. I told him all I did was walk to soccer practice and listen to his TrakTrain. I asked him for advice, we chopped it up, and ever since then we have been best friends.”
Yet Abi isn’t the only reliable support Memphy has, as fellow member of the now possibly defunct 909 collective, 909Primo is a concurrent form of guidance. “Primo helped me so much, he’s like my older brother. I could never leave that. Even If I quit music, I would not remove the 909 from my name. Come up with your team, with your fam. It is 10 times better than paying $250.00 for a beat and a repost. That is not genuine, and it won’t last.”
Inching his way into pouring vocals over his instrumentals, Memphy became comfortable and developed his sound; “The melodies in my production sort of carried over into my vocals, so I always had that initial style with a melody driven delivery. Not until recently did I transition into something really crazy. Last summer I focused more on my music, and came to a realization that I had fucked up my potential. I fucked up what I was supposed to be, while doing this music. We’re at that age where we determine what we do with our life, it’s an interesting time. So in “Pure Spirit” when I say; ‘Roll dope, Pop Xans, Hit licks, So sad I finesse that kid,’ I’m completely talking about myself. I finessed my Pure Spirit in this rap shit. But I do have that confidence in songs like “Prove it” and “Tired.”
I finessed my Pure Spirit in this rap shit.
The apparent morose attitude towards his current life situation came as a surprising twist, as with his diction, tone, and mentality; 909Memphis is a winner. Undoubtedly, the subject matter of many of Memphy’s songs is somber, yet an aura of momentum and determination surrounds the young artist. “I do think I’ve gotten to a point where I carry an energy. People tell me they can tell when I enter a room.” When prodded on how to foster his confidence, the answer was all too apparent. “Going through many experiences and learning to master your emotions is the only way. I had to learn to control myself and push things to the side. I’m the only one I really got.”
“I’m the only one I really got.”
Water-tight in his resolve, Memphis further illustrates his frame of mind: “I hate sounding cocky, but ultimately, this is a competition. I do not take this lightly. I could never fake kick-it. We could also be best friends, but if our music doesn’t work together, it just doesn’t. Ultimately, I know I will be on top, 110%. People say a lot of things to look a sort of way. Yes, you want others to succeed, but before yourself? That’s not how it works.”
The most remarkable aspect gleamed from conversation about his music and trajectory, is the absolute care in growing a completely genuine, original sound and aesthetic. Tending to the absolute minutiae, the details that comprise the whole of what is, and what may come. What seems to be the most common and successful tactic to garner attention with digitally distributed media is to release an absolute deluge of content, usually compromising the care put into each project in the process. 909Memphis rejects this, and clearly puts the utmost attention into his every effort. “I am underground. But that is not my limit.” Even when pondering possible concert performances, this sentiment is carried. “I would love to do shows. With my music, I think it needs to be something memorable though. There needs to be a level of intimacy involved. People tell me they cry to this music. We can’t just perform with any assortment of artists, it needs to be well planned.”
“I am underground. But that is not my limit.”
Unapologetic in his intent and and actions – 909Memphis will continue to emerge as a force to be reckoned with. The debut album Mixed Feelings is to be released 2/21/19. Check back here to listen to what is sure to be an astounding project.
