The Three 6 Mafia legend headlines “Memphis Rap OGz” this Halloween at Minglewood Hall
This Halloween, the Memphis Rap OGz are bringing the city’s original crunk energy back to life. On Friday, October 31, Crunchy Black, one of Memphis’s most electrifying performers and a founding member of Three 6 Mafia, will take the stage at Minglewood Hall for a night packed with heavy bass, dance, and pure Memphis soul.
The event, featuring DJ Spanish Fly, La Chat, Gangsta Pat, and more, promises to reconnect fans with the spirit of the city’s golden era of hip-hop: raw, creative, and unapologetically fun.
From the Projects to the Stage
Crunchy Black’s Memphis story began the hard way and shaped him into the entertainer he is today.
“My mama had me in prison. They shipped me down to Memphis. My brother and cousin came and got me from the bus stop and walked me to the projects. That’s how I got here.”
Growing up in the heart of the city, music and movement became his escape. He credits early hip-hop icons like LL Cool J and the classic soul and dance culture of Memphis for inspiring him.
“My auntie used to tell me, ‘Come out, boy. Do that Michael Jackson dance!’” Crunchy laughed. “That’s what made me want to do what I’m doing now.”
Birth of the Gangsta Walk 🕺🏽
Before Memphis rappers ruled the airwaves, Crunchy Black helped create a movement that ruled the clubs, a style of dance that embodied the city’s raw energy and resilience.
“I actually started the Gangsta Walk,” he said. “You don’t get a lot of credit for it, but it’s not a big thing because the kids are doing it, and that’s what matters.”
The Gangsta Walk evolved out of friendly dance battles in clubs, skating rinks, and even the projects.
“Anywhere they’d play music, I’d dance,” he recalled. “We’d go at it. Everybody had routines. Then we started doing it in Studio G. DJ Paul, Juicy J, Spanish Fly, DJ Squeeky, they’d play their songs, and we’d just go off.”
One night, a near fall during a battle led to what became the dance’s signature move:
“I stepped up on the little stage part and almost fell, but caught myself. The crowd went crazy. After that, I went home and started putting it together the way it is now.”
Making History: “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp”
Crunchy Black was part of a moment that put Memphis hip-hop on the global stage when Three 6 Mafia won an Oscar for “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp.”
“It was great,” he said. “I didn’t really care too much about the award, but when it happened, we were all excited. People told us, ‘That’s the biggest thing y’all can do.’”
For Memphis, it was validation and a moment that proved the city’s underground sound could conquer the world.
“I’m Not Just a Rapper. I’m an Entertainer.”
Even decades later, Crunchy Black’s motivation hasn’t changed. It’s still about the crowd, the energy, and the next generation.
“The kids are gangster walking, bucking, and jigging. That’s what keeps me going. People try to tell me, ‘They don’t give you your props.’ I don’t care about that. I just want them to stay out of trouble.”
That drive to see music and dance as positive outlets defines his mission today.
“I don’t really care about being a rapper. I like to entertain people.”
Come see Crunchy Black Perform
He’s sharing the stage with Memphis legends who’ve been doing it just as long:
“Me, La Chat, Gangsta Pat, DJ Spanish Fly. It’s all Memphis artists that been doing it for so long and still happy to be around each other doing what we love.”
A Living Legacy
Crunchy Black’s journey from a kid dancing in the projects to an Oscar-winning performer and cultural icon embodies Memphis’s enduring power to create, inspire, and move the world.
This Halloween, he’s bringing that legacy home.
“Come out, Memphis. Bring your energy, and let’s make it a night to remember.”
🎤 Event Details
What: Memphis Rap OGz featuring Crunchy Black, La Chat, DJ Spanish Fly, Gangsta Pat, and more
When: Friday, October 31 (Halloween Night) at 7PM
Where: Minglewood Hall
Why: Because Memphis invented the sound, the moves, and the energy, and it’s time to celebrate it again.
Cost: General Admission Early Bird $40, General Admission $50
🎟️ Tickets available now. Get yours here.
🕺🏽 Costumes encouraged. Crunk required.
