December 12, 2024
Memphis recording artist Al Capone said: “Listen, we need a Memphis hip-hop museum because the history runs deep.”
Memphis, Tennessee has a rich history of soul music, but hip-hop has also left an indelible mark in recent decades, so much so that the city is proposing a permanent museum to celebrate the music and culture that spawned the genre. Bluff City.
By: THE WOMANAt the Shelby County Commission meeting that happened on December 11, the topic was put up for discussion. Beverly Robertson of Trust Marketing, former president of the Greater Memphis Chamber and former executive director of the Civil Rights Museum, spoke with city commissioners to discuss the Memphis Hip-Hop Museum proposal.
“We had a thriving music culture for years, but since Stax closed, it’s been recovering,” he said.
With hip-hop museum in place, it could be visited by more than 43,000 people each year. They also predict that it will have operating costs of $1.8 million with an expected revenue of $1.14 million. However, it may require more funding than in the amount of USD 700,000.
“Once we’re anchored, we’ll figure out how to generate revenue so we can sustain and grow the museum long-term,” Robertson added.
Memphis recording artist Al Capone, who was responsible for the song Hustle and Flow: The soundtrack, “Whoop That Trick,” likes the idea of a museum.
“The Memphis music scene, especially hip-hop, has been dominant for a long time. We’ve been as unique as the soul music era.”
Commissioners wanted to know if Memphis artists, musicians and historians could be involved in the project, if approved. They also questioned whether there could be an educational component for children, with a possible job training program for young adults, organizers said are that it can be and can also be mastering and production courses, as well as performance and wellness spaces.
Al Capone added his thoughts and believes that a hip-hop museum could drive more tourists to the city.
“Listen, we need a hip-hop museum in Memphis because the history is deep,” he said.
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