Al Kapone
Alphonzo Bailey (born November 5, 1975), better known by his stage name Al Kapone, is an American rapper from Memphis, Tennessee. Al Kapone is known principally for his underground success in the Memphis hip hop scene in the 1990s, and his later role in a number of more contemporary songs.
Al Kapone | |
---|---|
Birth name | Alphonzo Bailey |
Born | November 5, 1975 |
Origin | Memphis, Tennessee, United States |
Genres | Hip hop |
Occupation(s) | Rapper |
Associated acts | Lil Wyte, 8Ball & MJG |
Career
After a decade of cultivating underground cult status in Memphis, Al Kapone began to achieve some mainstream success starting with his role on the soundtrack to the film, Hustle & Flow. The soundtrack included one solo track, titled "Get Crunk, Get Buck". He also wrote and produced "Whoop That Trick" and wrote "Hustle & Flow (It Ain't Over)", both tracks performed by Djay.[1] His song "The Deepest Hood" featured in the 2007 film, Stomp the Yard.
Al Kapone collaborated with several musicians including E-40, Mike Jones, Too Short, Lil Wyte, Pimp C, Pastor Troy and D-Shot. He co-wrote E-40's "U and Dat" and Lil' Jon's "Snap Yo Fingers" and appeared on fellow Memphis hip hoppers Three 6 Mafia's album, Last 2 Walk, and 8Ball & MJG's, Ridin High.
He has toured with DJ Charlie White and guitarist Matt Uselton,[2] as well as with six piece band of Memphis musicians called Tha Untouchablez. In 2012, Kapone created a music video that encouraged people to vote for Republican Congressional candidate George Flinn, who is challenging Steve Cohen.[3][4]
Kapone lives in Memphis, Tennessee and continues to hold the name as one of the first, if not the first, true underground legends of Memphis, TN. Al Kapone is always supporting his city by collaborating with Memphis underground artist His most recent album singles are "Memphis Pride" and "Twerk Queen". Al also has a feature on Lil Wyte's song M.E.M.P.H.I.S., which has drawn quite a bit of attention. On November 12, 2012, HOT 107.1 held "Al Kapone Day" in honor of Al Kapone’s career.
Al Kapone has graced the Beale Street Music Festival stage several times with such acts as guitarist Brian White and bassist Thomas Davis (from local Memphis bands Hampton Hill and Agent Jane). As part of the annual Memphis in May celebration, ahead of rap legends Public Enemy.[5]
Discography
Albums
- 1992: Street Knowledge: Chapters 1-12
- 1994: Pure Ghetto Anger
- 1994: Sinista Funk
- 1995: Da Resurrection
- 1997: What Cha Got
- 1998: Memphis to the Bombed out Bay
- 2002: Goin' All Out
- 2008: Poppin' Tags (EP)
- 2008: Al Kapeezy Oh Boy - The Hits!!
- 2008: Showdown: Reloaded (with Mr. Sche)
- 2010: Godfather EP
- 2010: Guitar Bump
- 2010: The Kapeezy Soul Hop Experience
Single
- 1992: "Lyrical Drive-By (Indie single)"
- 1997: "What Cha Got Remix"
- 2013: "Memphis Pride"
- 2013: "Twerk Queen"
Compilations
- 1995: Memphiz Undaground Hustlaz Vol. 1
- 2001: Alakatraz Ridaz: The Present & the Past (with Taylor Boyz & Sir Vince)
- 2001: Alkatraz Ridaz Chapter 2 (with Taylor Boyz)
- 2001: Memphis Drama Vol. 1
- 2002: Memphis Drama Vol. 2
- 2002: The Best of Memphis Drama Vol. 1 & 2 Chopped & Screwed
- 2003: Memphis Drama Vol. 3: Outta Town Luv
- 2005: Memphis Drama Vol. 4: Crunk Roots
- 2003: Memphis Untouchables (with The Jerk & Kingpin Skinny Pimp)
- 2005: Showdown (with Mr. Sche)
- 2005: Whoop That Trick
References
- "Hustle & Flow". AMG. 2008. Retrieved 2008-12-06.
- "P.C.P. Muzik: Southern Hospitality". Mixtapekings.com. Archived from the original on 2012-03-22. Retrieved 2012-03-19.
- Kim, Seung Min (October 5, 2012). "GOP hopeful gets own rap song". Politico.
- "George Flinn Official Music Video by Al Kapone ft. DJ Paul". YouTube. October 6, 2012.
- "Beale Street Music Fest".