Memphis legend 8Ball has been recognized by the Tennessee Black Caucus for his cultural contributions and humanitarian work.
8Ball received a statement from the Tennessee Black Caucus in Nashville last week recognizing his cultural contributions to Memphis and the broader hip-hop community.
The Memphis legend from Orange Mound was one of the architects of the rise of Southern rap in the 1990s and beyond.
As one half of legendary duo 8Ball and MJG, the rapper helped define the sound and ultimately reshaped hip-hop’s landscape.
The pair met at Ridgeway High School in 1984 and went on to release nine studio albums together, with their debut, Comin’ Out Hard, becoming a cornerstone of the genre.
Their influence extends far beyond record sales. They were inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame in 2018, cementing their place with other giants of the city’s musical heritage.
But the Black Caucus’ recognition focused on things other than his records.
8Ball and his son Lace Wooten founded the Gloria Smith Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to serving Memphis residents.
The foundation is named for Premlo Smith’s mother, honoring her memory while furthering the family’s commitment to community development.
“It’s wonderful to have one of Memphis’ greatest poets recognized at the Capitol, not just for his craft but primarily for his outstanding humanitarian work,” Black Caucus President Jesse Chism emphasized at the ceremony, Fox 13 Memphis reported.
The rapper’s entrepreneurial ventures aren’t limited to philanthropy.
His 8Ball brand of coffee represents another layer of his business portfolio, demonstrating his ability to build businesses that reflect his identity and values.
The city of Memphis also paid tribute to the two rappers with a street tribute to Orange Mound, with Park Avenue renamed MJG Avenue and Airways renamed 8Ball Avenue.
At a street dedication ceremony honoring 8Ball and MJG, the pair reflected on their enduring relevance.
“We thank you, we love you, and keep fighting for the city of Memphis,” they said. They also noted, “We’ve put an incredible amount of time into this and people are still interested in us, they still love our music, and they still keep us relevant.”
Memphis hip-hop pioneers continue to prove that it takes more than just hits to last in the industry. It requires a commitment to the community that birthed its art.
8Ball’s endorsement by the Tennessee Black Caucus reflects this philosophy. His work through the Gloria Smith Foundation, combined with his decades-long career in hip-hop, makes him an example of how artists can use their platforms to effect meaningful change.
The announcement was a reminder that cultural impact extends far beyond album charts and streaming numbers.
