Memphis rap has been has been characterized as being low budget, using repetitive vocal hooks and a "distorted",[3] lo-fi soundscape[2] that uses the Roland TR-808 drum machine[4] and minimal synth melodies.
Alongside a strong drum beat were "cowbell, syncopated rhythms, powerful sub-bass, and sharp digital snares", these elements becoming the hallmarks of the Memphis rap sound.
The dominance of New York and Los Angeles's hip hop scenes forced southern artists to form an underground style and sound to compete with the other regions.
[3] Other early artists and groups associated with Memphis rap include C-Rock, Gangsta Pat, La Chat, Skimask Troopaz, Gimisum Family, Project Pat, Tommy Wright III, Princess Loko, Da Crime Click, II Tone, DJ Squeeky, DJ Zirk, DJ Sound, Blackout, Playa Fly, Gangsta Boo, Al Kapone, Lil Heavy, Mental Ward Click, MC Mack, Lil Noid,[10] 8Ball & MJG and Three 6 Mafia, with the latter two achieving relative commercial success.
[11][12][13] Three 6 Mafia's Mystic Stylez and other releases by members of the group such as Come with Me 2 Hell by DJ Paul and Lord Infamous[14] and Lil Noid's Paranoid Funk[10] were particularly influential in the genre's development.