Tommy Wright III plays 529 Nov. 4

The Memphis underground rap legend pays a visit to Atlanta

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Photo credit: Courtesy Tommy Wright III
Tommy Wright III plays 529 Nov. 4.

Memphis legend Tommy Wright III, also known as the One Man Gang, began his rap career in the early ’90s, when he was barely 18 years old. Throughout the Bill Clinton era, Wright became known for his lo-fi sound, unique backbeats and fast-spoken, violent lyrics. After an arrest in 2000, landing him a five-year prison bid, Wright’s career slowed-down greatly.

In 2006 he released a reissue of his 1994 mixtape, Ashes 2 Ashes, Dust 2 Dust, and has played only a few sporadic shows since then. Despite staying fairly off the radar in the aughts, Wright’s following continues to grow, largely due to his status as a pioneer for crunk music, then trap music, as well as his music appearing in both large- and small-scale skate videos.

Now, Wright is back, playing shows, landing interviews, earning endorsements from Red Bull and Undefeated Clothing, as well as self-promoting by commenting on Youtube videos from his personal account, with statements like: “Follow Tommy Wright on Youtube, Twitter, Ig & Facebook. Catch me on tour and hmu for all merch! New shit comin!???’ and “I got so many new songs comin out, I even got a song about hash oil... lol.”

With Divine Interface, Ziggy 2 Playa, Bataille, & DJ Josh Feigert $15. 9 p.m. Sat., Nov. 4. 529. 529 Flat Shoals Ave SE. 404-228-6769. www.529atlanta.com.

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