The honorary naming of Park Avenue and Airways Boulevard after two pioneers of Memphis rap was set to start at 2 p.m. But like many a rap concert . . . let’s just say it took a little while for the ceremony to get underway.
But when it did, Orange Mound showed up and showed out for two of their own, 8Ball & MJG, who have officially written their names on these streets: 8Ball Blvd. & MJG Ave.
This weekend, Memphis rap legends 8Ball and MJG were honored with an intersection named after them in their home neighborhood of Orange Mound. The corner of Park Avenue and Airways Boulevard has been officially renamed 8Ball Boulevard and MJG Avenue in recognition of the duo’s lasting contributions to music and Memphis culture.
“I wanna say hey to my Mama!” 8Ball said in accepting the honor. “I ain’t got much to say, everybody here know me and him.”
He paused for a second, emotional, before continuing.
“I wish Gangsta Boo was here to see this,” he said. “And I wish Dolph was here to see this. I know they both would be here right now. I love y’all, mane!”
Gangsta Boo (Lola Chantrelle Mitchell) and Young Dolph (Adolph Robert Thornton Jr.) were two influential figures in the Memphis rap scene, both of whom tragically passed away.
Gangsta Boo, one of the first female members of the iconic Memphis rap group Three 6 Mafia, was a pioneering voice for women in Southern hip-hop until her death on Jan. 1, 2023, at the age of 43. Young Dolph was a celebrated Memphis rapper known for his gritty lyrics and business acumen. He was gunned down in 2021 as part of an ongoing rap beef. His killer was convicted last week by a Shelby County Jury.
The street naming ceremony was attended by city officials, including Mayor Paul Young and Police Chief CJ Davis, alongside a crowd of fans. Both 8Ball and MJG expressed deep gratitude for the honor. MJG shared words of encouragement for the younger generation, emphasizing the importance of self-belief, while 8Ball reflected on the significance of the moment.
A Legacy Born in Memphis
8Ball (Premro Smith) and MJG (Marlon Jermaine Goodwin) formed their iconic hip-hop duo in the early 1990s after meeting at Ridgeway Middle School in Memphis. They quickly became pioneers of Southern rap with their debut album, “Comin’ Out Hard,” released in 1993 under Suave House Records. The album was a critical success and laid the foundation for Southern hip-hop’s rise in the mainstream music scene.
Over the years, 8Ball and MJG have released several influential albums, including “On Top of the World” and “In Our Lifetime.” Their storytelling prowess and smooth delivery have earned them a loyal fan base and respect from artists nationwide. They are known for hits like “Space Age Pimpin'” and collaborations with other major artists, contributing to the growth and recognition of Memphis in the hip-hop industry.
The renaming of this intersection not only honors their contributions but also celebrates their deep connection to the streets of Memphis, as they famously said, “the streets are a part of us.”​
