The Soulsville Foundation, built on the rich musical and cultural foundation of Stax Records, will host its 2nd annual “Power of Music Honors” awards show and ceremony Thursday, April 30. The Wu Tang Clan will receive this year’s top honor, the Global Impact Award.
Founded to celebrate music’s role beyond entertainment, Power of Music Honors aims to highlight those who utilize the artform to build communities, create educational opportunities and increase cultural awareness.
The event starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Crosstown Theatre at Crosstown Concourse, 1350 Concourse Ave. A VIP reception will precede the event, starting at 6 p.m.
Since the early 90s, Wu Tang Clan members — Method Man, RZA, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, DJ Mathematics, GZA, Inspectah Deck, Masta Killa, U-God and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard — have been at the forefront of hip hop. But their music wasn’t just hip hop. They were sharing a state of mind, doing things on their own terms. What started as a poetic metaphor and a seemingly survival mechanism in Staten Island reached the world, reflecting the collective’s passion for innovation, inspiration and artistry.
“From the very beginning, our mission has been clear: to create music that educates, uplifts, inspires and makes a meaningful difference,” said John “Mook” Givens. “It’s an honor and privilege to receive this award. We thank you and we will continue to encourage the children of our future.”
Wu Tang Clan is being recognized for their long-standing commitment to social impact through efforts to support youth education, health nutrition, community development and violence prevention, according to the Soulsville Foundation. Through the Wu Tang Foundation, members mentor, provide entrepreneurship education, health and wellness advocacy, and community investment.
Commitment to health and wellness has also become a priority for the foundation, as music can be a conduit for both.
Dr. Žak Ozmo, founder and CEO of the Memphis-based Ozmo Institute for Neuroaesthetics, is receiving the inaugural Health & Wellness award for his groundbreaking work in this arena. He explores how music shapes the brain, health and the human experience.
“Hip-hop and science may seem like different spaces, but they are far more connected than they first appear,” said Pat Mitchell Worley, CEO of Soulsville Foundation. “Both are about understanding systems — how we think, feel and connect. That’s were Dr. Ozmo’s work comes in, translating the emotional and physical responses central to hip-hop and music into a clear understanding of how sound affects the brain and body.”
This year’s awards show will feature the legendary Hi Rhythm Section, widely known for playing behind the Rev. Al Green, Ann Peebles and many other Stax artists. Marcin Arendt, a musician and instructor from Iris Collective, will be the featured violinist. Stax Music Academy’s Alumni Band called 926, and the Academy’s Street Corner Harmonies group will both have a role at Thursday’s festivities. Jared “Jay B.” Boyd, also known as DJ Bizzle Bluebland, will serve as the DJ for the evening.
The Power of Music Honors began in 2025. The inaugural award recipient was Chuck D of Public Enemy. He received the “Reverb Award” for his activism, role as a music historian and his contributions to the global landscape of using music to evoke change.
“I grew up on my mom’s Stax records and to this day, I’m still in total and complete awe of the talent, the genius and the legacy that came out of the soul of Memphis,” said Chuck D. “I am humbled beyond any words to receive this honor and I share it with everyone who came before me, stands alongside me now and will follow us all in the future. Thank you, Soulsville Foundation,” the artist said at the time.
The 2026 Power of Music Honors is open to the public, and there is a special opportunity for musicians to attend. A limited number of “Artist Access” tickets are available for Memphis-area musicians, made possible by donor support. The Foundations wants to make sure artists can attend, connect and participate in the celebration of music as a catalyst for change. Interested artists can fill out this form to be added to the list.
General admission ($50) and VIP tickets ($100) are available through Eventbrite. VIP seating is reserved, while general admission seating is available on a first come, first served basis.
Wu Tang Clan is also scheduled to perform as part of this year’s Riverbeat Music Festival. Their performance is Saturday, May 2 at Tom Lee Park on Riverside Drive.
