BIOGRAPHY
AWARDS, ACCOLADES & HONORS
“Hustle & Flow” Soundtrack
- Contributed three songs to the soundtrack of Craig Brewer and John Singleton’s cult classic film “Hustle & Flow”
- Earned a Critic’s Choice Award for “It Ain’t Over”
- “Whoop That Trick” became an iconic anthem, widely recognized and adopted by sports teams like the Memphis Grizzlies and the University of Memphis
Platinum and Billboard Hits
- Co-wrote top 10 Billboard hits “Snap Yo Fingaz” (Lil Jon) and “U and Dat” (E40 feat. T-Pain)
- Both songs achieved platinum sales, solidifying his status as a multi-platinum songwriter
Film Contributions
- Wrote and produced music for #1 box office movie “Stomp the Yard” featuring Ne-Yo and Chris Brown
- Contributed to the soundtrack of “Cadillac Records” featuring Beyoncé
- Featured a song for the kids animated film “RUMBLE”
Blues Rap Innovator
- Pioneered a new blend of blues and rap with his Blues Rap Mane EP
- Collaborated with renowned artists such as Bobby Rush, Eric Gales, Sir Charles Jones, and Luther Dickinson
Awards and Recognitions
- President of the Memphis Chapter of NARAS (The GRAMMYs)
- Associate Producer and Featured Artist on the documentary film “Take Me to the River”
- Music Executive Producer for the film “Jacir”
Media Features
- Featured in prominent publications like Rolling Stone, The New York Times, and Billboard
- His single “Vice Grip” received airplay on blues and soul stations
Mentorship and Community Involvement
- Passionate about mentoring students from elementary to college levels
- Continues to represent Memphis music globally through performances and educational initiatives
Performances and Appearances
- Performed at major music festivals and venues, showcasing his unique blend of hip hop and blues
Early Life and Musical Influence
Born and raised in a city rich in music history, Memphis native Al Kapone aka Al Kapeezy found himself following in the footsteps of his forefathers Stax, Hi Records, etc. Developing a new Southern hip hop sound in the late 80’s early 90’s Memphis rap that would later become the Southern rap standard.
Film Contributions and Global Spotlight
Craig Brewer and John Singleton’s cult classic film “Hustle and Flow” would thrust Al in the global spotlight. Kapone wrote and produced three songs for the film and soundtrack. The Oscar-winning music would earn Al Kapone a Critic’s Choice Award for “It Ain’t Over.” The “Hustle and Flow” theme song “Whoop That Trick” would become one of the most memorable crunk songs of all time and would be the Memphis Grizzlies, University of Memphis, and many other sports teams’ unofficial fan chant. Al also wrote and produced music for other films such as the #1 box office movie “Stomp the Yard” featuring platinum artists Ne-Yo and Chris Brown, and “Cadillac Records” featuring multi-platinum megastar Beyoncé.
Songwriting Success and Chart-Topping Hits
Al would also go on to co-write top 10 Billboard hits “Snap Yo Fingaz” (Lil Jon) and “U and Dat” (E40 feat. T-Pain). Both songs reached platinum sales making Al Kapone a multi-platinum songwriter.
Current Musical Endeavors and Innovation
Al continues to develop his music career as an artist/performer, pioneering a new blend of blues and rap with his blues band. The Blues Rap Mane EP is available on all streaming sites along with several videos showcasing his new blues rap sound featuring guest appearances from Bobby Rush, Eric Gales, Sir Charles Jones, and Luther Dickinson from NMA to name a few. His single “Vice Grip” is getting airplay on blues soul stations as he is set to tour the blues market with this new sound.
Leadership and Mentorship
Al has been a trailblazer from the beginning and today is no exception. As one of the first hip hop artists to become President of the Memphis Chapter of NARAS (The GRAMMYs). Kapone is also an associate producer and featured artist on the film documentary “Take Me to the River” as well as the music executive producer of the Memphis refugee film “Jacir.” Kapone travels and reps Memphis music globally but one of his biggest passions is mentoring students from elementary to college and all grades in between.