BIOGRAPHY
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.
TIMELINE
TIMELINE
Birth
Alphonzo Bailey, known as Al Kapone, is born in Memphis, Tennessee
1973
1973
Birth
Alphonzo Bailey, known as Al Kapone, is born in Memphis, Tennessee
Early Career
Al Kapone begins developing his Southern hip hop sound in Memphis
March 17, 1992
Releases debut album “Street Knowledge: Chapters 1-12”
May 3, 1994
Releases “Pure Ghetto Anger“
June 2, 1995
Releases “Da Resurrection“
February 25, 1997
Releases “What Cha Got“
1990s
1990s
Early Career
Al Kapone begins developing his Southern hip hop sound in Memphis
March 17, 1992
Releases debut album “Street Knowledge: Chapters 1-12”
May 15, 2001
Releases “Alakatraz Ridaz: The Present & the Past” with Taylor Boyz & Sir Vince
March 12, 2002
Releases “Goin’ All Out”
October 11, 2005
Releases “Whoop That Trick” compilation
August 19, 2008
Releases compilation album “Al Kapeezy Oh Boy – The Hits!!”
2000
2000
May 15, 2001
Releases “Alakatraz Ridaz: The Present & the Past” with Taylor Boyz & Sir Vince
March 12, 2002
Releases “Goin’ All Out”
October 11, 2005
Releases “Whoop That Trick” compilation
August 19, 2008
Releases compilation album “Al Kapeezy Oh Boy – The Hits!!”
2010
2010
Leadership and Mentorship
Serves as President of the Memphis Chapter of NARAS (The GRAMMYs) and mentors young artists
Current Projects
Continues to innovate in music, blending blues and rap, and tours with his new sound
2020
2020
Leadership and Mentorship
Serves as President of the Memphis Chapter of NARAS (The GRAMMYs) and mentors young artists
Current Projects
Continues to innovate in music, blending blues and rap, and tours with his new sound