As the South continues to enjoy unparalleled success in Hip Hop, it would be a major crime to not acknowledge the majority responsible for the Dirty-Dirty’s unearthly stronghold over rap music. So with that being said, it would be impossible, or better yet down right disrespectful, to talk about Southern Hip Hop without recognizing the shear genius of Memphis Rap legend…Playa Fly. Underground King personified…internationally street certified…immovable position on Memphis Mount Rushmore of iconic MCs…and living legend. Can’t be no one else other than a truly larger than life personality who towers as the perfect example of a real Playa and one that puts the F in Fly…Playa Fly.

Born Ibn Young A.K.A Playa Fly in Memphis, Tennessee, he would be raised in, arguably, the city’s most notorious block, South Parkway Street. Growing up in an environment where drug dealing, gang banging, prostitution, carjacking, and murder was a daily norm would have a lasting effect on a young Playa Fly who sadly fell victim to the lure of fast money. As a bon-a-fide hustler to the core, Playa Fly became a certified hood celebrity before the ripe old age of 21. All due largely in part to a reputation that stretched from one end of the city to the other for being a straight up “G” when it comes to getting big money or handling those who opposed him.

Although as street savvy as they come, Playa Fly, who used to record under the performance moniker of Lil Fly, always loved music since he was a young lad and was particularly enamored with the rawness of gangster rap. At a time when many rappers are known for either “not living up to” or “being the extra gangster MCs that claim to be on wax” to the contrary, nothing can be further from the truth in the case of Playa Fly, who only raps about real life experiences.

He was creatively inspired most by deceased icons 2Pac, Marvin Gaye, and Isaac Hayes along with Young MC and his late father Willie David Young, X A.K.A. Bill Chill Ibn, a long-time Muslim who, in addition to recording at the legendary Staxx Records helped to construct it. He was also the man who introduced Playa Fly to music. While his father was a dedicated music man, a lot of the times, unfortunately, both he and Playa Fly’s mother were second generation gangsters who spent large portions of their lives in and out of prison making Fly’s ascension into the thug life a sad “rite of passage.”

In an illustrious career thus far that spans more than two decades, “The Ambassador of All Things Fly” has registered a jaw dropping 2,500 paid show performances and counting of which he’s worked with numerous Hip Hop heavyweights to include, but not limited to, Young Dolph, Pastor Troy, Young Buck, Drumma Boy, Zaytoven, and Eightball & MJG.

Additionally, Playa Fly who is the CEO of “Minnie Mae Muzik,” a record label named in honor of his grandmother, has released countless hood classics, such as: “Just Getting It On” Mixtape; “Fly Shit” Studio Album; “Moving On” Studio Album; “Just Getting It On” Studio Album; “The Game Owe Me” Studio Album; “Fly2K,” Studio Album that came out while he was in prison; “Prepare or Beware: Part 1, Part 2” Mixtape; “King of All Kings” Mixtape hosted by DJ Scream of Hood Rich that cemented his status as…Southern Rap Royalty.