Introduction
Tommy Wright III (born May 6, 1976) is an underground gangsta rapper. He began rapping in Memphis, Tennessee during the 1990s and is considered to be an early pioneer for fast paced rap in South Memphis. Wright is currently signed with Street Smart Records.
Early life
Tommy Wright III, otherwise known as the 1 Man Gang, is an early Gangsta Rap pioneer from South Memphis. Tommy Wright III set the tone of rap with a fast paced style, gaudy and sinister lyrics, and classic beats. His influence of rap style impacted the Genres of Gangsta Rap, Crunk music, and Trap music. Growing up, Tommy Wright had a difficult time with charges ranging from small misdemeanors, from possession to guns and drugs. However, this did not stop Tommy Wright from producing music, despite the difficult time with lawyers and drug charges. He began producing music during the late 80s, however, he gained a bigger following during the late 90s.
Musical career
Growing up in Memphis, Tommy Wright began producing music using the 4-track recording equipment. Between 1992 and 2001, he released five self-produced solo albums, two more with group Ten Wanted Men, owned, operated and produced the entirety of Street Smart Record’s discography and previewed – if possibly never distributed – a street documentary, Behind Closed Doors, for which there’s also a soundtrack. He eventually signed with Street Smart Records around 1994, which was the label that cosigned most of his albums.
Resurgence
Despite stepping back from the music industry after 2001's Behind Closed Doors (Da Soundtrack), Tommy Wright III maintained a cult following through the 2000s and 2010s.
Discography
Albums
- Memphis Massacre (Cass, MiniAlbum, Mixed) 1992
- Ashes 2 Ashes, Dust 2 Dust 1994
- Runnin-N-Gunnin (Cass, Album) 1995
- On The Run 1996
- Tommy Wright* & Ten Wanted Men - 10 Toes Down (Cass, Album) 1997
- Feel Me Before They Kill Me 1998
- NASHVILLE TAKEOVER (Cass, Album) 2016
Compilations
- Greatest Hits (Cass, Comp) 1997
- Genesis (Greatest Underground Hits) 2000
- Behind Closed Doors (Da Soundtrack) 2001