Controversy Over Three 6 Mafia Performance in Memphis

A small controversy has arisen over a planned performance by Three 6 Mafia at the upcoming Beale Street Music Festival in the group’s hometown of Memphis. Local columnist Wendi C. Thomas has called for the group to be banned from the festival which is part of the city’s Memphis in May celebration. “The time is now to declare war on misogynistic music,” Thomas writes in The Commercial Appeal. “We could begin by ending this city's love affair with the home-grown ghetto darlings Three 6 Mafia, who have given us "It's Hard Out Here For A Pimp," at least seven songs with "ho" in the title, and another that instructs women to lick their testicles.” While MIM board chairman Howard Robertson told Thomas that neither he nor any other board members condone lyrics that demean women, there are no plans to cancel the performance or replace Three 6 Mafia. "I don't have that big a problem with them personally," said Kevin Kane, president of the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau and a MIM board member. Thomas has asked Memphis residents to sign a letter of protest, call and email board members, and boycott the festival if necessary.