Synopsis

In Memphis, pimp and small-time hustler DJay decides to pursue an unlikely second career as a rapper. With help from friends, he turns personal frustration and street experience into songs, hoping to attract the attention of local rap star Skinny Black. Recording music gives DJay a new sense of purpose, but his criminal lifestyle and strained relationships threaten to derail his ambition.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film was shot in Memphis, Tennessee, and uses the city's neighborhoods, music culture, and local speech patterns as an essential part of its identity.

• Made for approximately $2.8 million, the film became a commercial success, earning about $23.5 million in theaters.

• The soundtrack helped bring Memphis hip-hop to a wider audience. Local rapper Al Kapone became involved after a mistaken phone call led to him being asked to audition with an original song within 24 hours.

• Kapone's work was so well received that additional songs of his were included on the soundtrack.

• Three 6 Mafia and Frayser Boy contributed "It's Hard out Here for a Pimp," which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 78th Academy Awards in 2006.

• Members of Three 6 Mafia also appear in the film, strengthening its connection to the Memphis rap scene.

• The film received two Academy Award nominations: Best Actor and Best Original Song.