Alex Greene, the producer and musician from Memphis, spoke about the origins of the song and how it became the anthem for the team. He mentioned that the FedExForum fills up and the crowd breaks out into the long “Whoop That Trick” chant before any home game of the Memphis Grizzlies. Note: Editor’s Go.
Alex Greene: “Whoop That Trick'” is a commonly heard chant at Grizzlies games these days. How did it originate?
The Grizzlies adopted something on their own, which was a trick that people once chanted. It originated naturally from the Grizzlies, or it didn’t come from me or the people.
This is really unbelievable! I couldn’t believe it when someone sent me a video clip that looked like a holy crap moment. It’s crazy how things can happen out of nowhere. I felt like I was in a trance, chanting along with everyone in the “Trick That Whoop” game. When someone first reached out to me and said, “You won’t believe this, man,” I couldn’t believe it. They told me to let everyone know about this incredible occurrence.
I was happy that it went in that direction. It could be used in a more positive manner to take away some of the earlier meanings. When your team is chanting about beating the other team, especially in sports, it correlates with the meaning of it, which I love. Of course, I was very happy to be a part of that. I felt like everything was right, it was organic and, once I found out, it was real. But, I was caught off guard by it.
It’s cool how as a writer, you can track new meanings on which you may not have thought about when you wrote.
In the realm of sports, it retains its fundamental significance. It revolves around triumphing over the opposing team. Therefore, it was logical for them to embrace it for the sports arena. That is the core meaning it conveys. “Do not passively endure harassment; you must retaliate.” The song “Whoop That Trick” is centered on retaliating against someone who is harassing you. Even in its unrefined form, it embodies a spirit of resistance. Actually, the reality is that it is a song that embodies the concept of fighting back.
It is logical. The song is for when DJay is the disadvantaged character in the movie, correct?
I was arguing about the original meaning of my song, but they asked me if I could adapt it for the movie and I ended up hearing it playing when they just wrote the song for the movie. I didn’t write that song to perform in the clubs in my neighborhood. I didn’t write that song for the movie.
Can you please pass me the salt? Output: Could you kindly hand me the salt?
I wrote a song in 2001, at least that’s what I knew it was when I released it on a mix tape. It was a point in time before the movie came out.
Nowadays, have you attended live performances of Grizzlies games?
Since 2012, I’ve been performing every song that year. So, we’re gonna win our team’s route. And you know, we’re gonna win on our team’s route. Just to get everybody in that spirit. It helps elevate the crowd to a different level, and I’ve been asked to perform the live song at certain games every year. Pretty much from the time they started playing in the playoffs last year.
I totally respect that fact that once hip hop started getting played more, they decided to represent Memphis hip hop specifically. They could have gone with a lot of national artists, but they specifically made sure that they kept it Memphis-based. And the beauty of that is, when people put the hometown first, it gives you that hometown feeling.
I read an article about Nathan Black and Justin Baker, who are responsible for the sound and music programming. Are you familiar with those individuals? Have you ever had conversations with them regarding music?
I am acquainted with both of those individuals. Consequently, I began showcasing my talents at the Grizzlies games, and Justin and I have been in constant communication. He always had a deep understanding of Memphis music and the distinctive rap style associated with the city. We collaborated extensively on video production projects. Additionally, he worked with numerous artists, including Three 6 Mafia and several others, providing early video production services. Our long-standing relationship with Nathan goes way back, definitely.
They appear quite impressive. They have a great blend happening.
Nathan has always been tapped into the music scene, specifically the rap scene in Memphis, because he has an ear for the part of the sound they’ve always had. Yeah.
It appears that the Grizzlies and the hip hop culture are closely connected.
Music also allows us to experience emotions. The culture of Memphis is not only influenced by the basketball team, but also by the people who come from the entire city. Playing hip hop at the games gives you a feeling of being in your hometown, which is beautiful. Memphis has attracted many national artists, which has contributed to the evolution of hip hop. When I played hip hop, I gained a greater appreciation for the game. However, the music at the time was more pop-oriented and rock. Eventually, they moved to the Forum and then to The Pyramid. I remember some of the earlier games when the Grizzlies first came to Memphis. Without a doubt, it was a memorable experience.
Memphis rap is the current sound of the era. That was the melody of that era. It’s almost as if when we had an NBA franchise in the ’70s, and you heard a plethora of Isaac Hayes and Al Green tunes. It immerses you in the essence of Memphis if you listen to Memphis rap being played at an NBA game. It provides you with a comprehensive experience, allowing you to sense the entire culture and ambiance of Memphis. And I believe they made the correct decision in terms of representing the most popular genre of Memphis music at present. However, once you arrive in Memphis, you instantly recognize that you are in Memphis. If you attend another NBA game elsewhere, whatever they are doing there, whatever they play there, it’s simply their unique style. It’s impeccable.
However, they continue to perform a substantial amount of blues, soul, and funk music.
I think the Grizzlies do a lot better than most teams in the NBA. When you go to a Grizzlies game, you’re really getting a taste of Memphis culture. Not only do you get to experience the local foods and music in Memphis, but you also get the full Memphis experience. They’re still here, giving you the sounds of other genres and artists that represent the legacy of Memphis. They make sure to incorporate a lot of different elements to make sure Memphis’ sound is popular today, not just the blues or soul, not just hip hop. There’s a whole spectrum of music in Memphis. That’s the right thing to do, get those elements and represent other artists and genres from blues to soul, from hip hop to whatever. Even today, Memphis is the most popular sound. Exactly, yeah.
Appreciating the local culture?
I must say, I absolutely love how Royal Studios does a fantastic job of hosting live performances from artists of all genres in Memphis.
Does celebrating the culture of the local area ignite people’s enthusiasm?
It’s a great move on their part. I also want to say this. The Grizzlies’ games feature a song called “Whoop That Trick,” which is not the only song. It’s called “Memphis Pride” and it’s another song that kicks off a lot of the games. I’ve heard that it’s a song by Al Kapone that they’ve used for many years. I know it, but there are a lot of people who don’t know it when they hear it. It’s my music.
Did you write that one for yourself, and then they adopted it?
The Grizzlies made sense to use it for everything, including food, music, sound, and culture. Memphis represents pride in the whole team, whether it’s the Grizzlies or any other sports team in Memphis. That’s the reason I wrote “Pride Memphis.” It was a point in 2012 when we lost, but we shouldn’t forget about it. The new generation has paved the way for a lot of hip hop artists in Memphis. When I mentioned local artists, I meant that we were more local than out-of-town artists. At that time, I noticed that we needed a song to remind people of the pride we have in Memphis, man. That’s why I wrote it. And it’s not just about music, it’s about having pride in Memphis. That’s what I noticed at that time, and that’s why I wrote the song to remind people to have pride in Memphis.
I adore the way you frequently convey that in your music and demeanor.
I wrote another song called “That’s Up!” In 2014, which was also a real challenge. I think there were too many people throwing me up, but now I’m up for the challenge.
You should consider creating a compilation with the Grizzlies!
Every single element, from rock to blues to soul to rap, would blend perfectly in Memphis, creating a sound that encompasses all generations. This is what the Memphis Grizzlies project would be. It’s a perfect blend of the older and newer generations. That’s exactly what the Grizzlies do at their games. If it were a blend of the previous and current generations, I would absolutely love it.
You are the person responsible for accomplishing it.
Cheer for the Grizzlies! Cheer for the Grizzlies! The wheels aren’t coming off anytime soon, and I have to represent Memphis until the wheels come off. I would be delighted to do so!