Memphis, Tennessee is known for birthing some of the industry’s most raunchy gangster rappers but a new generation is trying to make their presence felt, a more lighthearted, lyrically inclined generation. And a 21-year-old emcee by the name of Marco Pavé is on a mission to grab his spot in the “New Memphis” movement. Marco Pavé, is poised to lead the revival. This born and bred Memphis native is an amazing lyricist with a distinct style and charisma that appeals to the triple crown of rap enthusiasts: the purists, the radio lovers, and the eclectic hipster. With a laid back demeanor that contradicts his energetic music and performance style Marco explains: “I make music for everyone. I like to cross genres, rock with hip-hop, hip-hop with dub step, etc. But what I love most is to just drop straight through on a beat, telling a deep ass story.
Born Tauheed Rahim II, Pavé has been rapping since the tender age of eight. Influenced by hip-hop heavyweights like Tupac and Jay-Z, he has set out to make music that will separate him from his grimy Memphis rap counterparts.
Music was not always at the top of his list but during his freshman year in high school, Pavé had a near-death experience when he was nearly shot in the face by his best friend. “I felt like I must be here for a reason. From that point on I never took my music lightly again.”
Marco began seriously pursuing music in 2012. While he originally thought that being a
rapper was only about making music, he slowly came to realize that it takes more than releasing music to actually build a fan base.
Fast-forward to 2013 and Marco Pavé began his performance assault on the local music scene. Starting out on the Open Mic scene, Pavé honed his skills at local events such as The Word and HypeLife Local Artist Showcase. After a couple of months his hard work paid off and Marco Pavé found himself opening up for Skewby at the Historic Hi Tone. Marco has shared the same stage with major artists such as Waka Flocka, MGK, and Haystak.
Committed to his community as well as his music, Marco Pavé begins to use his music to positively impact those around him. Marco Pavé created “Books on Beale” a benefit concert that promotes literacy in the Mid-South. The concert featured over 12 local acts and over 15 sponsors who collectively pooled over 20,000 in resources. Books on Beale led to Nat Atkin, Director of Storybooth at Crosstown Arts to name a future library after Marco Pavé.
Rounding out an astounding 2013; Marco was featured in best-selling author Dr. Joyce Knudsen’s book Successful Failures: Wisdom for Aspiring Musicians. The book featured a Grammy award winning artist, a Top Ten American Idol contestant, and many more. Marco was contacted by Mayor AC Wharton to create a song that focused on several key issues within the city of Memphis, leading Pave to create the single “Dividends” featuring DJ Quinn Raynor. That song has been featured in over 30 blogs and aired on WYPL Channel 18 in early 2014.
2013 ended with Pavé appearing on several local television shows and signing a publishing deal with Simply Grand Music, and 2014 saw him performing both solo around Memphis, and with artist Kevin Gates. The potential for this year is endless. When asked what can his fans expect from him this year? Pavé answered simply “The unexpected.” 
