Bet You Didn’t Know: Secrets Behind The Making Of “Hustle & Flow”

Memphis Musicians

Many Memphis musicians were referenced or made cameos in the film. Check out the list of musicians below — including Isaac Hayes.

The character Shelby (DJ Qualls) was named after Memphis singer-songwriter Shelby Bryant.

• – In one scene, Shelby wears a T-shirt with Sam Phillips’ Memphis Recording Service studio logo.
• – In another scene, Shelby wears a T-shirt of a local country-rock band named Lucero.
• – The original score featured many Memphis studio musicians from Stax Records, the legendary Memphis-based record label.
• -Isaac Hayes played the character Arnel. Hayes recorded for Stax Records in real life.
• -In the film, David Porter’s 1974 album “Vicitm of the Joke?” was featured on DJay’s work table.
• -Otis Redding — who record for Stax Records — is referenced in the film.
• -“Jesus is Waiting” by Al Green was played in one scene.
• -Josey Scott of the Memphis band Saliva played a store owner in the film.
• -Paul Beauregard played DJay’s neighbor while Jordan Houston played Skinny Black’s (Ludacris) brother.
• – Local rappers Haystak and Free Sol had cameos in the film.