DJ Spanish Fly
DJ Spanish Fly | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Antonio D. Kimbrough |
| Also known as | DJ Spanish Fly, Spanish Fly, D. J. Spanish Fly, D.J. Spanish Fly |
| Born | January 16, 1970 Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Origin | Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | DJ, Producer, Rapper, Writer |
| Instruments | |
| Years active | 1980s–present |
DJ Spanish Fly (born Antonio D. Kimbrough January 16, 1970) is an American DJ, rapper, writer, and music producer from Memphis, Tennessee. Known as the "Godfather of Memphis Rap," he is credited with pioneering the Memphis rap scene and influencing the development of the PHONK genre. DJ Spanish Fly also introduced the "jooking" dance style.
Early Life
[edit]DJ Spanish Fly was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, in the South Memphis neighborhood of Clementine, near Elvis Presley Blvd. Growing up in a city with a rich musical heritage, he was exposed to blues, soul, and funk, which significantly influenced his musical development.[1]
Career
[edit]Spanish Fly began his career in the mid-1980s, DJing at local parties and clubs. He was part of the "True Blue Cru," a group known for its dedication to hip-hop and unique promotional methods. His early performances were marked by beatboxing, rapping, and mixing, which led to his residency at Club No Name, a key venue in Memphis.[2][3]
By the late 1980s, DJ Spanish Fly was a prominent figure in Memphis, known for transforming the local music scene with his slower, bass-heavy sound featuring 808 beats and gangsta themes. His mixtapes, distributed across the South, played a crucial role in establishing the Memphis rap sound.[1]
His mixtapes were influential across the South, often copied and shared at major events like Mardi Gras in New Orleans and Freaknik in Atlanta. His work laid the groundwork for future Memphis artists, including Three 6 Mafia, 8Ball & MJG, DJ Squeeky, and others.[3]
DJ Spanish Fly remains active, continuing to perform and produce new music. He has collaborated with various artists and featured on albums like Three 6 Mafia's Las 2 Walk (2008). His ongoing influence is evident in contemporary Southern rap.[3]
Influence and legacy
[edit]DJ Spanish Fly is considered a pioneer of Memphis rap, a genre characterized by its dark, lo-fi beats and explicit lyrics. His work at clubs like "No Name" and "Expo" during the late 1980s and early 1990s marked a significant shift from disco to a more aggressive, underground sound.[2][4]
Spanish Fly's influence on the genre was highlighted in Season 4 of the Netflix series Hip Hop Evolution, which explores his impact on Memphis rap and the broader hip-hop landscape.[5]
DJ Spanish Fly's contributions to hip-hop have been acknowledged locally and nationally. In 2006, he received the Pioneer of Memphis Hip-Hop award from the Unified Memphis Artist Association (UMAA). His influence is recognized by artists such as Three 6 Mafia, Project Pat, and Yo Gotti.[1]
Discography
[edit]DJ Spanish Fly maintained an independent approach throughout his career, producing and distributing his music outside traditional industry channels. His notable mixtapes from the late 1980s and early 1990s include:
- Triggaman Break (1988)
- Smokin’ Onion (1989)
- Get Buck Motherf**a* (1990)
- DJ Spanish Fly: The Mixtape (1991)
See Also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c Garland, Phyl (2010). "The Southern Sound: DJ Spanish Fly's Influence on Hip-Hop". Hip-Hop Digest.
- ^ a b Jones, Michael (2015). "How DJ Spanish Fly Shaped the Memphis Rap Scene". Southern Music Magazine.
- ^ a b c Smith, John (2018). The History of Memphis Rap. Memphis: Bluff City Press.
- ^ Quietus, The (2011-01-25). "808 State Of Mind: Proto-Crunk Originator DJ Spanish Fly". The Quietus. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
- ^ "Hip Hop Evolution: Season 4". Netflix. Retrieved 2024-08-28.