Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 20 minutes ago
Dubbed the “godfather of Memphis Rap,” pioneering producer and rapper DJ Spanish Fly created the city’s unique sound over 40 years ago. This laid the foundation for Southern rap and eventually, the rise of Atlanta trap – a sound that dominated worldwide for nearly a decade and transformed the mainstream music landscape. Today, this influence continues to resonate in contemporary phonk, Baile Funk, and rap music across the globe.
After a rare live set at London’s ORMSIDE Projects, hosted by life is beautiful records, DJ Spanish Fly explained how he created a sound that was a reflection of Memphis’ gritty reality, but also an escape from it.
Dubbed the “godfather of Memphis Rap,” pioneering producer and rapper DJ Spanish Fly created the city’s unique sound over 40 years ago. This laid the foundation for Southern rap and eventually, the rise of Atlanta trap – a sound that dominated worldwide for nearly a decade and transformed the mainstream music landscape. Today, this influence continues to resonate in contemporary phonk, Baile Funk, and rap music across the globe.
After a rare live set at London’s ORMSIDE Projects, hosted by life is beautiful records, DJ Spanish Fly explained how he created a sound that was a reflection of Memphis’ gritty reality, but also an escape from it.
