DJ Spanish Fly
Images
The Godfather of Memphis Rap
DJ Spanish Fly
DJ Spanish Fly, born Antonio D. Kimbrough, is a pioneering figure in hip-hop, celebrated as the godfather of Memphis rap. Emerging in the mid-1980s, he revolutionized the Southern sound with his innovative use of heavy bass, eerie melodies, and Roland TR-808 drum machines. His raw, streetwise lyrics and DIY approach made tracks like “Get Buck” and “Gangsta Walk” staples of Memphis’ underground scene. “Gangster Walk” gave birth to an eponymous dance, considered the precursor of Jookin’, now a worldwide phenomenon.
His sound spoke to the realities of life in Memphis, from gritty depictions of urban struggles to celebratory tracks about club life and street dancing. His DIY approach to producing and distributing music—often through cassette tapes passed around locally—helped democratize hip-hop production in the South.
Fly deeply influenced local legends like Three 6 Mafia, 8Ball & MJG, and the rise of crunk and trap music. Known for bridging Memphis’ cultural roots with cutting-edge production, his legacy endures in the chart-topping rap of today.