DJ Spanish Fly, widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Memphis rap, has released a new album built around previously unreleased recordings from the 1990s, offering listeners a look back at the sound that helped shape the city’s hip-hop scene.

“Cadillac Warning,” released through untitled (recs), features 10 tracks that revisit the stripped-down, bass-heavy style Spanish Fly developed while producing music from his bedroom and distributing mixtapes throughout Memphis and the broader South during the 1980s and early 1990s.

The album’s focus track, “U Cain’t Hide,” features longtime collaborator Capt C and reflects on the consequences of betrayal in Memphis.

“Capt C is my brother, and we grew up together in Memphis, where he showed a natural talent for writing, art and graffiti,” Spanish Fly said. “A charismatic MC, breakdancer and later videographer at the legendary Club Expo, he brought huge energy to the city’s early hip-hop scene. I only ever worked with my closest family, and although he was recovering from a shooting when we recorded this track, he delivered a great verse and I’m proud that his contribution lives on and to share it again today.”

The album takes its name from Spanish Fly’s 1978 Cadillac Coupe DeVille, which serves as a recurring symbol throughout the project. According to the release, the vehicle represented street status during a turbulent period in Memphis and doubled as transportation, a mobile headquarters and a way to promote the mixtapes he sold directly to listeners across the South.

The previously unreleased recordings also capture the early sound that later influenced a generation of Memphis artists, including DJ Paul, Juicy J and DJ Squeeky. In recent years, Spanish Fly’s work has also reached new audiences through artists such as A$AP Rocky and his appearance in Netflix’s 2016 documentary series “Hip-Hop Evolution.”

His music has continued to find new listeners through electronic music producers, DJs and cultural figures, including Legowelt, Crystallmess, Berlin-based label PAN and fashion designer Kiko Kostadinov. Spanish Fly also hosts a monthly show on NTS Radio and returned to live performances with a Boiler Room set at Primavera Festival in 2022.

Spanish Fly is also preparing for a European tour that includes stops in Berlin, Antwerp, Amsterdam, Helsinki, Gothenburg, Oslo, Andover, Manchester, Glasgow, London and Dorset.

The album includes the tracks “Who’s The Man,” “U Cain’t Hide” featuring Capt C, “Jealous,” “Badguy,” “Git Buck” featuring Lady Dia, “Cocaine Call,” “Come Back,” “Shake Dat,” “The Medicine” and “Rollin’ In My Cadillac.”