“Dreamworld” by Blackout has left a lasting impact on the rap landscape, particularly within the Memphis rap scene and beyond. Blackout’s production style, characterized by deep bass, broken hi-hats, and eerie synths, has influenced subsequent generations of artists who appreciate the album’s distinctive and haunting soundscape. The lo-fi production, capturing a nightmarish ambiance, has become a signature element that many artists seek to emulate.

In terms of influence, Blackout’s approach to creating atmospheric and chilling instrumentals has resonated with producers and rappers exploring similar sonic territories. The album’s intense, fever-pitch deliveries, exemplified in tracks like “Mission of a Murda,” have set a precedent for artists aiming to evoke genuine unease and intensity in their music.

While “Dreamworld” may not be as widely recognized in mainstream circles, its influence extends into underground and niche rap communities, where artists value the raw, authentic, and unsettling qualities embedded in the album’s production. The album’s impact is not only confined to its era but continues to reverberate among those who appreciate the unique and influential contributions of Memphis rap in the ’90s.

WYXR 91.7 FM’s “Stereo Sessions” , presented by MEMPHO, offers hi-fi album listening parties at the Memphis Listening Lab.

Memphis Listening Lab
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
FREE