Houston

Houston, Texas, has a vibrant and influential hip-hop/rap music scene, with a rich history of groundbreaking artists, iconic sounds, and innovative subgenres. Known for its distinctive blend of southern rap, chopped and screwed production, and laid-back vibes, Houston has left an indelible mark on the hip-hop landscape and continues to shape the genre today.

The roots of Houston’s hip-hop scene can be traced back to the 1980s, with pioneering acts like the Geto Boys and the Rap-A-Lot Records label. The Geto Boys, consisting of members Scarface, Willie D, and Bushwick Bill, became synonymous with the city’s gritty, streetwise sound, addressing topics such as social issues, gang life, and mental health in their lyrics.

In the 1990s, Houston’s hip-hop scene further developed its unique identity, with the emergence of DJ Screw and the Screwed Up Click, a collective of rappers and producers associated with the DJ. DJ Screw’s innovative chopped and screwed production technique, which involved slowing down and manipulating tracks to create a syrupy, atmospheric sound, became a defining characteristic of Houston rap music. This style would later evolve into the subgenre known as “Houston chopped and screwed.”

Throughout the 2000s, Houston’s hip-hop scene continued to thrive, with artists like Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Mike Jones, and Chamillionaire achieving both regional and national success. Their music was characterized by its catchy hooks, trunk-rattling basslines, and infectious southern swagger, helping to cement Houston’s status as a hip-hop powerhouse.

In recent years, the city’s hip-hop landscape has continued to evolve, with a new generation of artists like Travis Scott, Megan Thee Stallion, Maxo Kream, and Don Toliver pushing the boundaries of the genre and incorporating elements of both Houston’s traditional sound and contemporary rap trends.