Houston, Texas is a capital of hip hop culture that has produced some of rap’s biggest stars. Home to acclaimed MCs like Scarface and Devin the Dude as well as new school talents like Megan Thee Stallion, H-Town has cultivated a vibrant local scene and influenced hip hop nationwise. This article spotlights the 7 best rappers holding it down for Houston.
Here We Go with 7 Best Houston Rappers
1. DJ Screw
No Houston rapper was more influential in establishing the city’s culture than the late, great DJ Screw. Known for pioneering “chopped and screwed” mixes that slowed down tracks and added echo effects, Screw essentially birthed Houston’s syrupy, laidback sound. In addition to hundreds of acclaimed mixtapes, Screw formed the Screwed Up Click with rappers like Fat Pat. His unique remixing and southern style changed hip hop forever.
2. Scarface
As lead rapper of the legendary Geto Boys, Scarface put Houston on the map back in the late 1980s and 1990s. Tracks like “Mind Playing Tricks On Me” and “Damn It Feels Good To Be A Gangsta” mixed haunting production with Face’s gifted storytelling. As a solo artist, his albums like The Diary and The Fix are masterpieces. Widely respected as the “King of the South,” Scarface is Houston hip hop royalty.
3. Lil Flip
This freestyle beast from Houston’s Southside rose to fame in the early 2000s with his quickfire delivery and mixtape grind. His double platinum-selling major label debut U Gotta Feel Me spawned Texas anthems like “Sunshine” and “Game Over.” Known for annihilating other rappers in battle, Lil Flip put Houston on top during the era’s mixtape explosion. His latter albums like Underground Legend keep H-Town’s raw energy thriving. Check out more interesting topics at our Blog.
4. Z-Ro
One of Houston’s most prolific talents, Z-Ro earned the nickname “Mo City Don” through his early independent domination. Starting in 1998, he unleashed a series of solo albums including Look What You Did To Me that made him a Texas rap kingpin. Z-Ro’s blunted slow flow sounds almost like singing but hits hard as he details street life. Over two decades later, Z-Ro’s gritty storytelling makes him Houston royalty.
5. Paul Wall
This grilled enthusiast emerged from Houston’s underground in the early 2000s alongside Chamillionaire. As a duo they earned Texas fanfare before Paul Wall’s 2005 major label debut The People’s Champ went platinum behind hits like “Sittin’ Sidewayz.” Wall’s slick punchlines and references to candy paint and swangas defined a Houston sound and style. These days he stays independent while touring and releasing new music.
6. Megan Thee Stallion
The hottest new Houston rapper is undoubtedly Megan Thee Stallion. Gaining buzz with flamboyant freestyles, she broke nationwide with hit singles like “Big Ole Freak” and “Hot Girl Summer.” Her 2020 album Good News went platinum showcasing her quick flow and confident sexuality. From her rapid-fire bars to alter ego Tina Snow, Megan represents a new era for female Houston MCs.
7. Travis Scott
Hailing from Missouri City, Travis Scott began as Kid Cudi’s protege before launching into superstardom. The producer and vocal stylist broke big with rodeo mixtape in 2015, then sealed the deal with Antidote and acclaimed albums like Astroworld. His psychedelic lyrics bridge underground and pop realms. With his reverence for Houston legends, Scott passes tradition to a new generation.
Conclusion
Houston has gifted hip hop classic albums, music, and culture. These 7 MCs represent the diversity of sounds coming out of the city, from DJ Screw’s slow mixes to Travis Scott’s trippy rap. A local spirit for independence, creativity, and hustle fuels H-Town. A part from Houston you might be intereste to kno more about mexican rappers and atlanta rappers. With new voices like Megan Thee Stallion emerging alongside OGs like Scarface, expect Houston rap to keep thriving on its own terms.
FAQs About Houston Rappers
Who is the most famous rapper from Houston?
The most famous and successful Houston rapper worldwide is arguably Beyoncé, who was born and raised in the city. Other massively popular Houston rappers include Travis Scott, Megan Thee Stallion, and Paul Wall within hip hop culture.
Who started Houston rap?
The origins of Houston’s hip hop scene trace back to pioneers like Jamaal Mays (MC Shanne), Raheem, and K-Rino in the late 1980s. Legendary DJ Screw then helped launch Houston’s music to greater heights in the 1990s.
Is Drake from Houston?
Despite his popularity and connections to Southern rap styles, Drake is not from Houston – he is from Toronto, Canada originally. Drake is signed to Rap-A-Lot Records, but was just shown love by Houston figures like J Prince early on.
Who is the king of Houston rap?
Scarface is widely considered the king or “Godfather” of Houston hip hop due to his hugely influential career starting with the Geto Boys in the late 1980s. Other Houston rap legends include DJ Screw, Bun B, Z-Ro, and Paul Wall.
What record label started Houston rap?
The most consequential record label in launching Houston rap was Rap-A-Lot Records, founded by J Prince in 1987. Rap-A-Lot and mogul J Prince were hugely impactful in breaking acts like Geto Boys, Devin the Dude, and Scarface out of Houston.