Southern Rap

Jambalaya Festival at Bayou Music Center, 5/23/2013

Jambalaya Festival Bayou Music Center May 23, 2013 Ingredients: Houston, Texas A roomful of screaming, dancing teens G-Eazy, RL Grime, Big Boi, Zeds Dead, Earlwolf Instructions: 1. Open the doors of Bayou Music Center at approximately 4 p.m. Allow scores of teenage hip-hop enthusiasts t ... More >>

All the Rappers Who Will Be Here All-Star Weekend, Part 1

Two days ago, a complete stranger calmly approached me at the airport. Her demeanor was kind, she didn't have any noticeable body odor and gave off a friendly vibe. I smirked before she started the painstaking task of carrying out small talk. "Hey, are you from here?" she asked. My brain wanted my ... More >>

Inglorious Basterds

12 things we learned about Houston rap in 2012.

Trae, Z-Ro

The Rest of the Best: Houston's Top 5 Hip-Hop Venues

5. Grooves of Houston Grooves is an apropos name for this Third Ward hot spot: It's groovy. Besides hip-hop and R&B, the club also also plays jazz, which probably accounts for the mixed bag of ages found here. One word of caution, though: Get there early, and dress to impress. Grooves' popularity me ... More >>

Trae and Z-Ro

Ask A Rapper: Reggie Eviscerates Rap's Worst Diss Tracks

The hip-hop world is a less than sensible place -- lots of times, you're even required to clarify when bad means bad and when bad means good -- so once a week we're going to get with a rapper and ask them to explain things. Something you always wanted to ask a rapper? E-mail sheaserrano@gmail.com. ... More >>

Zombies & Texans: This Week In Houston Rap Videos

​Ah, rappers and music videos. Some are vehicles for self-promotion, others are tools used to promote a message, a gaggle of asses or some good ol' wholesome debauchery. In the case of the Houston rap class, music videos are always eye opening glimpses into the future, either telling what a ta ... More >>

Jon Black Dreams Up Five Collaborations The World Needs

The hip-hop world is a less than sensible place -lots of times, you're even required to clarify when bad means bad and when bad means good- so once a week we're going to get with a rapper and ask them to explain things. Have something you always wanted to ask a rapper? Email it to sheaserrano@gmail. ... More >>

Review: How Dangerous Is Propain's Dangerous Mind?

"Bad boy, no Will Smith. I wear these big ass jeans 'cause I'm trying to steal shit. Bitch." --Propain, "The Bad Guy" Propain is a calculus. Propain is an oak tree. Propain is an ornery, pinch-mouthed menace. Propain is not smiling. Propain is FUCK YOU. Propain is hard screen set by a power ... More >>

Slim Thug, Paul Wall and Chamillionaire Get Behind the Texans

​Slim Thug posted a video today for #ThugThursday simply titled "Houston" that is all about the Texans and he invited Paul Wall and Chamillionaire along for the ride, which we assume is not dirty. The song, which opens with and samples throughout the NFL on Fox theme song (much better than th ... More >>

Rap Round Table: Who is Currently the Best Producer in Rap?

Some rappers happen to be thoughtful, intelligent people. Each week Rocks Off will have some of them here discussing issues relevant to their culture. Photo illustration by John Seaborn Gray​This Week's Panel: Slim Thug, Mug, Yung Redd, Delo, Preemo, Chane, Brad Gilmore, Herney the Great, Mic ... More >>

Rappers Predict The Best & Worst Of BET's Hip-Hop Awards

Some rappers happen to be thoughtful, intelligent people. Every Monday that isn't a national holiday, Rocks Off will have some of them here discussing issues relevant to their culture. This Week's Panel: Preemo, Kyle Hubbard, Brad Gilmore, Medicine Girl, D-Risha, Kiotti, Chane, Renzo, Mic Skills, ... More >>

BestFest Single-Day Passes Now On Sale For $25

Marco TorresBun B: As trill as it gets.​You asked for it, you got it. Like KISS. Now, right now, you can buy single-day passes for this weekend's Best of Houston® BestFest on the festival's Web site, bestfesthouston.com. If the virtual ticket window isn't quite ready, give it a minute or to ... More >>

Last Night: Lil Wayne & Friends At The Woodlands

Photos by Marco Torres​Lil Wayne, Rick Ross (feat. Bun B, Trae & Ace Hood), Keri Hilson Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion September 11, 2001 "Three things I want you to know about myself," Lil Wayne told the Woodlands Pavillion at the start of Sunday night's show: 1. "I believe in God." 2. "I ... More >>

Chamillionaire Comes Aboard BestFest Lineup

Marco TorresChamillionaire at House of Blues, April 2010​Remember that announcement Rocks Off promised you about another addition to next month's Best of Houston® BestFest lineup lo those many years months days hours ago? Like, yesterday? Here it is: Chamillionaire. Sorry it took so long, ... More >>

What Was The Biggest Surprise At Sunday's BET Awards?

Some rappers happen to be thoughtful, intelligent people. Every Monday (or thereabouts), Rocks Off will have some of them here discussing issues relevant to their culture. Photos illustration by John Seaborn Gray​This Week's Panel: Bun B, Slim Thug, Killa Cal Wayne, Kiotti, Mac, Yung Chill, C ... More >>

Bun B Resolves To Really Grind In 2011

Some rappers happen to be thoughtful, intelligent people. Every Monday that isn't a national holiday, Rocks Off will have some of them here discussing issues relevant to their culture. Photo illustration by John Seaborn Gray​This Week's Panel: Bun B, Lil Flip, Killa Kyleon, K-Rino, H-Kane, Ky ... More >>

Top 10 Houston Rap Albums Of 2010

Of course it's on here. But where?​This, as you've (hopefully) read, was a standout year for Houston rap. In addition to the shuffling that went on at the tip-top of the food chain (Bun, Slim, Trae, Paul, Cham, Z-Ro, Devin and even Lil' Flip all moved spots on the Name The Best, Most Important ... More >>

Today's Lesson: How To Lose $27K And End Up In Court

​Lately Rocks Off's readers have been getting a steady stream of what not to do when it comes to booking and promoting shows. Last week we learned that when an artist scheduled to play your venue shows up for their gig, it's a good idea to have enough money - either cash on hand or in your che ... More >>

The Stories Behind Five H-Town Rap Anthems

​You know the song as soon as the beat drops. You rap them better than the artists themselves do at concerts. You'll slap your little brother for butchering the lyrics. But do you know the real life stories behind these five H-town rap anthems? Pull up a chair, grab a bag of popcorn, and a co ... More >>

What Were Rap's Best And Worst Events Of 2010?

Some rappers happen to be thoughtful, intelligent people. Every Monday that isn't a national holiday, Rocks Off will have some of them here discussing issues relevant to their culture. Photo illustration by John Seaborn Gray​This Week's Panel: Lil Flip, Hollywood FLOSS, Yves of The Niceguys, ... More >>

Remember Z-Ro's Crack?

Houston's history is dotted with albums that, fairly or un, have been swept aside. We'll examine them here. Have an album that you think nobody knows about but should? Email sheaserrano@gmail.com. ​Z-Ro Crack (Rap-a-Lot, 2008) Crack was the first of Rother Vandross's drug-themed albums, foll ... More >>

Z-Ro's Woes: Rapper's Latest Drug Charge Resolved

Z-Ro: Good news and bad news​Back in February we broke the story of Joseph Wayne McVey's latest drug charge. Back then things were looking pretty grim for the 33-year-old rapper/singer known as Z-Ro and "the King of the Ghetto."Based on his prior drug history, the District Attorney had just refile ... More >>

Z-Ro's Woes: Rapper's Latest Drug Charge Resolved

​Back in February we broke the story of Joseph Wayne McVey's latest drug charge. Back then things were looking pretty grim for the 33-year-old rapper/singer known as Z-Ro, or "the King of the Ghetto." Based on his prior drug history, the District Attorney had just refiled the pending codeine ... More >>

Accessories Houston Rappers Don't Leave Home Without

fashionbombdaily.comSlick Rick: The ruler's back at Reliant Arena, November 6​Rappers have always been obsessed with accessories. It's mandated in rap contracts, right next to girl songs and Bun B collaborations. The tradition dates back to hip-hop's early days. Before Kanye popularized shutte ... More >>

Saturday Night: Young Jeezy And Slim Thug At Arena Theatre

Photos by Marco TorresSlim Thug​Young Jeezy, Slim Thug Arena Theatre August 21, 2010 8:34 p.m.: The PR people said that if the media wasn't here by 8:30, then they wouldn't be allowed in. So we got here on time. And now we want to die. Showing up to a Saturday night rap concert at 8:30 is lik ... More >>

Phranchyze Crowned Houston's Freestyle King At Red Bull EmSee Contest

Photos by RizohThursday's unanimous winner Phranchyze advances to the national Red Bull EmSee finals in Detroit.​Outside on Westheimer, a small crowd of young music lovers has gathered in front of Numbers. Before Rocks Off even makes our way into the building, we're immediately greeted by soul ... More >>

Is Bun B's Trill OG Really Worth The Source's Highest Rating?

Ed. Note: Unlike The Source, Houston Press style abbreviates "microphone" as "mike." ​Bun B's Trill OG has become the first hip-hop album to earn 5 mikes in The Source since 2005. In case you haven't picked up a copy of the magazine since the Clinton administration, here's a breakdown of its ... More >>

Casting Scarface With Houston Rappers

The hip-hop world is a less than sensible place - lots of times, you're even required to clarify when bad means bad and when bad means good - so once a week we're going to get with a rapper and ask them to explain things. Have something you always wanted to ask a rapper? Email it to introducinglisto ... More >>

Big Boi's Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Best Rap Album Of The Year

​Big Boi has never been a particularly imposing rapper. He just hasn't been. Now wait a second, fuckers. Before you get all "No, he's phenomenal!" just out of sheer contrarian instinct, think on it for a second. When have you ever heard his name mentioned in any Greatest Rapper Ever discussio ... More >>

Hip Hop Honors Doesn't Totally Embarrass The South

VH1 honored the Dirty South for the 2010 edition of Hip-Hop Honors. We flew out there and sat in on the taping this past weekend. Or we Tivo'd it while we put our kids to bed and then watched it afterwards. One of those is true. Willie D​ 8:00 p.m.: Oh, good. Darrell from The Office is hosting to ... More >>

Is Z-Ro Too Big To Get Big?

Welcome back to Five Spot. Every Friday, we'll examine a recent bit of music news and, albeit sometimes awkwardly, tie it to a bit of Houston rap. We'll incorporate the number five in there somewhere. Send tips to introducingliston@gmail.com. ​A lot of the time, it's easy to pick what to write abo ... More >>

Ex-Box DJ Klean Cutt Talks About Kracker Nuttz's Firing

The hip-hop world is a less than sensible place -lots of times, you're even required to clarify when bad means bad and when bad means good- so once a week we're going to get with a rapper and ask them to explain things. Have something you always wanted to ask a rapper? E-mail it to introducingliston ... More >>

Rocks Off Exclusive: Behind The Scenes Of Chamillionaire's "The Main Event" Video

Photos by Matthew Keever​ As we walked into the warehouse off Commerce Street where a music video was scheduled to be shot for Chamillionaire's recent single, "The Main Event," Slim Thug pulled up. In style, we might add (above). We let the boss and his posse head inside first, then followed them ... More >>

Take The "Which Houston Rapper Are You?" Quiz

Welcome back to Five Spot. Every Friday, we'll examine a recent bit of music news and, albeit sometimes awkwardly, tie it to a bit of Houston rap. It's five videos and occasional cussing. Send tips to sheaserrano@gmail.com. ​A few weeks back, someone sent along a link to a Facebook application tit ... More >>

"Hood Politician" Delo Chooses A Cabinet Of H-Town Rappers

The hip-hop world is a less than sensible place -lots of times, you're even required to clarify when bad means bad and when bad means good- so once a week we're going to get with a rapper and ask them to explain things. Have something you always wanted to ask a rapper? Email it to introducingliston@ ... More >>

The Best Slap-Fights, Verbal Or Otherwise, In Houston Rap History

Welcome back to Five Spot. Every Friday, we'll examine a recent bit of music news and list five reasons why it's either brilliant or dumb-assed. Send tips to introducingliston@gmail.com. ​Last week, Chamillionaire and Paul Wall kicked off their 20-city "In Love Wit My Money" reunion tour in d ... More >>

Y'all Musta Forgot: Guerilla Maab's Rise

Houston's history is dotted with albums that, fairly or not, have been swept aside. We'll examine them here. Have an album that you think nobody knows about but should? Email sheaserrano@gmail.com. Guerilla Maab Rise (Resurrection Music Group, 1999) ​Guerilla Maab was a gangsta-rap quartet turned ... More >>

Five Spot: Texas All-Star Weekend, Movie Critic Killa Kyleon, Scarface Tweets?

Welcome back to Five Spot. Every Friday, we'll examine a recent bit of music news and, albeit sometimes awkwardly, tie it to a bit of Houston rap. It's five videos and occasional cussing. Send tips to introducingliston@gmail.com. A few things to mention this busy week from our handy-dandy notebook: ... More >>

The H-Town Countdown: Clearing the Table and Tying Up Loose Ends

Roughly 84,000 rap albums have been released in Houston since 1989. We're counting down the 25 best of all time every Thursday. Or we were. Got a problem with the list? Shove it. Just kidding. Friendship. Email it to sheaserrano@gmail.com. Well, it's over. We stretched it out just about as long as ... More >>

Dave Wrangler Is Under The Influence... Before Our Washington Shore Party

Album art by Wyatt LittleRocks Off mentioned this right after Houston's main man on the mash-ups, Dave Wrangler, agreed to DJ tonight's Washington Shore party (8 p.m., rain or shine) at the Washington Avenue Drinkery, but it's worth repeating. Wrangler's got a new 18-track collection of mix-n-match ... More >>

Papa Gangsta

Houston rapper E.S.G.'s evolution from street thug to family man.

Turning the Screw: ESG and Friends, Chamillionaire, Dustin Prestige, 50, Eminem, Jay-Z, Chris Brown, Jeezy, Rihanna, Lil' Flip, etc.

Welcome back to Turning the Screw, Rocks Off's weekly rap post. It probably won't rhyme, at least most of the time. E-mail tips to introducingliston@gmail.com. Thanks, homies. Single of the Week: "Break Dem Boys Off," ESG feat. Slim Thug and Big Hawk Wire To Wire Chamillionaire continues to market ... More >>

The H-Town Countdown, No. 12: Street Military's Don't Give a Damn

Roughly 84,000 rap albums have been released in Houston since 1989. We're counting down the 25 best of all time every Thursday. Got a problem with the list? Shove it. Just kidding. Friendship. Email it to sheaserrano@gmail.com. Street Military Don't Give a Damn (Wild Pitch, 1999)​Surprise. Kids, m ... More >>

T.I.: Paper Trail

Houston Hip-Hop

Mike Watts and his stable of northside rappers take a southside legend's style to the masses

Get Screwed