Colorful stars danced across the dirt floor of NRG Stadium, circling the rodeo’s star-shaped stage. As the stage slowly rotated, Bun B addressed the cheering crowd.
“Houston, can we turn up for real?” Bun asked as the audience roared in anticipation of the next guest. “I’ve been wanting to bring this person out since we did this the first time, but he was always busy and getting around. I wanted to bring him out because he’s a trapper. So, coming to the stage, representing Grand Hustle Music—T.I.!”
Bun B’s voice was drowned out as T.I. sprang onto the stage and immediately began performing “Rubber Band Man” from his 2003 hit album Trap Muzik.
Bun B’s history at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has been a groundbreaking journey, marking the intersection of hip-hop and rodeo culture. His debut performance in 2022 with the H-Town Takeover was a historic moment, making him the first Houston rapper to headline the event. The show featured an all-star lineup of Houston rap legends like Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Z-Ro, and Lil’ Keke, celebrating the city’s rich hip-hop legacy.
In 2023, Bun B expanded his vision with the Southern Takeover, bringing in Southern rap icons such as Mannie Fresh, Juvenile, and Erykah Badu, broadening the show’s regional appeal. By 2024, he introduced the All-American Takeover, incorporating a mix of genres and teasing big-name surprises like Drake, further cementing his role as a major curator of diverse musical experiences at the rodeo.
Now, in 2025, the UGK legend stepped into new territory with Bun B’s Birthday Bonanza, proving that his presence at the rodeo has evolved into a cultural tradition.
The bar was high, as fans online questioned the announced lineup consisting of Keith Sweat, Jagged Edge, Coco Jones, Don Toliver, Yolanda Adams and Ludacris.
It was a bar Bun met in large part, adding surprise appearances by T.I., Do Or Die, and Tommy Richman. Concerns about Yolanda Adams were wiped away when the gospel singer performed a medley of songs as a dedication to hip-hop and Houston figures who had passed away, including Sylvester Turner, Sheila Jackson Lee, BeatKing, Pimp C and Big Pokey.
And while Bun B was able to curate a show that balanced young and old, R&B and hip-hop, and fast-paced tracks with slow jams, the sound quality was a constant issue. The microphone failed during performances by Do Or Die, Don Toliver, and Coco Jones, while at other times, the background singers and band overpowered the main acts.
To their credit, the performers adjusted, creating some powerful moments—such as Coco Jones belting out a high note at the end of “ICU”, nearly overcoming the technical difficulties. Each artist, in their own way, found ways to connect with the crowd, but the sound issues were apparent. At one point, Bun B had to correct the audio/visual team for playing the wrong video to introduce Keith Sweat.
Despite those setbacks, the standout performances from T.I. and Ludacris brought the show’s energy to its peak. The video interludes, hosted by Keith Lee, Ali Siddiq, Cedric The Entertainer, The Undertaker, and others, highlighted Bun B’s deep connections across multiple communities. This year, the slabs, manned by Slim Thug, Lil’ Keke, Le$, and Johnny Dang, still crept across the stadium’s dirt floor, but this time, there was the addition of Maxo Kream, as well as Don Toliver making a grand entrance in a sports car.
It was small details like these that showcased Bun B’s ability to blend eras and audiences. They say you can’t please everyone, but Bun B has mastered the art of giving audiences a little bit of what they’re looking for with each carefully chosen guest.
Bun B’s Birthday Bonanza proved once again why his presence at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has become a cultural staple. Despite ongoing sound issues that at times overshadowed the performances, the night was filled with high-energy moments, unexpected surprises, and a careful balance of hip-hop and R&B nostalgia.
From Jagged Edge’s smooth ballads to Ludacris and T.I.’s electrifying sets, the show had something for every era of rap and R&B fans. Yolanda Adams’ moving tribute honored Houston legends and hip-hop pioneers, adding emotional depth to the night. Meanwhile, the slabs rolling through the stadium and Don Toliver’s grand entrance in a sports car added layers of spectacle to the celebration.
Whether through music, comedy, or community tributes, Bun B continues to push boundaries, curating a show that reflects the rich legacy of Houston’s hip-hop scene while embracing the next generation of talent. Despite the hurdles, the Trill OG once again made history, proving that his rodeo takeover isn’t just a concert—it’s a tradition.
Setlist
Bun B – “Get Throwed”
Jagged Edge – “Let’s Get Married”
Jagged Edge – “Promise”
Jagged Edge – “Where the Party At”
Do Or Die – “Po Pimp”
Coco Jones – “Taste”
Coco Jones – “ICU”
Tommy Richman – “Million Dollar Baby”
Yolanda Adams – “The Battle Is Not Yours” (Tribute Performance)
Bun B – “Diamonds & Wood”
Bun B – “Murder”
Don Toliver – “Bandit”
Don Toliver – “No Idea”
Don Toliver – “Ice Age”
Don Toliver – “After Party”
T.I. – “Rubber Band Man”
T.I. – “24’s”
T.I. – “U Don’t Know Me”
T.I. – “Whatever You Like”
T.I. – “Bring Em Out”
T.I. – “Live Your Life”
T.I. – “What You Know”
T.I. – “About the Money” (feat. Young Thug)
Keith Sweat – “Make It Last Forever”
Keith Sweat – “Twisted”
Keith Sweat – “Nobody”
Keith Sweat – “How Deep Is Your Love”
Ludacris – “All I Do Is Win” (DJ Khaled song)
Ludacris – “Stand Up”
Ludacris – “Yeah!” (Usher song, Ludacris verse)
Ludacris – “How Low”
Ludacris – “My Chick Bad”
Ludacris – “What’s Your Fantasy”
Ludacris – “Move B****”
Bun B – “International Players Anthem”
This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2025.
