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: Bun B, Z-Ro, Chamillionaire, Lil Flip, E.S.G., Paul Wall, Fat Tony, A.D.D., Matt Sonzala
Not Invited: George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson, Abe Lincoln
This Week's Prompt: One simple, endlessly debatable question: If someone were to build an official Mt. Rushmore of Houston Rap, which four guys get the nod?
High-five to J. Bell, who made a name for himself as a knowledgeable, insightful commenter back during the 25 Most Important Houston Rap Albums of All Time countdown, for coming up with this idea several months ago.
Bun B: J Prince, DJ Screw, Pimp C and Scarface.
Fat Tony: Screw, Fat Pat, UGK. They each innovated musically and stylistically in ways that permeated throughout all of rap music and are still fresh today.
A.D.D.: Big Mello, Scarface, Z-Ro and Big Mello. Big Mello and Scarface were some of the first Houston artists to break in H-Town and people from Houston don't even know. When you mention Bun B, it's automatic that Pimp C is included.
And Z-Ro has held it down for a long-ass time. My homie once told me a very great comparison: Big Mello is like the Big L of Houston. Every rapper knew they were ill, but they both died before the world could really see what they were doing.
Chamillionaire: J. Prince, Bun B, Scarface, Pimp C, DJ Screw.
Rap Round Table: That's five, sir, but we suppose since you've got a Grammy we can add an extra spot for you. #GrammyWinnersMakeTheirOwnRules
Paul Wall: J Prince, UGK, DJ Screw.
RRT: It's kind of neat that, asked completely separate from one another, both Paul and Cham gave nearly the exact same response, right down to the order listed.
Z-Ro: Big Mello, Fat Pat, Big Hawk, Big Moe.
ESG: Screw, Pimp and Bun as one, Scarface, me.
RRT: You're just going to mash Bun and Pimp into one person like no one's going to notice? Cool, cool.
