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My Block: Houston Rappers' Five Best Neighborhood Shout-Outs

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2. "H-town State of Mind," Lil' Flip Lil' Flip loves Cloverland so much he donned leprechaun gear on the cover of his debut album. That took a huge pair, but that's the apparently the kind of confidence Flip acquired while coming up in his southside neighborhood.

This song features only a cursory mention of Cloverland, but I include it in my list because it exemplifies how well Houston's rappers and neighboring communities get along. The city's rap scene is and always has been so beef-free it's practically vegan. Songs like this one, where a rapper gives propers to Houston communities outside his own, help grow those good vibes.

1. "On My Block," Scarface

No. 1 on the list is Scarface's classic ode to his neighborhood and all neighborhoods. While he's showing love for the southside, "from Holloway to Bellfort to Scott," the song is universal in its message that you might leave your neighborhood, but it never fully leaves you.

Among all songs that recall the good and bad stuff from back in the day, it's right up there with Stevie Wonder's "I Wish." That piano hook, the heartfelt sentiment, Scarface rapping in Spanish (comprende?)... it's so good, kids today still play it to claim love for their own neighborhoods.


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Jesse’s been writing for the Houston Press since 2013. His work has appeared elsewhere, notably on the desk of the English teacher of his high school girlfriend, Tish. The teacher recognized Jesse’s writing and gave Tish a failing grade for the essay. Tish and Jesse celebrated their 33rd anniversary as a couple in October.