Houston Renaissance

It's been a banner year for my adopted hometown Houston. This past year America was swept up in the slowed down, codeine infused culture known as Chopped and Screwed. As told time and again this was not a new phenomenon. Pioneers like Dj Screw, Fat Pat, Big Mello and'em (ha!) have laid the foundation some 12 yrs prior. A year or so ago Lil'Flip made a nice little ripple for the 713/281. Now cats like Pow Wow, Slim Thug and the guy above whose name you might forget but you'll be reminded of. Have seeped into the country's psyche. Bun-B, one half of the legendary group UGK rode the wave to wider recognition. As the self-appointed "President of the South" not only does he bring that Houston swagger like the others (standard grills,candy paint and woodgrain talk). He also offers a grown man slant to it all. A seasoned veteran's take on things that lends a more diverse take to the Houston scene.

Versitility has kept Bun in the game for a long time now. That's what will also keep Houston as a contender too should they take heed. Most of what's been hot has been the rehashing of said paint drippin'/woodgrain grippin'/surp sippin'scenarios. Coming in later but by no means an overnight success is Chamillionaire. Also known as King Koopa, he could be the sharpest sword rising out of this Houston Renaissance. He sites UGK as a big influence on him and it shows through his lyrical dexterity. Yes, 2005 belonged to Houston...congrats on finally being recognized for what it is you do. Now to take the country passed the slang "What it do",y.know?

[Sidenote:] Shouts to local stations KPFT 90.1 FM. That station houses some very influential shows. All on Wednesday nights starting at 11pm central; Damage Control followed by Late Night Snax. Damage Control gives you the latest in the more indigenous sounds (Dj Kutz and his Gutta Squad...sup) while Late Night Snax gives you more grassroots HipHop (local Houstonians D.Rose, Dj Cosmo(sp) and K-Otix). These shows will give you whats hot next year, stay tuned.