Today is June 27th, this day holds significance in the Texas rap scene because 17 years ago a legendary 30+ minute freestyle was recorded in celebration of Demo's birthday. This freestyle being chopped up by
Robert Earl "DJ Screw" Davis Jr., this freestyle helped ignite the already growing music scene in Houston, Texas at the time. DJ Screw also assembled the Screwed Up Click (
SUC) which consist of now, legendary Texas rappers. DJ Screw is one of the biggest hip hop pioneers not only in Texas but in the whole hip hop industry with being the originator of the slowed (screwed) sound. Even after
DJ Screw's death, today many Hip Hop artists and DJs keep his sound alive. See
DJ OG Ron C from the Swishahouse camp.
Personally me growing up,
Big Moe was always my favorite member out of SUC because of his unique Singing/Rapping style and his ability to laid down the perfect 'feel good' hook on many of his songs and features. Unfortunately he too
passed away unexpectedly to a heart attack. You will his melodic stitching throughout the freestyle.
Challenge yourself to listen to the 35 minute freestyle featuring (Big Moe, Bird, Demo, Key-C, Yungstar, Big Pokey, Haircut Joe, and K-Luv) after the jump. You will recognize that this freestyle was and still is heavily sampled certifying its longevity in the culture.
If you're not hip to DJ Screw watch 'The Untold Story' Documentary covering his life.
For me, June 27th is also a day to reflect on the impact that Texas Hip Hop has made as a whole. Port Arthur's rap duo
Underground Kingz (UGK) are heavily respected throughout the Hip Hop community, recently from rappers,
J. Cole to
Ab- Soul. UGK has stayed relevant and respected for more than 20 years, despite the unexpected passing of 1/2 of UGK, Chad Lamont Butler (know as Pimp C).
Bun-B has kept his name alive and still carries on the UGK legacy that fans will never let dwindle.
After the jump watch an 'All-Star Tribute to UGK' by
Sama'an Ashrawi. You may recognize his name from clips of your favorite artist's live shows.
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Pimp C (left) Bun-B (right) UGK |