Houston is known for Texas hospitality and finger lickin’ barbecue, but if you’re any sort of music fan, you also know the city has long left its mark on the hip-hop music scene.
As the home to legendary record labels Swishahouse and Rap-A-Lot Records, the signature chopped and screwed sound, and stars like Bun B, Scarface and current chart-topper Travis Scott, H-town is an important stop on the music map.
Hip-hop fans, take note: These destinations are must visits on your next trip to Houston. As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Rap-A-Lot Records
Founded in 1986, Rap-A-Lot Records has been integral in bringing Houston hip-hop to the world. The record label helmed introduced fans to artists such as the Geto Boys.
Arguably the most successful Houston rap collective, the Geto Boys garnered commercial acclaim with their 1991 hit “My Mind Playing Tricks on Me,” which also inspired countless artists like OutKast, the Notorious B.I.G., and Kid Cudi.
Screwed Up Records & Tapes
DJ Screw ushered in the chopped and screwed sound — which slows down the tempo of tracks and uses techniques like skipping beats and scratching — that put Houston on the hip-hop map. Although it began in the ’90s, it’s still heard today, influencing out-of-towner artists like Drake and A$AP Rocky.
DJ Screw died in 2000, but his music legacy lives on in his record store Screwed Up Records & Tapes, where you can pick up some records and learn more about his life.
Johnny Dang & Co
Celebrities like Beyoncé (who’s originally from H-town) have been seen wearing diamond-encrusted teeth. Grillz, as they’re known, are a staple of Houston and a signature fashion statement.
Rapper Paul Wall — who happens to be a jeweler — helped take this trend to the masses and offers his grillz at Johnny Dang & Co jewelers. Check out designs in 22-karat gold, dripping diamonds as well as custom pieces.
Lil Ike’s Auto Collision
“Wanna be a baller, shot caller … got sprayed by Ike, I hit the highway, making money the fly way.” Lil Troy’s “Wanna Be a Baller” is a perennial favorite to play while driving on I-610 or the Beltway.
In Houston, car aficionados love their “slabs,” old-school cars souped up with rims, trunk-rattling audio systems, and colorful candy paint jobs. Head to Lil Ike’s Auto Collision, which specializes in custom paint jobs.
Frenchy’s
There’s no shortage of fried chicken spots in Houston, but Frenchy’s is a hip-hop favorite. Local rapper Chamillionaire (of “Ridin’” fame) has name-checked the chain in several songs, including “Hometown” and “Feels Good.” Beyoncé has shouted out Frenchy’s in her music, and the superstar has made a requisite Frenchy’s stop while in her hometown, too.
Dagos Tattoos and Piercing Studio
Dagos Tattoos and Piercing Studio is known for inking plenty of Texans, but did you know it’s responsible for one of the most iconic hip-hop tattoos of all time? In 1992, Tupac Shakur visited the shop, and the owner, Dennis “Dago” Coelho, gave him his signature “Thug Life” ink across his torso.
Related Articles
