Pop Culture Handbook

Calling Hou: The Bayou City's Biggest and Best Pop Culture Moments

Our city has exerted more influence on the American mass media landscape than you may realize—and we're not just talking about Beyoncé (but also definitely Beyoncé).

06/21/2017 By Sarah Rufca Nielsen, Katharine Shilcutt, and Gwendolyn Zepeda

Pop Culture Handbook

How Chopped and Screwed Became Houston's Signature Sound

The laid-back style that's become ubiquitous in hip-hop originated here in the 1990s.

06/21/2017 By Katharine Shilcutt

Pop Culture Handbook

These Are the 4 Must-Jam Houston Playlists for Fans of Every Genre

Make your own old-school mix-tape of these classic Houston tracks, or check out our curated Spotify playlists.

06/21/2017 By Sarah Rufca Nielsen

Get Twisted

How a Nigerian Kid from Alief is Making Purpose Popular

Former college football star Tobe Nwigwe is set to let others know that their lives are far beyond their circumstances.

06/19/2017 By Shondrika Cook

The Punisher

5 Things to Know about Frank D'Amato, Houston's Nerdiest Rapper

D'Amato will open for Rakim at Alley Kat's Memorial Day Block Party.

05/26/2017 By Camilo Smith

Music

Review: A Night with Houston Rap Legends

The Bayou City's rap scene didn't miss a beat at this all-star concert.

04/14/2017 By Camilo Smith

Fast Grooves

Fat Tony's New Whataburger-Inspired 'Drive-Thru' Is Our Summer Jam

The rapper's new song is the love letter to Whataburger every Texan can get behind.

04/14/2017 By Katharine Shilcutt

Music

Tween Rapper Sky Katz Performs at the Houston Children's Festival This Weekend

The America's Got Talent star brings her clean beats to the Bayou City.

03/31/2017 By Camilo Smith

Higher Learning

Rice University Adds Rapper Pimp C's Archives to Hip-Hop Collection

Along with former rap partner Bun B, Rice professor Anthony Pinn is preserving Pimp C's work for future generations to study.

02/13/2017 By Camilo Smith

#BARS

Battle Rap Is Alive and Well in the Bayou City

A handful of Houston promoters continue to push one of hip-hop's oldest art forms.

01/18/2017 By Camilo Hannibal Smith

Essay

Boom 92: A Eulogy

A farewell to the format-upending radio station that changed Houston—and the nation—in its two short years on the air.

01/10/2017 By Shondrika Cook

Airwaves

Boom 92.1 Is Dead, Replaced by Radio Now

Despite initial raves, the classic hip-hop radio format Houston pioneered had short success.

01/05/2017 By Katharine Shilcutt

Ice House

Beyoncé’s Father Builds a Brand-New Girl Group

With Blushhh Music now making the airwaves, Mathew Knowles wonders if destiny can strike twice.

10/24/2016 By Sarah Rufca Nielsen

Trill Reads

If You Don't Know, Now You Know

Why was Houston music writer Shea Serrano reluctant to write his latest book, The Rap Year Book?

11/06/2015 By Jenn Nguyen

Eat It Like a Pop Tart

Fat Tony Talks Sushi, "Sushi" and Pappadeaux's

The Houston rapper's new single, "Sushi," may induce a little heavy breathing. Just go with it.

07/10/2015 By Katharine Shilcutt

Rap

Reality Don't Get Old: The Geto Boys on Musical Longevity

The pioneering Houston rappers embark on a new tour, coming to House of Blues this month.

05/31/2015 By Justin Mitchell

Civic Pride

Drake Shows the Astros Some of His Houston Love

Could Houston really be the place Drake is referring to in "Started from the Bottom"?

06/13/2014 By Chris Abshire

H-TOWN MUSIC HEROES

The Gangster of Love from the Third Ward

Far more influential than famous, Johnny "Guitar" Watson effortlessly and flamboyantly excelled in every era from blues to rap.

05/16/2014 By John Lomax

News

Did This Man Write Houston's Official Theme Song?

Local "inspirational rapper" Rocko Stedy claims to have been commissioned to write anthem for the city.

02/27/2014 By Michael Hardy