Certain cities stand out as creative hubs, especially for music. From birthing iconic artists like Beyoncé and Travis Scott to influencing the likes of Drake, Dipset, A$AP Rocky and many others, Houston, Texas has contributed to hip-hop in significant ways. The swagger of the vibrant city shines bright in the city’s biggest stars, visionaries and trendsetters. OGs and modern H-Town representers alike have continued to cultivate a unique sonic identity for Houston. Several Houston rappers have played pivotal roles in defining H-Town's lasting legacy and also shaping the overall sound of rap music. There are a lot of great Houston rappers, but only a select few could make this list. Here are our picks of the 15 greatest Houston rappers of all time.
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15 Greatest Houston Rappers of All Time
15. Megan Thee Stallion
The Houston Hottie, who first made a name for herself with freestyles she uploaded to Youtube has solidified her place as one of hip-hop’s leading ladies. Megan Thee Stallion’s unapologetic style, empowering lyrics and chart-topping songs like “Savage” have made her a standout artist.
14. Mike Jones
Who? Mike Jones! Mike Jones made a noticeable impact on Houston's rap scene during the mid-2000s. With his catchy catchphrase and bangers like “Still Tippin'”, Mike Jones became a household name.
13. Slim Thug
Slim Thug's deep voice, charismatic delivery and boss status have made him a staple in Houston's rap scene.
12. Chamillionaire
Clever wordplay and the No. 1 hit "Ridin'" helped Chamillionaire successfully bridge the gap between underground credibility and mainstream success.
11. Trae tha Truth
Trae tha Truth's authenticity and commitment to his city has made him a revered figure in Houston's rap community.
10. Lil' Keke
Lil' Keke's longevity in the rap game is a testament to his skill and staying power. As a member of the Screwed Up Click, he played a crucial role in popularizing Houston's unique sound.
9. Devin the Dude
Known for his laid-back demeanor and humorous storytelling, Devin the Dude carved out a niche in Houston's rap scene.
8. Paul Wall
As the People's Champ, Paul Wall continues to represent the city of Houston, with recent appearances on tracks like That Mexican OT’s viral “Johnny Dang.”
7. Lil' Flip
With hella hustle and hits like “Sunshine”, the Freestyle King earned a spot among Houston's rap elite.
6. Z-Ro
Z-Ro’s music and impact has made him a respected figure in hometown.
5. DJ Screw
Although DJ Screw wasn’t technically a rapper, he’s arguably one of the most important figures in Houston culture. As the architect of the chopped and screwed sound, Screw's impact on hip-hop cannot be overlooked.
4. Pimp C
Pimp C is southern rap royalty. The UGK member’s legacy lives on, influencing artists till this day.
3. Bun B
Houston's rap legacy would be incomplete without Bun B. He’s an undisputed legend and ambassador of all things H-Town. One half of the legendary duo UGK, the Trill OG is a Southern rap pioneer.
2. Travis Scott
Travis Scott has become one of the biggest artists of his era. His latest album, Utopia solidified his place at the top of the rap game.
1. Scarface
No list of greatest Houston rappers is complete without Scarface. A founding member of one of the greatest rap groups of all time, the Geto Boys, Scarface is a real H-Town legend. His influence extends way beyond Houston. This legend’s raw lyricism, vivid storytelling and ability to go bar for bar with the likes of Jay-Z and 2Pac has left an undeniable impact on the landscape of southern hip-hop.
