While the Bronx borough of New York City takes the credit for originating hip-hop, Southern rap is known to have influenced it heavily over the years. Texas has given rise to some of the most talented and influential rappers.
With cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin at its center, Texas has changed the hip-hop game. It has created opportunities for many people from Texas to further the Southern rap game with their creativity and skill.
The rappers of Texas have a wide range of skills, from spitting lines rapidly and creating upbeat melodies to writing emotional and thought-provoking lyrics. We have put together a list of the 50 best Texas rappers who have changed the rap industry with their art.
Here are the 50 Best Texas Rappers, listed:
- Travis Scott
- Scarface
- Megan Thee Stallion
- Post Malone
- DJ Screw
- Geto Boys
- Lil’ Keke
- UGK
- Paul Wall
- Slim Thug
- Trae the Truth
- Chamillionaire
- Don Toliver
- Devin the Dude
- T-Wayne
- Z-Ro
- Bun B
- Lil Flip
- Baby Bash
- Big Moe
- Pimp C
- DJ Premier
- Fat Pat
- Dorrough
- Brockhampton
- Big Mike
- Riff Raff
- Big Tuck
- Street Military
- Maxo Kream
- J-Dawg
- HAWK
- E.S.G
- Tum Tum
- Mike Jones
- K-Rino
- KenTheMan
- South Park Mexican
- Screwed Up Click
- Big Pookey
- Bushwick Bill
- Mr. Pookie
- Willie D
- Vanilla Ice
- Nelly
- Kirko Bangz
- Lecrae
- Sauce Walka
- OG Ron C
- Tay Money
1. Travis Scott
Travis Scott’s real name is Jacques Webster II and he is a singer, rapper, and songwriter from Houston, Texas. Travis has gained a huge fan following over the years because of his energetic hip-hop persona.
His songs have frequently topped the charts, with his album Astroworld winning “Album of the Year” at the BET Hip-Hop Awards in 2019. He has also been nominated for many awards such as Grammys and Billboard Music Awards.
In his songs, you will find topics like personal hardships in life, fame, and reaching one’s goals. If these topics are right up your alley then we suggest giving his music a chance.
2. Scarface
Scarface, real name Brad Jordan, is a well-respected icon in the hip-hop industry. He is the founding member of the very famous rap group “Geto Boys”, which you will see in this list as well.
His contribution to Southern rap culture as a solo artist and as part of a group is admired by many. He raps about very serious issues in his songs such as struggling with financial issues and facing harsh social problems.
3. Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion, whose real name is Megan Jovon Ruth Pete is a successful and iconic rapper from San Antonio, Texas. Megan grew famous after posting herself doing rap freestyle on social media.
Her mixtape “Fever” and EP “Suga” both received a lot of positive response, making her a huge sensation. Her songs and albums have stayed hot on the charts for long enough that she won three Grammys.
Her songs are very sexually explicit and upbeat, causing anyone who listens to stand up and groove. We suggest you give her music a try if you like to dance and move your body!
4. Post Malone
Austin Richard Post, who goes by the stage name Post Malone, is a rapper from Texas who is famous for his versatility and wide vocal range. He started on SoundCloud and it did not take long for him to gain fame after that.
His fanbase loves him because of his ability to mix all types of music genres into one big masterpiece. His music also contains deep lyrics that people love.
We recommend you give his music a listen, you will realize why he has a long list of accolades. He has won AMAs, Billboard Music Awards, and many more.
5. DJ Screw
Robert Earl Davis Jr. is Dj Screw’s real name and he was a Smithville rapper who is still very famous for the impact he had on hip-hop. If you have heard of the “chopped and screwed” sound, then you must know that Dj Screw was the one who created it.
His music tapes were a big hit, the upcoming rap artists featured on them were mentored by Screw and they eventually rose to fame themself. He passed away at the age of 29, leaving fans to grieve the legendary Texas rapper.
6. Geto Boys
Ghetto Boys is a hip-hop group from Houston, Texas, that includes rappers Bushwick Bill, Willie D, and Scarface. They are known to use very controversial lyrics while talking about serious issues like violence and murder.
Their albums like “The Resurrection” and “We Can’t Be Stopped” are some of their biggest hits. Their single “Mind Playing Tricks on Me” went platinum and was #23 on the Billboard Hot 100.
7. Lil’ Keke
Lil’ Keke’s real name is Marcus Lakee Edwards, and he is a talented rapper from Houston, Texas. His southern accent makes the delivery of his lines very hypnotizing and unique.
He is also a part of the hip-hop group “Screwed Up Click”, which you will find further in this list. He collaborated with Dj Screw which kickstarted his career. We recommend his song “Motion” if you like catchy tunes.
8. UGK
The Underground Kingz is a rap duo consisting of Pimp C and Bun B, two rappers from Port Arthur, Texas. At the start, Pimp C would make the beats as he knew how to play many instruments and Bun B would rap. But people loved Pimp’s voice so he started to spit fire verses as well.
The duo has made a name for themself but what brought fame right to their doorstep was a collaboration with Jay Z. This legendary song is “Big Pimpin” and we promise you will not be disappointed when you check it out!
9. Paul Wall
Paul Micheal Slayton, who goes by Paul Wall, is a rapper and DJ from Georgetown, Texas. He has a Southern drawl in his rap that many other Texas rappers have. It is catchy and makes his music more interesting.
He combines many genres with hip-hop, creating hits. His song “Oh Girl” shows his skill with the melodies and words.
10. Slim Thug
Houston rapper Slim Thug, born Stayve Jerome Thomas, is renowned for his deep voice and swift rap flow. He raps about serious issues as well as lighthearted topics in his songs.
He started his music under the famous label Swishahouse but left that soon after realizing he did not need them. His debut album “Already Platinum” was released in 2005, and he collaborated with musicians like Pharell on it. It was #2 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.
11. Trae The Truth
Houston rapper Frazier Othel Thompson III, who goes by the stage name Trae the Truth, rose to fame pretty quickly compared to his peers. He has collaborated with many notable artists such as Bun B and Slim Thug.
Trae might be famous because of his lyrical prowess and deep themes in his songs, but still, we will say we do not condone the violence he seems to have displayed against fellow Texas rapper, Z-RO.
12. Chamillionaire
Texas rapper Chamillionaire, real name Hakeem Seriki, started his career off strong by collaborating with fellow rapper Paul Wall. His interest in hip-hop grew more and more as a child due to his parents’ strictness towards it.
He is also an entrepreneur who has gained success in the world of business as well as the world of music. When you think about it, his name fits him perfectly!
He won the MTV Music Award for best rap video and that is not his only award.
13. Don Toliver
Don Toliver, birth name Caleb Zackery Toliver, is a rapper from Texas who became successful very quickly. He featured on Astroworld, Travis Scott’s hit album, which caused Toliver to gain a huge fan following.
He is also signed to Travis Scott’s label, Cactus Jack, which has no doubt helped him succeed.
We suggest you look at his music if you like a rapper with good flow, passionate energy, and a charismatic personality.
14. Devin the Dude
Devin the Dude, real name Devin Derico Copeland, is a Texas rapper who is known as one of the many stoner rappers. This means he mixes marijuana use with mellowed-out and dreamy melodies to create music.
He has collaborated with Snoop Dog, Dr. Dre, and many other artists. More than one album of his has been on the Top 20 of Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums list.
15. T-Wayne
Another famous Houston rapper on our list is T-Wayne whose real name is Tyshon Dwayne Nobles. Like Megan Thee Stallion, Wayne also grew famous through social media when people blew up his song “Nasty Freestyle”.
Wayne has faced some issues in the music industry such as record label problems etc. But he overcame them with resilience.
16. Z-RO
Joseph Wayne McVey IV, famously known as Z-Ro, is a Texas rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He is also known as “Mo City Don” as he is a beast when it comes to freestyling.
His lyrics are deep and emotional, as they touch upon sensitive topics. He has released multiple records over the years which include collaborations with other famous Texas rappers such as Slim Thug and Trae the Truth.
17. Bun B
Bun B’s real name is Bernard Freeman and he is very famous for his solo work as well as his work as part of duo, UGK. This Texan rapper is considered an icon in Southern rap, with his cold rapping skills and lyricism.
Apart from music, he is a college lecturer and he uses his platform to talk about serious topics such as politics. He is a legend to many people, especially the people he has mentored.
18. Lip Flip
Lil Flip, a successful Texas rapper whose real name is Wesley Eric Weston, Jr., is famous for his freestyling skills. He rose to success after his album “Undaground Legend” went platinum.
Even though Lil Flip seemed to have a prominent future, he fell off a few years later. But regardless, his old music is still a great contribution to Southern hip-hop.
19. Baby Bash
Ronnie Ray Bryant, stage name Baby Bash, is a rapper as well as a singer who gained fame after collaborating with Frankie J on “Suga Suga”. He is very good at mixing hip-hop with R&B, two favorites of many people.
Baby Bash’s style of music is very catchy, consisting of both, rapping and singing. His stage persona is very cool and positive which is very appreciated by his fans.
20. Big Moe
Big Moe was a Houston rapper, his real name is Kenneth Doniell Moore. He was well known in the Southern rap scene as he was a member of Screwed Up Click. He also made contributions to chopped and screwed sound.
Big Moe had many hit singles such as “Purple Stuff” before he tragically passed away due to a heart attack in 2007.
21. Pimp C
Chad Lamont Butler also known as Pimp C is a Texas rapper and producer who was part of the UKG rap duo. Pimp C learned how to play many instruments, which made his music appealing.
His production skills are what kickstarted UKG’s career and he released many hits before he passed away tragically from a cough syrup overdose.
22. DJ Premier
Christopher Edward Martin is the real name of Dj Premier. He is well known for his contributions to East Coast hip-hop as a producer and rapper. He has a particular style when it comes to song production and if you are a fan of his, you would know.
DJ Premier cemented his footing in the world of rap by working with notable artists such as Jay Z. We recommend his album “Moment of Truth” as it is a legendary hip-hop album.
23. Fat Pat
Patrick Lamark Hawkins is the real name of rapper Fat Pat who is the younger brother of another rTexas rapper, Big Hawk. He was a part of the rap group, Screwed Up Click.
Fat Pat passed away after he was fatally shot in the head. His debut album was about to be released before this horrible news. Even when it was released afterward, it gained a lot of popularity in 1998.
24. Dorrough
Dorrough, who was born in Texas has an immense love for rap music. He started his music career by giving out mixtapes at basketball games. He is known for some upbeat songs like “Walk that Walk” and “Ice Cream Paint Job”.
Dorrough has been recognized for his amazing tunes many times as well as being crowned the Rapper of the Year in 2008 by PV Choice Awards.
25. Brockhampton
A diverse boy band founded in 2010, Brockhampton has many hits to its name. Despite the ups and downs, the band released 8 studio albums through the years before announcing an indefinite hiatus at Coachella 2022.
They are known for their raw music. We reviewed some of their famous hits and our favorites are “Sugar” and “Bleach”’.
26. Big Mike
Big Mike, whose real name is Micheal Barnett, is a rapper from Texas who became famous after joining the band Convicts. He left a while later to pursue his solo career.
However, he was asked to join another rap group, Ghetto Boys, as a replacement for another member, Willie D. He left after just one album recording but it helped his career a lot. In his solo career, he has released 5 successful albums.
27. Riff Raff
Horst Christian Simco, better known by his stage name Riff Raff was formerly a member of the hip hop group Three Loco. Riff Raff started rapping in 2005, making homemade CDs of his rapping over other artists’ beats, and passing them out at various malls.
His debut studio album “Neon Icon” was released in 2014. Before the release of this album, he gained popularity through a series of mixtapes like “The Golden Alien” and “Birth of an Icon”.
28. Big Tuck
Big Tuck, having real Tuky Anwar, is a rapper born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He started his career in the late 90s and earned recognition as a member of DSR (Dirty South Rydaz). He has influenced the young rappers of Dallas a lot and also contributed to “Dallas Sound” development.
His tracks like “Southside Da Realest” & “Not a Stain on Me” showcase his unique southern style and Dallas sound!
29. Street Military
Street Military was a hip-hop group from Texas and the members were Icy Hot, KB DA Kidnappa, Nutt, Lil Flea, and Pharaoh. The group is famous because of the honest and blunt lyrics they create paired with catchy tunes.
Their debut album “Don’t Give a Damn” was a success but the band’s fame died down after Nutt was murdered and Pharaoh was sentenced to 50 years in prison for kidnapping.
30. Maxo Kream
Maxo Kream is an American Rapper who is known for his lyrical storytelling. His lyricism and versatile style are appreciated by the masses. He gained attention through a series of mixtapes including “Maxo 187” and “The Persona Tape”.
Maxo is known to talk about deep topics in his music such as self-reflection and he does not shy away from being vulnerable. His line delivery is very bold so people know that he means business.
31. J-Dawg
J-Dawg, born Larry Wayne Jones, Jr., is a rapper from Houston, Texas. He is from the Northside of Houston and an original member of the Swishahouse. He gained recognition from a legal case related to the song that he released titled “F**k the Police” in 2012. Ultimately, he was convicted and sentenced to prison in 2014.
However, the song remains relevant to this day by being featured in memes now and then.
32. H.A.W.K.
John Edward Hawkins is a Texas rapper who goes by the stage name Big Hawk or H.A.W.K. He is also a founding member of the late DJ Screw’s rap group called the Screwed Up Click.
He gained fame in the hip-hop world by collaborating with other Houston Rappers, one of them being his brother, Fat Pat. His most notable album is “Under Hawk’s Wings” and he continued to contribute to hip-hop until he died in 2006.
33. E.S.G.
E.S.G. is the stage of Cedric Hill. He released his debut album named “Ocean of the Funk” in 1994 which gained him a ton of recognition. He is often credited with the “chopped and screwed” style of hip hop.
E.S.G. still has many listeners to this day who admire his music.
34. Tum Tum
Tony “Tum Tum” Richardson is a Texas rapper who gained recognition in the 2000s with his debut album “Eat or Get Ate”. This debut of his featured great tracks like “Caprice Music” and “I’m Throwed”.
We recommend you listen to these songs as they are groovy and upbeat. If you look at his discography, most of his songs are based on catchy melodies and heavy bass, his rap flow being very rapid.
35. Mike Jones
Micheal Jones or Mike Jones is famously known for his catchphrase “Mike Jones! Who? Mike Jones!” which was consistently used in his music. He was very fond of the loyal supporters he had and he even promoted his phone number, encouraging the fans to contact him.
Mike also ventured into other forms of entertainment including acting. He also starred in a reality TV show called “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta”.
36. K-Rino
K-Rino began his career in the late 80s. Being the founding member of South Park Coalition (S.P.C.), he is highly respected in the hip-hop industry. He often highlighted social Issues, spirituality, politics, and personal experiences in his music.
In addition to his music, he is also involved in many entrepreneurial endeavors, including his label (Black Book International).
37. KenTheMan
KenTheMan is an emerging talent. She is known for her independent approach in the music industry, especially in today’s age. He has managed to turn down some big deals from major labels just to have ownership of her music. A bold move we must say!
She went viral when she dropped the song “Deserve” about a failed relationship from her perspective.
38. South Park Mexican
SPM rapped in both English and Spanish. He often incorporated themes related to his Mexican heritage in his music. SPM’s career was full of legal troubles, he was convicted and arrested on the charge of sexual assault of a minor. This legal case had a massive impact on his music career and public image.
Despite the charges, SPM maintained a loyal fan base, especially in Texas where people appreciated his storytelling and elements of Mexican heritage in his work.
39. Screwed Up Click
Founded by DJ Screw, Screwed Up Click gained prominence in the early 90s. S.U.C. is closely associated with the “chopped & screwed” style of music which involves slowing down and remixing songs to create innovative tunes.
The Screwed Up Click had a profound impact on Houston’s hip-hop culture and music. The DJ screw died on November 16, 2000, due to codeine overdose.
40. Big Pokey
Milton “Big Pokey” Powell was a Houston rapper who was part of the rap group Screwed Up Click before he left because he wanted to pursue a solo career. Big Pokey’s debut album “Hardest Pit In The Litter” was a success.
However, his remarkable music career came to an end after he collapsed on stage during a performance. He suffered from a major heart attack and unfortunately passed away at the age of 45.
41. Bushwick Bill
Bushwick Bill is the stage name of Texas rapper Richard William Stephen Shaw who was part of the famous rap group, Geto Boys. Apart from his work in the group, he also has notable solo albums such as “Little Big Man”.
He was a well-known name in the Southern rap industry and even after his demise, he is remembered by many.
42. Mr. Pookie
Mr. Pookie, whose real name is Bryan Jones, is a Texas rapper who is famous for the street style that he incorporates into his music. He talks about serious issues in his songs such as challenges of urban living as well as the issues he faced in the community.
He is very good with words, add his rapid flow and appealing melodies to that, and you get a masterpiece.
43. Willie D
William James Dennis, who goes by the name Willie D in the hip-hop industry, is yet another talented member of the rap crew, ghetto Boys. He left the group to pursue his solo career which gave us his iconic album “Controversy”.
This album was a hit, especially because of its politically charged lyrics and the unique style of Willie to deliver these lines.
44. Vanilla Ice
The next rapper we have is Robert Matthew Van Winkle, who goes by the professional name Vanilla Ice. we are sure you have heard of him, especially if you heard the song “Ice Ice Baby”.
Robert did not only bind himself to the music industry, he also worked as an actor and a book writer. He even did jet skiing competitively along with studying real estate.
45. Nelly
Next on our list is the iconic Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. who is professionally known as Nelly. Nelly is very diverse, as he is a singer, rapper as well as and entrepreneur. When it comes to music, Nelly is known for mixing genres such as hip-hop, R&B, and pop.
His album “Country Grammar” managed to get a very positive response which helped kick his career into the air.
46. Kirko Bangz
Kirko Bangz’s real name is Kirk Jerel Randle and he is yet another famous and talented rapper and songwriter from Houston Texas. His mother raised him and the challenges she faced as a single mom motivated Kirko to begin rapping.
Kirko attracted attention with his single “Drank In My Cup” which was ranked #28 on the Billboard Hot 100. His hip-hop career has been very successful and his collaborations with artists like Snoop Dog, and Wiz Khalifa, show that.
47. Lecrae
“Lecrae” Devaughn Moore is a versatile artist who has many achievements in life. He is a Texas rapper, singer, songwriter, film and record producer, actor, and entrepreneur. When it comes to rap, he is known for his Christianity-based rhymes that are loved by many.
He won a Grammy in 2013 for Best Gospel Album as well as a Billboard Music Award for Top Christian Album.
48. Sauce Walka
Sauce Walka, or real name Albert Mondane, is a rising star in the hip-hop industry. He first gained a following when he made a diss track against Drake called “Wack 2 Wack”.
Since then he has started his record label called The Sauce Factory. His record has been under fire for criminal activity.
49. OG Ron C
OG Ron C, born Ronald Coleman, is a rapper who started as a DJ. He is also a label operator and manager. He is the co-founder of the famous label, Swishahouse.
The label has supported the careers of many other fellow Texas rappers such as Slim Thug, Chamillionaire, etc. Ronald himself is well known for his mixtapes and remixes.
50. Tay Money
Taylor Watson from Athens, who goes by the stage name Tay Money, is a Dallas rapper who became famous due to her song “Bussin” going viral on TikTok. She has since released multiple records.
Tay Money started as a hairdresser before she started creating amazing rap music. She has worked with other notable artists such as Saweetie.
FAQs
Which rapper from Texas is the most famous?
The most famous rapper from Texas is Jacques Webster II, also known as Travis Scott. His many accolades and frequent hit songs helped him get this title.
What is Southern hip-hop?
Southern hip-hop is another name for Texas rap which is a blanket term used for the rap music that emerged from the Southern United States. This includes Houston, Atlanta, Memphis, and Miami, and New Orleans.
Who shot Megan Thee Stallion?
Tory Lanez was recently charged with 10 years in prison for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the foot while leaving a party in 2020. He has been found guilty by the court and will be serving time.