Gotta Come Down, Gotta Rep the Hood

Abstract

This chapter explores the various ways Houston’s street-based hip hop artists, who are considered the most culturally dominant, exhibit strong territorial identification and champion local hip hop heritage. Fueled by the desire to represent place and audience expectations, these artists make very explicit overtures to the streets, neighborhoods, and the city in their lyrics and live performances. In addition to this, these artists intentionally preserve local heritage by frequently producing tributes to screw, slabs, and lean. Using ethnographic data, lyrical examination, and archival research, this chapter highlights rap artists’ efforts to build community and maintain cultural identity in Houston.