In Texas, rap was never intended. However, it wasn’t long before Texas rappers began to make the genre their own and started regifting it to the world.
Now, hip-hop has become one of Texas’ most significant cultural exports. But how did Texas rap take off? Which artists made Texas rap culture one of the biggest hits of all? Want to know? Let’s find out!
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1. Machine Gun Kelly
Born on April 22, 1990, Colson Baker goes by the stage name Machine Gun Kelly (M.G.K.). In 2012, he released his first debut studio album, Lace Up, which ranked number four on the U.S. Billboard 200. This album contains his hit single “Wild Boy” (featuring Waka Flocka Flame).
Instagram Account: @machinegunkelly
YouTube Account: Machine Gun Kelly
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2. Nelly
He made his professional debut with St. Lunatics, a hip-hop/rap group that won a Grammy. In 2000, he released his debut solo album, Country Grammar, which established him as an iconic figure. He rated third on Billboard’s list of “The Top Artist of the Decade” and has sold over 21 million albums in America alone.
Instagram Account: @nelly
YouTube Account: Nelly
Spotify: Nelly
3. Scarface
born November 9, 1970, Scarfac’s real name is Bradley Terrence Jordan. He was a proud Texan rapper in the 80s era and still continuing his rapping style and belong to Geto Boys, a hip hop group from Houston, Texas.
In the year 2012, The Source rated him at #16 on their list of the Top 50 Lyricists of All Time, and About.com rated him #6 on its list of “The 50 Greatest M.C.s of Our Time”.
Instagram Account: Not available
YouTube Account: Scarface
Spotify: Scarface
4. The D.O.C.
The D.O.C. is another Texan rapper from the 80s era, and he goes by the name of The D.O.C. He started his career by joining the Southern hip hop group Fila Fresh Crew then; after leaving this group, he joined gangsta rap group N.W.A.
In 1989, he released his first album, No One Can Do It Better, which ranked number-one on the U.S. Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart for more than two weeks.
Instagram Account: @thedoc_rapper
YouTube Account: not available
Spotify: The D.O.C.
5. Riff Raff
Horst Christian Simco, born January 29, 1982, known professionally as Riff Raff (often stylized as RiFF RAFF). In 2014, His first studio album, Neon Icon, came to market via Mad Decent.
Instagram Account: @jodyhighroller
YouTube Account: JodyHighRoller
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6. Todrick Hall
American Idol’s ninth season brought fame to rapper/choreographer Todrick Hall. The openly gay man has also been invited to judge RuPaul’s Drag Race. Also viral was his YouTube videos, which featured a variety of his songs and parodies. In addition to this, he has also been featured in the play Chicago as Billy Flynn.
Instagram Account: @todrick
YouTube Account: Todrick Hall
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7. Kevin McHale
Born on June 14, 1988, Kevin Michael McHale is a Texan actor, singer, and podcast host. He was one of two lead singers in the American boy band N.L.T., which stands for “Not Like Them.”. On March 13, 2007, the band released their first song, “That Girl.”
However, his acting career is more successful than his music career.
Instagram Account: @kevinmchale
YouTube Account: Kevin McHale
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8. Lecrae Moore
Lecrae Devaughn Moore (born October 9, 1979), known as Lecrae. Reach Records is the independent record label he owns, co-founded, and serves as president. His first recording, Real Talk, was released in 2004 through his own company.
Instagram Account: @lecrae
YouTube Account: Lecrae Moore
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9. Kevin Abstract
Born on July 16, 1996, Clifford Ian Simpson, known professionally as Kevin Abstract, is a Texan rapper, singer-songwriter, and director. He is a leading member of Brockhampton. He released his first album, MTV1987, in 2014 and earned attention from several prominent magazine journals and music blogs.
Instagram Account: @kevinabstract
YouTube Account: none
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10. Stephen Jackson
Stephen Jackson is a leading member, musician, and composer for the Pietasters and the record labels Slug Tone! and Indication Records.
Instagram Account: @_stak5_
YouTube Account: none
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11. Asian Doll
Misharron Jermeisha Allen, popularly known as Asian Doll, is a famous female Texas rapper. Even though she lived in poverty for most of her childhood, Doll was able to earn money and fame with her rapping skills. She was the first female artist who signed a contract with the famous 1017 Eskimo Records.
Instagram Account: not currently available
YouTube Account: Asian Doll
Spotify: Asian Doll
12. D.J. Screw
Born on July 20, 1971 – November 16, 2000, Robert Earl Davis Jr. professionally known as D.J. Screw, was a Texan hip hop D.J. He began his career at the early age of 12 and started his brand slowed-down mixes in 1990; the style became his primary focus in late 91 – early 92. He died on November 16, 2000, due to an overdose of drugs.
Instagram Account: none
YouTube Account: D.J. Screw
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13. Big Lurch
Antron Singleton, known professionally as Big Lurch, is a sentenced murderer and ex-Texan rapper. Currently, he is serving a life sentence for killing 21-year-old roommate Tynisha Ysais and swallowing parts of her body in 2002. He was also a member of the group Cosmic Slop Shop.
Instagram Account: none
YouTube Account: Antron Singleton
Spotify: Big Lurch
14. Slim Thug
Born September 8, 1980, Stayve Jerome Thomas, known professionally as Slim Thug, is an American rapper. He gained media attention for his hit single by Mike Jones, “Still Tippin’.”
Instagram Account: @slimthug
YouTube Account: Slim Thug
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15. Yella Beezy
Markies Deandre Conway, known professionally as Yella Beezy, is a Texan rapper. He is known for hit singles “That’s On Me,” “Bacc At It Again”, “Up One,” and “Goin Through Some Thangs.”
Instagram Account: @yellabeezy214
YouTube Account: Yella Beezy
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16. Lil Twist
Born on January 11, 1993, Christopher Lynn Moore, known professionally as Lil Twist, is a Texan rapper. He is signed to Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment.
Instagram Account: @liltwist
YouTube Account: Lil Twist
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17. X-Raided
Anerae Brown, known professionally as X-Raided, is a Texan rapper and a former 24th Street Garden Blocc Crip gang member. His debut album, Psycho Active, was released in June 1990 with Sacramento rapper Brotha Lynch Hung.
Instagram Account: @officialxraided1
YouTube Account: X-Raided
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18. Yasmine Yousaf
Born on February 18, 1992, Yasmine Yousaf was a proud female Texan rapper.
Instagram Account: @yousaf_yasmine
YouTube Account: none
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19. Young Lyric
Born on July 30, 2000, Young Lyric is another proud Texan female rapper.
Instagram Account:@thereallyricmichell
YouTube Account: Young Lyric
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20. Y.B.N. Almighty Jay
Jay Gerard Bradley was born on August 6, 1999 and goes by the stage name Almighty Jay (formerly Y.B.N. Almighty Jay). Before Y.B.N. disbanded in August 2020, he was a member of the collective. He is famous for his singles such as “Chopsticks”, “Bread Winners”, and “No Hook.”
Instagram Account:@realalmightyjay
YouTube Account: none
Spotify: Y.B.N. Almighty Jay
21. Hayden Summerall
Born on April 4, 2005, Hayden Summerall was another famous Texan rapper.
Instagram Account:@haydensummerall
YouTube Account: Hayden Summerall
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22. Travis Scott
This article wouldn’t be justice to Texan rap without mentioning Travis Scott. Among his many accomplishments, Travis Scott is an exceptionally successful rapper, singer, and songwriter.
The album became McKnight’s first to reach the top of the Billboard 200 with his second album, Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight. It was followed by his award-winning album, Astroworld, which received widespread critical acclaim. As for his music, it is a blend of traditional, hip-hop, lo-fi, and ambient styles.
Instagram Account: @travisscott
YouTube Account: Travis Scott
Spotify: Travis Scott
23. Megan Thee Stallion
Now we pay homage to the queen of Texan rap, Megan Thee Stallion, an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and music video director who began rapping in her teens with the help of social media platforms. Fans and record labels both appreciated her talent, so she became the first woman to be signed by the American record label, 300 Entertainment.
Instagram Account: @theestallion
Instagram Account: @theestallion
Spotify: Megan Thee Stallion
Some other renowned rappers from Texas include
24. Brianna Burns
Instagram Account: none
YouTube Account: Brianna Burns
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25. Wilough
Instagram Account:@willowsmith
YouTube Account: none
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26. Trill Sammy
Instagram Account: @trillsammy
YouTube Account: Trill Sammy
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27. Tay Money
Instagram Account: @taymoneyduh
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28. Erica Banks
Instagram Account: @realericabanks
YouTube Account: Erica Banks
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29. South Park Mexican
Instagram Account:@thesonofnorma
YouTube Account: none
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30. Paul Wall
Instagram Account: @paulwallbaby
YouTube Account: none
Spotify: Paul Wall