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How Houston became the self-sustaining heart of Texas rap

Travis Scott, UGK, Megan Thee Stallion and Geto Boys. Collage by Jackie Lay / NPR. Suzanne Cordeiro / Pam Francis / Rich Fury / Richard Shotwell/Getty Images / AP hide caption

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Suzanne Cordeiro / Pam Francis / Rich Fury / Richard Shotwell/Getty Images / AP

Hip-Hop 50: All Rap Is Local

How Houston became the self-sustaining heart of Texas rap

August 1, 2023 • Isolated at the bottom of the map, the Bayou City had to build its scene from scratch, and its influence inched ever outward. Today you can hear its pulse everywhere, beating slow and low.

The South Got Something To Say: A Celebration Of Southern Rap (1995-1999)

Joelle Avelino for NPR

Music Features

The South Got Something To Say: A Celebration Of Southern Rap (1995-1999)

August 3, 2020 • Our list of the best songs, albums and mixtapes by Southern rappers is a celebration that recenters the South as a creative center of hip-hop and honors the region for all that it has given to us.

'Moonlight' Director Boosts A Chopped And Screwed Version Of Its Soundtrack

Art for The Chopstars' Purple Moonlight. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Courtesy of the artist

All Songs Considered

'Moonlight' Director Boosts A Chopped And Screwed Version Of Its Soundtrack

February 27, 2017 • Moonlight's Oscar win for Best Picture was well-deserved — and a new, freelance soundtrack is, too.