Why We Honor DJ Screw Day On June 27

In Houston, we’re lucky to have music royalty. Whether we’re belting out Beyoncé (see you at Cowboy Carter this weekend!), or grooving to the Ice Man Paul Wall, or headed to Bun B’s Houston Rodeo Takeover, our city is filled with Houston music legends. DJ Screw is no exception. And every year, on June 27, Houstonians celebrate the music icon that made chopped and screwed famous.

Word began to spread about DJ Screw’s music in the 1990s. His chopped and screwed tapes featured music that had a slowed down tempo and as Houston rapper Paul Wall said, “would just put you in a trance.” These slowed down beats became synonymous with Houston rap culture. DJ Screw’s underground tapes quickly blew up. He would sometimes sell between 10,000 to 15,000 copies in a single day. It also became normal to see slabs on Houston’s South Side clamoring for more of DJ Screw’s music, so they could blast it in their cars.

DJ Screw’s track “June 27” changed everything though. This 38-minute freestyle record recorded in a living room on June 27,1996 featured Screw’s famous style and a number of his friends rapping on the mic. Big Pokey, Yungstar, and Big Moe, all featured on the track, would go on to inspire future Houston artists like Slim Thug, Paul Wall, and even now-Houstonian Drake. When he released the tape on July 4th weekend, Houstonians waited in long lines by Screw’s house to buy a copy and grooved to the track at Galveston beach parties.

So, as June 27 gets closer, slow down, grab your headphones, and turn DJ Screw’s music up. Take in the beats and listen as Houston rap artists flow through the track. And, if you pull up to another car on June 27, with speakers throbbing, just nod your head and smile. You probably know who they’re listening to 🎵

How to Celebrate DJ Screw Day