DJ Screw: Mixtapes That Defined Houston

DJ Screw's "June 27th Freestyle" tape solidified the chopped and screwed sound, transforming tracks by Lil' Keke, Fat Pat, and UGK into the definitive voice of Houston hip-hop.

Tracklist

  1. June 27th Freestyle — DJ Screw
  2. Southside — Lil' Keke
  3. Tops Drop — Fat Pat
  4. Wanna Be A Baller (Chopped & Screwed) — DJ Screw
  5. Pocket Full of Stones — UGK
  6. 25 Lighters — DJ DMD
  7. Smokin' and Leanin' (Screwed) — DJ Screw
  8. Sailin' Da South (Screwed) — DJ Screw & E.S.G.

Transcript

Welcome to OffStereo. Good morning — let's get into it.

June 27th Freestyle — DJ Screw

Recorded on June 27, 1996, for rapper DeMo Sherman's birthday, this became DJ Screw's best-selling tape and magnum opus. It solidified the chopped and screwed sound, featuring legendary Screwed Up Click freestyles that redefined Southern hip-hop.

Southside — Lil' Keke

Lil' Keke, a founding member of the Screwed Up Click, was instrumental in shaping the Houston sound. His tracks were often elevated by DJ Screw's technique, turning his home studio into a vital platform for local talent.

Tops Drop — Fat Pat

Fat Pat, another cherished S.U.C. member, exemplifies the community DJ Screw fostered in his "wood room" studio. His music, a staple on Screw's mixtapes, became an anthem for the burgeoning Houston scene.

Wanna Be A Baller (Chopped & Screwed) — DJ Screw

DJ Screw was a master of transformation, taking popular tracks and making them his own. His "chopped and screwed" version of "Wanna Be A Baller" popularized the unique sound, creating a hazy, hypnotic experience that captured Houston's vibe.

Pocket Full of Stones — UGK

Screw’s curatorial skill extended to national acts like UGK, whose "Pocket Full of Stones" was a Southern rap essential. He possessed an ear for deep cuts, making under-appreciated songs into works of genius through his slowing technique.

25 Lighters — DJ DMD

This track is the original source for a legendary freestyle segment on DJ Screw's iconic "June 27th Freestyle" mixtape, featuring Lil' Keke and Fat Pat. It showcases Screw's genius for selecting beats that would inspire S.U.C. members.

Smokin' and Leanin' (Screwed) — DJ Screw

Featured on his seminal "3 'N the Mornin' Part 2" mixtape, this track captures the raw, spontaneous energy of the S.U.C.'s freestyle sessions. As Slim Thug noted, these exclusive freestyles, often recorded in Screw's "wood room," made the tapes "real personal for us" and solidified his DIY auteur status.

Sailin' Da South (Screwed) — DJ Screw & E.S.G.

Featuring S.U.C. veteran E.S.G., this track embodies the enduring sound that defined Houston. DJ Screw’s tireless work, releasing over 300 mixtapes like "Pimpalation (Screwed)" from his home, cemented his legacy as a cultural icon who put Texas hip-hop on the map.

Thank you for tuning into OffStereo. May the slowed-down soundscapes of Screw's legendary tapes continue to inspire reflection and discovery long after the music fades.

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