For many of us, hip-hop lived in the base of our house speakers and headphones, giving us memorized punchlines to rap over lunch in the school cafeteria or collect in the pages of a stickered-up composition book. However, to the young mind, we didn’t realize the genre had become ingrained in culture outside of the hottest sound system. Cherished are the days we could pick up the latest magazine from a local store and spot our favorite emcee on the front cover. A standout shoot from the past is The Source’s “Don’t Mess with Texas” issue.
Written by Matt Sonzala, the groundbreaking spread hit the stands in April 2006 and featured Chamillionaire, UGK, Slim Thug, Z-Ro, J Prince, Lil’ Flip, Michael 5000 Watts, Mike Jones, Scarface, the late Pimp C, and Bun B on the cover, among others inside the installment. According to an Instagram post from Houston’s Hip Hop Museum, the images (photographed by Michael Blackwell) were taken at J Prince’s ranch.
Lil’ Flip recalled the historical moment in an interview with Bootleg Kev, “It was a great day. I played dominoes with J Prince Sr. We [were] on a ranch. That was one of the inspirations to me buying a ranch and cattle.” He added, “It was a cold day. That’s why I had on the fur. It was a cold-a** f*cking day. We did some kind of a little pass-the-mic freestyle that same day, too. It was cool, man.”
Following the print’s iconic run, a short-lived movement ensued for Houston-bred emcees. But… when asked why it lacked longevity, Flip furthered, “Part of the reason is… evolving, right? Every coast, every town has [its] own lingo, [its] own slang–words that they say, things that they do. So, for [Texas], the candy paint, the double cups, the diamond teeth, that’s us. Right? That’s our culture. Like, we live it. It’s in us. It’s not a fad for us.”
He concluded, “[The rest of the country] thought it was a fad. Everybody started getting grills where they’re talking funny, can’t really talk, and double cups–all this stuff that we started. So, man, it’s just like… some people didn’t want to keep hearing about candy paint, popping trunks, [and] grills. You know what I mean?”
This was supposed to be a new beginning for Houston’s relationship with rap. However, it died out quickly after it began. So, where are the key members now? Here’s a quick catch-me-up.
Revisiting The Source’s Legendary ‘Don’t Mess With Texas’ Edition
Bun B
Lyricist Bun B (aka Bernard James Freeman) rose to prominence after the formation of Southern rap duo UGK (Underground Kingz) in 1987.
Although originally founded as a trio alongside Mitchell “Big Mitch” Queen, B and Chad “Pimp C” Butler carried the group after Queen’s departure to pursue a career in football. Together, they released six albums: Too Hard to Swallow (1992), Super Tight (1994), Ridin’ Dirty (1996), Dirty Money (2001), Underground Kingz (2007), and UGK 4 Life (2009).
Following the height of the twosome’s initial commercial success in the 1990s, B unveiled his debut individual project, Trill, in 2005.
Where are they now?
Since then, he’s unleashed five more solo full-lengths: II Trill (2008), Trill OG (2010), Trill OG: The Epilogue (2013), Return of the Trill (2018), and Yokozuna Trill (2024). Additionally, B has made various on-screen appearances, such as Ghetto Stories (2010), Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap (2012), and Netflix’s comedy-drama series Mo (2022).
Aside from music and media, the Houston native began teaching a course on hip hop and religion at Rice University in 2011. In 2013, Bun B published his 48-page Rap Coloring and Activity Book with author Shea Serrano.
He is also the co-owner of the uber-successful burger chain Trill Burgers, which he established in 2012 alongside restaurateur Andy Nguyen and PR giant Nick Scurfield.
Z-Ro
Deemed one of America’s most underrated rappers by The New York Times in 2o07, Z-Ro (aka Joseph Wayne McVey) is a prolific rhymer who broke out with his first album, Look What You Did to Me, in 1998.
He would unveil six more albums, Z-Ro vs. the World (2000), King of da Ghetto (2001), Z-Ro (2001), Life (2002), Screwed Up Click Representa (2002), and Z-Ro Tolerance (2003), before his debut under the famous Rap-A-Lot Records. Through the imprint, he dropped The Life of Joseph W. McVey in 2004, which featured appearances from Trae tha Truth and Scarface, among others.
Z-Ro’s career reached new heights with the coming of one of his most celebrated works to date: Let the Truth Be Told, in 2005.
Where are they now?
Following LTTBT’s accomplishments, Z-Ro released over a dozen more albums, including I’m Still Livin’ (2006), King of tha Ghetto: Power (2007), Crack (2008), Cocaine (2009), Heroin (2010), Meth (2011), Angel Dust (2012), The Crown (2014), Melting the Crown (2015), Drankin’ & Drivin’ (2016), Legendary (2016), No Love Boulevard (2017), and Codeine (2017), among others.
In 2017, Z-Ro reportedly announced his retirement but returned to the music scene less than a year later. 2020 and 2021 saw all-star collabs with Boosie Badazz and Slim Thug on his EP, Quarantine: Social Distancing, and Screwed Up Click’s Mike D on their joint effort 2 The Hard Way.
In December 2024, he unleashed his latest endeavor, Call Me Rother. As of today, Z-Ro is still actively touring and keeping his name alive in modern-day media.
J Prince
Fellow Houstonian J Prince (born James Andre Prince) co-founded Rap-A-Lot Records with Cliff Blodget in 1987. Through the label, he formed the hip-hop collective Geto Boys, which was comprised of the late Bushwick Bill, Scarface, and Willie D following the removal of Prince’s brother.
The Geto Boys quickly obtained a great deal of commercial success, with their 1991 single “Mind Playing Tricks on Me” crushing the charts and blaring from boombox to boombox. They remained active until Bill died in 2019, but are still recognized as iconic in their own right.
Prince had an instrumental hand in Southern rap, having served as the manager and mentor for many of today’s uber-legendary artists. To date, he is one of the most well-respected starmakers in the game and is often referred to as a Godfather of the industry.
Where are they now?
It’s no secret that Prince’s discography could go on for days, having been responsible for contributing to numerous classic albums we still bump to this very day. However, his expertise extends beyond the booth. In fact, according to reports, he served as the manager for boxers Floyd Mayweather Jr., Andre Ward, and Shakur Stevenson.
An avid fan of boxing, Prince soon became the owner of Prince Boxing Complex (James Prince Boxing Gym) in Houston, which first opened around 1999. In 2006, he founded his own condom company called Strapped after witnessing a friend suffer from HIV.
In 2018, Prince published his life story, The Art & Science of Respect: A Memoir. Today, Prince is only applauded for his 1200-acre ranch of black Angus cattle, but also his even-fatter portfolio of businesses, which include liquor/wine brand Loyalty and his self-crafted Prince Island, a private escape for those seeking a peaceful, luxurious getaway in Belize.
Slim Thug
Born Stayve Thomas, Slim Thug made his way onto the scene in the late 1990s as part of Houston-based record house Swishahouse, one of the city’s most influential labels for the underground rap circuit. Known for his street-oriented lyrics and confident flow, Thug rose to mainstream success with his debut album, Already Platinum, released via The Neptunes’ Star Trak Entertainment and Geffen Records. The top-seller spawned hits “Like a Boss,” “3 Kings,” and “I Ain’t Heard of That,” among others, which all positioned him as a key figure in the urban music mecca.
With his highly successful guest appearances on Mike Jones and Paul Wall’s “Still Tippin'” (2004) and Beyoncé and Gwen Stefani’s 2005 singles “Check on It” and “Luxurious,” Thug quickly amassed worldwide recognition that still stands nearly two decades later.
Where are they now?
Since his introductory album, Thug has unveiled over ten more LPs/mixtapes, including Boss of All Bosses (2009), Tha Thug Show (2010), Boss Life (2013), and latterly, Midlife Crisis (2023). These days, he’s still the front runner of his independent company, Boss Hogg Outlawz. Thug continues to perform, but beyond music, he’s a well-off entrepreneur, having reportedly invested in real estate and inked top-dollar collaboration deals with an array of businesses.
Aside from his involvement in community outreach and local charities for underserved youth, Thug is active on social media, where he frequently posts music on his YouTube channel and promotes his merchandise line, HoggLife Family.
Lil’ Flip
Wesley Eric Weston Jr. (better known as Lil’ Flip) hails from Cloverland in South Houston. Having signed with Suckafree Records in 1999 before his joint deal with Columbia Records, he broke out with his summer anthem, “Sunshine,” in 2004, solidifying its mark as an all-time fan favorite. The R&B + rap blend featured singer Lea and was from Flip’s third album, U Gotta Feel Me, which followed his debut work, The Leprechaun (2000), and his platinum, sophomore effort, Undaground Legend (2002).
Offering up cold wordplay and melodic charisma, Flip became a force to be reckoned with in all ways. Whether it was his status as the new “hood” heartthrob or the way he easily glided his Texan twang across every beat, Flip is certainly one to remember.
Where are they now?
Though his mainstream peak was relatively brief, Flip never fell off the mic. He has released dozens of mixtapes and albums over the years, including I Need Mine (2007), Respect Me (2009), and Ahead of My Time (2010), among other follow-ups. Since 2020, he has come back with Feelings, No Feelings, The Leprechaun 2, The Art of Freestyle 3, Fondren Flip, Worthing Wesley, and latterly, Kingz of the South, Vol. 2 with Z-Ro. The projects were (seemingly) in conjunction with his record label, Clover G Records, which he launched in 2004 along with his then-shoe line, Clover Footwear.
In recent years, Flip authored his debut book, “Don’t Let the Music Industry Fool You!” in 2014, accompanied by an exclusive soundtrack. Aside from his literary endeavors, Flip has also ventured into the world of technology, having developed video games such as ‘Lil’ Flip Saves Christmas’ and ‘Ace Time Fight.’ In 2018, he partnered with FitPay for a contactless payment device for Bitcoin. Those aren’t the only things that have kept Flip alive and thriving, though. Today, he’s headlining on the Houston event scene, going back to his roots of battle rapping, and even collaborating with both old-and new-school talent.
Lil’ Keke
DJ Screw’s Screwed Up Click’s Lil’ Keke (born Marcus Lakee Edwards) made nationwide noise with the release of his debut album, Don’t Mess wit Texas, which featured the Bayou City classic “Southside” in 1997. Keke’s contribution to the chopped-and-screwed arena put him in a lane of his own in Texas rap and broke barriers for the once-shunned genre.
Where are they now?
Lil’ Keke is still respected as a living legend today. Since his 1997 breakout, he has given us dozens of projects, including the notable Loved by Few, Hated by Many (2008), Money Don’t Sleep (2014), Slfmade (2016, 2018, 2020), 25 Summers (2023), Can’t Rain Forever (2024), and the latest, Legend Hotel (2025).
Additionally, Keke is heavily involved in the community. In 2016, he was granted an award for his services from former President Barack Obama. From aiding the needy and mentoring aspiring creatives to performing at city affairs, Keke hasn’t ceased to show love for his hometown. According to reports, Keke is to thank for the modern-day popularity of the annual 713 Day in Houston and has even earned a “Lil’ Keke Day” proclamation, which was granted by ex-mayor Annise Parker in 2015.
Keke’s 713 usage, which is in honor of Houston’s original area code, has morphed into a whole movement, with the rapper starting everything from clothing brands to lifestyle messages.
E.S.G.
To the world, he’s E.S.G., but to his Houston beginnings, he’s Cedric Dormaine Hill. As an unsung hero and founding member of the Screwed Up Click, E.S.G. had major fingerprints on “Swangin’ and Bangin'” sound. All thanks to his 1994/1995 albums Ocean of Funk and Sailin’ Da South, he became a chopped-and-screwed icon alongside DJ Screw. Known for incorporating the hard-knock life in the streets of Southside Houston in his music, E.S.G.’s rich-but-gutta flair is one of the reasons why he’ll forever be at the top of everyone’s favorites in H-Town hip-hop.
Where are they now?
E.S.G. was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022. The following year, he underwent leg amputation after the disease spread, and he suffered a car accident. However, despite those health challenges, he continues to stay active on social media and in the industry. E.S.G. is currently touring and has just come off the release of his comeback project, Lost It All, Got It Back.
From interviews to shows, E.S.G. consistently shows up for his fans and hasn’t let his circumstances change that in the slightest bit. Because of that, he was and will always be one of the most lauded performers of Southern rap.
Trae Tha Truth
Frazier Othel Thompson III is well-known as Trae tha Truth to many. His candid sense of poetry, paired with his voice of conviction for social justice, certainly made him one to live up to his name. The early 2000s saw Mr. Truth rising to fame with his chart-breaking albums Restless (2006) and Life Goes On (2007). Before his solo run, he was 1/2 of ABN (A**holes by Nature), a hip-hop duo he formed with Z-Ro. Trae’s unfiltered approach to speaking on grit, grief, and everything in between stamped his face in listeners’ personal Mt. Rushmores and Houston’s own book of urban impact.
Where are they now?
These days, Trae’s advocacy is just as prevalent as his music. Although he’s proven to be quite controversial with his audacious approach to societal issues, his outreach efforts and constant dedication to providing premium artistry to the game have given him every right to be.
Trae is the founder of 501c3 nonprofit organization Angel By Nature. Through the foundation, he has put together the Relief Gang, an initiative supporting communities during natural disasters. Due to his crisis proactiveness and steadfast participation in human rights, he now has his own “Trae Day” on July 22 in Houston to commemorate his achievements.
Trae’s latter works include Stuck In Motion (2023), Crowd Control (2024), and ANGEL (2025).
Killa Kyleon
Veteran lyricist Killa Kyleon (Kyle Riley) was a member of Slim Thug’s Boss Hogg Outlawz. His unparalleled punchlines gained him a stand-out star in Houston’s wall of rap royalty. During the mixtape era, Kyleon demonstrated penmanship and freestyle ability like never before, adding weight to his name that most of us foresaw upon his entrance in 2001. If cutthroat talent were a person, Kyleon would be it.
Where are they now?
Although it appears that Kyleon isn’t in the spotlight as much anymore, the underground grind hasn’t stopped. As one of Texas’ most regarded spitters, Kyleon maintains his label as “The Goat” through building an online presence to connect with fans, releasing music, and collaborating with other artists.
In 2017, he dropped Lorraine Motel, a thought-provoking EP paying homage to the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which spoke on race, injustice, and Black empowerment. The Candy Paint & Texas Plates phenomenon’s ongoing tributes to Houston, undeniable skill, and unmatched presence have proven that he’s here to stay… umpteen years later.
Today, Kyleon is still making music and doing it well. If he isn’t letting off some bars on his social media, he’s in the booth by himself (for songs like “No Regrets and “Snakeskin”) or with the next big thing out of H-Town.
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