Bun B, Chase B and More Name Unlikely Underdog, ‘June 27’ as Houston’s Signature Get Up Anthem

Nneoma Ajiwe for Billboard

Tres Generaciones Tequila, a 50-year-old brand introduced by the family that elevated tequila to a symbol of Mexican pride, and Billboard team up for a year-long celebration of the transformative power of music to reveal the top songs that are energetic, uplifting and exciting . six selected cities, known as the ‘Get Up Anthems.’ Curated from a mix of editorial insight and data analysis, these playlists celebrate the songs that define each city’s history and culture.

In the heart of Downtown Houston, amidst a conversation on a crisp March afternoon led by host Rocsi Diaz, rap star Bun B, famed DJ/producer Chase B, and esteemed Billboard critics Damien Scott and Cat Johnson, they came to a special conclusion about a Tres Generaciones Tequila cocktail: “June 27^e” deserves recognition as Houston’s quintessential anthem. Despite its absence from the commercial world and the Billboard charts, the song’s cultural significance transcends mere dates and resonates as the ultimate city of the city. Get up anthem. “You’d be hard-pressed to find something that represents Houston culture to a large number of people across the board that this song doesn’t really speak to,” Bun B said.

Emerging from the melting pot of Houston’s underground hip-hop scene in the early 1990s, DJ Screw revolutionized music production with his innovative ‘chop and screw’ style. The core of this movement was “June 27^e”, a groundbreaking 38-minute freestyle track that embodied the raw energy and signature sound of the city. Rooted in the experiences of the streets of Houston, the song became a rallying cry for a generation, embodying the spirit of resilience and community pride.

Musical features aside, almost three decades later since the release of DJ Screw’s 1996 tape, Ruined, “June 27^e‘ holds a special place in the hearts of Houstonians as a cultural touchstone. The title is taken from D-Mo’s birthday, whose celebration served as the backdrop for the record’s birth, and has become an unofficial holiday in the Bayou City. “It just kind of gave Houston an unofficial holiday,” Chase B explained, “so June 27th^e It just became Houston’s day.” Bun B added, “You can feel it in your heart. It’s so ingrained in our lives, in our culture. It’s literally like us Congratulations, almost a kind of thing. It’s one of those factors where you know you’re in the right room.”

The hypnotic beats and soulful samples evoke a deep sense of nostalgia for warm summer days and late evening gatherings, serving as a sonic time capsule of the city’s vibrant neighborhoods. Through its lyrics and melodies, the song celebrates the diversity and resilience of Houston’s communities, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among residents.

One of the most remarkable aspects of “June 27^e‘is his ability to transcend barriers and bring people together. In an era of mixtapes, the record laid the foundation for seven lyricists to jump to the beat, each with their own tastes and lyrical prowess, delighting their audiences. “In the heyday of mixtapes, it was like hearing songs that were made entirely with no intention of getting on the radio… and, you know, groups that weren’t really groups. It was a great time,” said Damien Scott, deputy editor of Billboard.

Across generations and backgrounds, the song acts as a unifying force, forging connections and fostering a shared sense of identity among Houstonians. Whether blaring from car radios at street parties or pulsing through crowded clubs, the infectious rhythm has the power to unite people in celebration of their shared cultural heritage.

As Houston continues to evolve, the legacy of “June 27^e‘ remains as powerful as ever. Its influence can be seen in the work of contemporary artists who draw inspiration from DJ Screw’s groundbreaking sound, as well as in the city’s continued celebration of its hip-hop heritage. Furthermore, as new generations of Houstonians discover the song’s timeless appeal, its legacy is assured for years to come, serving as a testament to music’s enduring power to shape our lives and unite communities.

From its humble origins in Houston’s underground rap scene to its status as a cultural phenomenon, “June 27^e‘ has transcended its role as mere entertainment and has become a symbol of unity, resilience and pride for the city of Houston.