Bun B, Chase B & More Name The Unlikely Underdog, “June 27th” As Houston's Quintessential Get Up Anthem

Tres Generaciones Tequila, a 50-year-old brand introduced by the family that made tequila a symbol of Mexican pride, and Billboard are teaming up for an annual celebration of music's transformative power to reveal the top songs that have energized, uplifted and excited six featured cities known as 'Get Up Anthems'. These playlists are curated through a combination of editorial insights and data analytics and honor the songs that define each city's history and culture.

In the heart of downtown Houston, in the middle of a brisk March afternoon moderated by host Rocsi Diaz, rap sensation Bun B, celebrity DJ/producer Chase B, and esteemed Billboard critics Damien Scott and Cat Johnson , converged on a unique conclusion. a Tres Generaciones Tequila cocktail: “June 27^u” deserves recognition as Houston's seminal anthem. Despite its absence from the commercial sphere and the Billboard charts, the song's cultural significance goes beyond mere facts, resonating as the ultimate urban Get Up Anthem. “You'd be hard-pressed to find something that represents the culture of Houston to a myriad of people that doesn't really speak that song,” 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 cut and screw style. At the heart of this movement was “June 27^u”, a 38-minute freestyle hub that encapsulates the city's raw energy and signature sound. Rooted in the experiences of Houston's streets, the song became a rallying cry for a generation, embodying the spirit of resilience and community pride.

Beyond its musical qualities, almost three decades after its release from DJ Screw's 1996 tape, travel, “June 27th^u» holds a special place in the hearts of Houstonians as a cultural touchstone. Its title from D-Mo's birthday, the celebration of which served as the backdrop for the record's birth, has become an unofficial celebration in the Bayou City. “He just gave Houston an unofficial holiday,” Chase B explained, “so June 27^u it just happened to be Houston's day.” Bun B chimed in to add, “You can feel it in your heart. It is so ingrained in our lives, in our culture. It is literally like ours happy Birthday, almost kind of thing. It's one of those factors where you know you're in the right room.”

Its hypnotic beats and soulful samples evoke a deep sense of nostalgia for hot summer days and late-night gatherings, acting as a sonic time capsule of the city's vibrant neighborhoods. Through its lyrics and melody, the song celebrates the diversity and resilience of Houston's communities, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among its residents.

One of the most remarkable aspects of “June 27^u” is his ability to overcome obstacles and bring people together. In an era of mixtapes, the record laid the groundwork for seven lyricists to jump on the beat, each adding their own flavor and lyrical prowess, thrilling their audiences. “In the heyday of mixtapes, it was like you were hearing songs that were completely made up with no intention of getting on the radio…and, you know, bands that weren't really bands. It was a great moment,” said Damien Scott, Billboard's Associate Editorial Director.

Across generations and backgrounds, the song serves as a unifying force, forging connections and fostering a shared sense of identity among Houstonians. Whether it's blasting from a car stereo at a block party or pulsing through crowded clubs, his infectious beat has the power to bring people together to celebrate their shared cultural heritage.

As Houston continues to evolve, the legacy of “June 27^u» remains as strong as ever. His influence can be seen in the work of contemporary artists who draw inspiration from DJ Screw's pioneering sound, as well as in the city's ongoing celebration of its hip-hop heritage. Additionally, 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 his humble origins in Houston's underground rap scene to his status as a cultural phenomenon, 'June 27^u” has transcended its role as mere entertainment to become a symbol of unity, resilience and pride for the city of Houston.