The Track “I Been on (Remix)” is a remix featuring the work of Houston hip-hop artists Bun B, Lil Keke, Slim Thug, Willie D, Scarface, and Z-Ro. This version of the song was released in 2013, originally to SoundCloud but is now available on Apple Music, Youtube, and Pandora. Each of the artists on this track is considered to be an all-star of Houston Hip hop and they don’t stray away from showing it in their verses.
Beyoncé
As it was, I Been On was a love letter to Houston. Beyoncé who is arguably one of the most successful artists of our generation credits her upbringing, heritage, and childhood to alot of her successes today. Beyoncé is often mentioning her pride in her African American and Creole heritage, which consists of nationalities including French, Spanish, and Native American. Beyoncé is proud of this background and it is a part of the reason why her Texas pride is so strong.
Lil Keke
Lil Keke, a Houston native, started his rap career in the 90s putting himself on the map through his work with the rap collective the Screwed up Click. Through his work in this collective, he was one of the founding people of the “Chopped and Screwed” production style. His Texan pride doesn’t stop at the birthing of one of the most influential Texan hip-hop styles, Keke was also awarded by President Obama for his work in giving back to Houston.
Slim Thug
Slim Thug is another Houston-based rapper. The majority of his music is collaborative efforts with other Houston rappers. In addition, alot of his musical works are a call back to Texas in some way such as “Welcome 2 Houston.”
Willie D
Willie D started his career as a member of the Houston hip-hop group the G*to Boys. His way of splitting with the group caused alot of controversy amongst the Houston hip-hop community. After his split, he went on to work on solo projects as well as collaborating with different hip-hop artists.
Scarface
Scarface was also a member of the Geto Boys with Willie D, but when leaving the group had a much more successful career. He gained alot of credibility and was a big influence in 90’s Houston hip-hop, and even just the south’s general hip-hop sound. Scarface was the person that artists outside of the south were looking to collaborate with to gain some credibility. He has worked with artists such as Jay-Z, 2Pac, and John Legend.
Z-Ro
Z-Ro also gained a great deal of credibility throughout his career in the Houston rap scene. He started as a member of the group led by DJ Screw called “Screwed Up” and went on to make multiple solo records, some of which faced great successes.
Texas Influence
Houston, which is referred to as the “heart of Texas music” has birthed some amazing music and collaborations. The song “I Been on” is no different. This remix is plentiful of hip hop, and Texas references that go to solidify their pride in Houston. Right off the bat, Lil Keke shouts out “Seven Thirteen”, which 713 is a common area code for the Houston area. In Keke’s verse, he proceeds to say “Make ’em southside, causes that’s Texas pride.” Southside was Keke’s song that not only helped put himself on a national stage but was one of the first Houston hip-hop songs to be played all around the country. Southside is a reference towards the southside of Texas which is an area that is recognized as a cultural powerhouse. Slim thug’s verse follows, in which his lyrics serve as braggadocio to the Houston car scene. Saying they are “Candy painted” and they “Drive recklessly” which actually serves true to the Texan culture. Starting in the Southside, SLABS were a cars that created a whole culture around them. They became the item that everyone wanted, and in turn created crime as a response for the people who wanted them and couldn’t afford them. This sense of superiority was their reason that should have others “Bow Down”. Willie D has less of a Houston pride approach and more of a self-centered “I am Houston” way of conveying his verse. He isn’t incorrect in regards to the way the Geto Boys shaped Houston hip hop but is overall only talking about this in his verse. Scarface has a similar approach while bragging about his longevity of 25 years in the scene. Scarface’s verse seems to be more of an “if you know you know” verse, showcasing Houston slang. Z-Ro references Houston as “Styrofoam City” which is a reference to lean. According to Healthine.com, Lean is “Lean, also known as purple drank, sizzurp, barre, and Texas tea, among other names, is a concoction of cough syrup, soda, hard candy, and, in some cases, alcohol. It usually contains the opioid codeine and the antihistamine promethazine, which cause you to feel euphoric.” Lean has played a major role in hip-hop culture in Houston specifically. Bun B shouts out Port Arthur, which is in fact his hometown, and references all the “lone star staters” which is a call back to Texans. In the outro, Frenchys was mentioned which is in reference to Houston staple Frenchys Chicken. Originating in Frenchys is a New Orleans-style comfort food with Creole influences.
When discussing the history and more specifically the history of hip hop, it is often that the south gets overlooked. New York City and Los Angeles often get the credit for birthing the most influential hip-hop artists. Location plays such a major part in hip-hop music in general, but even more specifically the history of hip-hop. From the Bridge Wars to the coastal hip-hop battles, hip-hop and location have always gone hand and hand. It only makes sense that Texas, a state with arguably the most pride want to emphasize the value and importance of the establishment of such an influential genre. I feel as though this is what this piece is aiming to do. By getting their most star-studded artists from the last few decades, they are basically saying ” we’ve been here too!”
Lyrically and personally, this song has a great deal about Texans and its Hip hop artists. there is a great deal of pride throughout the lyrics as well as Some Easter eggs that need deeper research. I am looking to find out more about this specific song as there was not really any information that I could locate on why this song was done with the specific artists. One can assume that it’s simply a result of Houston hip-hop being made and its reputable artists wanting to come together to create a song. However, I feel like there is more information that I could find.
Sources used
https://www.mtv.com/news/pzf1if/beyonce-i-been-on-remix
https://www.texasmonthly.com/interactive/20-essential-texas-rap-tracks/
https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-lean
https://www.houstonpress.com/music/houston-and-lean-a-hip-hop-tragedy-8790214
