Last year’s H-town Takeover was the first of its kind, an all-star Houston rap revue that featured more than a dozen acts, including Chamillionaire, Paul Wall and That Girl Lay Lay. It drew nearly 74,000 people and showcased the power of Houston hip-hop.
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This year’s Southern Takeover expanded the map to several states, including Louisiana, Tennessee, and Mississippi. Bun only revealed a few names — Juvenile, Mannie Fresh — before Friday night’s show. But the advance hype put it at the top of the first-day ticket sales. The final number was 74,573, higher than last year.
The big surprise of the night was Dallas native Erykah Badu, whose two-song set included “On and On” and “Tyrone.” But she was just the pinnacle of an hour of energetic performances.
The show started with a video intro featuring Mario Elie, Ric Flair, Calvin Murphy and JJ Watt, among others. Bun B took the stage in a black cowboy hat and UGK poncho over a fringed jacket. Enthusiastic songs, the first of many, accompanied “Pocket Full of Stones” and “Get Throwed.” Bun has an effortless charm on stage and is good at leading an audience through the action.
The show was divided into sections by state. Tennessee was represented by Jazze Pha and Tela, who performed the suave hit “Sho Nuff.” They were joined by 8Ball & MJG, who hyped up the crowd with their own “Space Age Pimpin’.”
A commanding David Banner reprized Mississippi, and was joined by Lil Flip for “Like a Pimp.” Big KRIT brought Bun B back on stage for “Country Sh**.”
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Dressed in red leather and white fringe, Atlanta rapper Trinidad James was an animated, exuberant presence during “All Gold Everything.”
“For yourself,” he urged the crowd.
Louisiana singer Cupid kept the crowd moving in the aisles with a pair of line dance songs: “Do it With Your Boots On” and the party staple “Cupid Shuffle.”
“Down, down, dance,” he commanded as thousands obliged.
The final round was all Texas, baby: Chalie Boy (“I Look Good”); Big Mike (“Havin Thangs”), YungStar and Scarface. Bun took another solo turn during “Big Pimpin’.” And it wouldn’t be Houston without a mini-parade of records, the candy-colored cars with protruding rims known as “swangas.” Rappers Slim Thug and Killa Kyleon were along for the ride.
A video memorial honored DJ Screw, Pimp C, Big Hawk, Bushwick Bill and others before the final song of UGK’s “International Players Anthem (I Choose You).” Bun was joined by Badu, Banner and the others for an all-star southern song.
See you next year, Bun, when the show soars past the 75,000 mark.
