He was born in Bastrop, Texas to Robert Earl Davis, Sr. DJ Screw had lived in Smithville, Houston, and Los Angeles; at one point his father took him to Houston in order to keep him from trouble. There DJ Screw lived in a working class, mostly African American neighborhood near Hobby Airport described by Michael Hall of Texas Monthly as "hard-edged."DJ Screw dropped out of Sterling High School during his 10th grade year and focused on music.
He began deejaying at age 13, and started his trademark slowed down mixes in 1984. During the early 1990s, he invited some of Houston's most renowned rappers from the south side of the city to flow on his Screw tapes. This eventually led to the formation of the Screwed Up Click. What originally was only a fad of Houston, Chopped and Screwed music started getting more widespread attention with the introduction of p2p programs such as Napster in the late 90s. This ultimately led to DJ Screw getting recognition across the country and being known as one of biggest faces in modern hip-hop.
www.screwedupclick.com.
After spending most of the 1990s as an infamous local phenomenon in Houston, TX, DJ Screw suddenly found himself gaining sudden notoriety before his unfortunate death in late 2000. The Houston DJ made a name for himself primarily because of his uncanny mixing style, which found him pitching down his records to a lumbering and quite eerie pace. Over the course of the '90s, what began as novelty actually became a rather lucrative venture for Screw, who produced hundreds of mix tapes, with some estimates projecting his total number of tapes topping over a thousand; furthermore, he sold the tapes at his Houston-based record store, Screwed Up Records and Tapes. Oddly enough, he preferred to release his mixes almost exclusively on cassette, though fans often recorded the mixes and traded them via the Internet; in addition, countless "screwed" remixes of popular rap anthems were widely available on Napster thanks to his cultish following.
Yet it's hard to imagine Screw's legacy being what it is if not for his role as an adamant advocate of "syrup sippin'," a Southern rap phenomenon involving codeine-infused cough syrup -- the resulting intoxication induces a hallucinatory state where everything slows down and becomes the senses swirl. As marijuana was to early-'90s gangsta rap, LSD was to late-'60s psychedelic rock, ecstasy was to late-'80s rave -- and so on -- the syrup sippin' advocated by Screw's trippy hip-hop mixes led to a small drug movement within the late-'90s Dirty South genre, reaching its zenith with Three 6 Mafia's hit "Sippin' on Some Syrup" in 2000. It's hard to deny that this phenomenon wasn't as important to Screw's popularity as his music was (especially considering some of his tape titles: Syrup & Soda, Syrup Sippers, Sippin' Codeine, etc.) Still, Screw did serve as a leader for Houston's burgeoning rap scene; his home studio, The Screw Shop, functioned as the home base for what was loosely referred to as the Screwed Up Click, including semi-successful rappers such as Big Pokey and Lil' Keke, along with about 30 others were known locally.
Ironically, when Screw was found dead in his studio of a fatal heart attack at the tender age of 29 on the morning of November 16, 2000, the Houston Chronicle published a story stating that police suspected Screw of overdosing on the same syrup that he so adamantly advocated. Weeks later the theory proved valid, making the artist the victim of his own self-promoted phenomenon. More unfortunate, though, was the loss of Screw to Houston's fledging scene, which seemed on the verge of being nationally recognized as a Southern rap mecca. His legacy lived on, though, since his trademark mixing style was by no means exclusive, as countless imitators had arisen in the South by the time of his death, the most noteworthy being the Swisha House and Beltway 8 record labels.
- Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide
It's Going Down
DJ Screw Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Southside, for the H-Town
Northside, for the H-Town
Eastside, for the H-Town
Westside, for the H-Town
It's goin' down, and you know it's goin' down
All these playas comin' up out that H-Town
All these ballers representin' that damn H-Town
Blaze up the indo, light the chocolate tye
Sittin' on South Race screens, ballin' out the sky
Hoes diss that ass cause they want to buy me Ralph Lauren
Cause big 'o 19's look lovely on the foreign
I ain't borrowing, the baddest, the V-12 is the baddest
A rhymin' afterattics gave me superstar status
Longers get my list, haters got me pissed
I used to sell rocks, now they all on my wrist
Feel this before yourself, step and get in this
The playa, the pimp, young thug and a menace
Pretendness is endless, and crank up confusion
Yo sweet cal is used in knockin' out Houston
It's goin' down, and you know it's goin' down
All these playas comin' up out that H-Town
It's goin' down, and you know we bout to climb
All these ballers representin' that damn H-Town
It's goin' down, and you know it's goin' down
Throw your hands in the air for that H-Town
It's goin' down, and they can't really see
Screwed-Up Click for life, this is Lil' to Keke
Two, is ballin' in the mix
And hit me on the beep if you need thirtysix
Quickly, we're the grands of high rexis
I'll make you mighty reckless to run up on the Lexus
It's still this game from a Southern gangbanger
No anger to a stranger, but it's one up in the chamber
Of the blared straight glock cause haters come in flocks
It don't face born and raised on the 8100 block of Herschelwood
And the point is understood
We keep it all good in this crack-controlled hood
It ain't too late to set it straight, real players don't hate
Push weight and keep fate and the money that I make I'ma break
500 mean gold, tapes sold, story told, from the North to South Pole
21 years old, want to bone, won't drown
Just another pimp comin' out that H-Town
It's goin' down, and you know it's goin' down
All these playas comin' up out that H-Town
It's goin' down, and you know we bout to climb
All these ballers representin' that damn H-Town
It's goin' down, and you know it's goin' down
Throw your hands in the air for that H-Town
It's goin' down, and they can't really see
Southside representin' and this is Lil' to Keke
First three, who it be, L-i-l K-e
That's me, I'm a g, from the southside of the T
You and me, baby, let's get a room for the hour
Get high as a tower, bust a nut and hit the showers
You gone with the wind, after while it's on again
This time bring a friend, a couple corners we gone bend
Let's pretend that this sin, ain't even been committed
Once I split it then I hit it, you in love, go'on admit it
It's goin' down, yeah I'm talking to you
H-Town, smoked out jammin' Screw
Tell your crew it's '97, it ain't no refusin'
We got 'em to the bottom now they all lovin' Houston
It's goin' down, and you know it's goin' down
All these playas comin' up out that H-Town
It's goin' down, and you know we bout to climb
All these ballers representin' that damn H-Town
It's goin' down, and you know it's goin' down
Throw your hands in the air for that H-Town
It's goin' down, and they can't really see
Herschelwood my hood, this is Lil' to Keke
Reporter:
"Keke yours sure have been the Cinderella story
you've been shooting to the top of the bullet, but
how do you feel about the East Coast West Coast situation?"
Lil' Keke:
"You know, I'ma keep my comments about that, but
due to representation, it's Something About The Southside"
The song, "It's Going Down" by DJ Screw, is an anthem for the city of Houston, Texas. The first verse highlights the different areas of Houston: the Southside, Northside, Eastside, and Westside, all coming together to represent H-Town. The chorus emphasizes that Houston has plenty of players, ballers, and hustlers, who are all about to climb to the top. Lines about smoking weed, driving nice cars, and wearing expensive clothing are mentioned, portraying a gangsta lifestyle. The second verse talks about Lil' Keke from the southside, who is a pimp and a player. He emphasizes the importance of keeping it real, not hating on others, pushing weight, and making money. The verse ends with a news reporter asking Lil' Keke about his opinion on East Coast-West Coast feuds, which he chooses not to comment on.
The song is a representation of Houston's rap culture and the lifestyle that comes with it. It portrays the camaraderie and unity found in the city's different neighborhoods, and the desire for success and respect. The lyrics are honest, blunt, and unapologetic about the glorification of violence and excess.
Line by Line Meaning
H-Town, in effect for Texas
Houston city is popular and prominent in Texas state.
Southside, for the H-Town
People from the south side of Houston city represent the city.
Northside, for the H-Town
People from the north side of Houston city represent the city.
Eastside, for the H-Town
People from the east side of Houston city represent the city.
Westside, for the H-Town
People from the west side of Houston city represent the city.
It's goin' down, and you know it's goin' down
Something is happening, and it's happening for sure.
All these playas comin' up out that H-Town
Many talented people are from Houston city.
It's goin' down, and you know we bout to climb
Something is happening, and it's going to be even better in the future.
All these ballers representin' that damn H-Town
The talented people from Houston city represent it well.
Blaze up the indo, light the chocolate tye
Smoke marijuana and get high.
Sittin' on South Race screens, ballin' out the sky
Drive around and enjoy in a luxurious car while listening to music.
Hoes diss that ass cause they want to buy me Ralph Lauren
Women are attracted to me because of my fashion and style.
Cause big 'o 19's look lovely on the foreign
I wear large size shoes, and they look good on my imported car.
I ain't borrowing, the baddest, the V-12 is the baddest
I do not borrow cars, and my car is the most superior one with a V12 engine.
A rhymin' afterattics gave me superstar status
My rap skills helped me become a superstar.
Longers get my list, haters got me pissed
My fans appreciate me, but my haters make me angry.
I used to sell rocks, now they all on my wrist
I used to sell drugs, but now I have many expensive watches on my wrist.
Feel this before yourself, step and get in this
Listen to what I'm saying and participate.
The playa, the pimp, young thug and a menace
I am a player, pimp, young and dangerous.
Pretendness is endless, and crank up confusion
People act fake, and it creates chaos.
Yo sweet cal is used in knockin' out Houston
My music is so good that it's popular and being played all over Houston city.
Throw your hands in the air for that H-Town
Show your love and support for Houston city.
It's goin' down, and they can't really see
Something is happening, but many people are not aware of it.
Screwed-Up Click for life, this is Lil' to Keke
My music group, Screwed-Up Click, will always represent and stay with me.
Two, is ballin' in the mix
My friend is doing well in business and overall.
And hit me on the beep if you need thirtysix
Contact me if you need drugs.
Quickly, we're the grands of high rexis
We are wealthy and high-ranking people.
I'll make you mighty reckless to run up on the Lexus
I'll be so wealthy that you'll be punished if you try to steal from me.
It's still this game from a Southern gangbanger
I am from the South and was involved in gangs.
No anger to a stranger, but it's one up in the chamber
I have no problem with strangers, but I always carry a loaded gun for my safety.
Of the blared straight glock cause haters come in flocks
I carry a powerful Glock gun to protect myself from the many haters.
It don't face born and raised on the 8100 block of Herschelwood
I am from and proud of the 8100 block of Herschelwood street in Houston city.
And the point is understood
It's clear and succinct.
We keep it all good in this crack-controlled hood
Our neighborhood is safe and well-managed even though it had a drug problem in the past.
It ain't too late to set it straight, real players don't hate
It's still possible to redeem yourself, and true players don't hate but respect each other.
Push weight and keep fate and the money that I make I'ma break
Continue to work hard and earn money, and I'll spend it extravagantly.
500 mean gold, tapes sold, story told, from the North to South Pole
I've made a lot of money and became a famous rapper, and my fame and fortune spreads worldwide.
21 years old, want to bone, won't drown
I am young, lustful, and unstoppable.
Just another pimp comin' out that H-Town
I am one of many successful and charming people from Houston city.
Southside representin' and this is Lil' to Keke
I am from the south side of Houston and represent it well.
First three, who it be, L-i-l K-e
The first three letters of my name are Lil Ke.
That's me, I'm a g, from the southside of the T
That's me, I am a gangster from the south side of Houston city.
You and me, baby, let's get a room for the hour
Let's find a place to have sexual intercourse for an hour.
Get high as a tower, bust a nut and hit the showers
Smoke marijuana, orgasm, then take a shower.
You gone with the wind, after while it's on again
You'll be gone for a while, but we'll continue our sexual relationship later.
This time bring a friend, a couple corners we gone bend
Next time, bring another person, and we'll have more fun.
Let's pretend that this sin, ain't even been committed
Let's pretend that what we just did wasn't wrong.
Once I split it then I hit it, you in love, go'on admit it
After I have sex with you, you'll be in love with me, go ahead and confess it.
It's goin' down, yeah I'm talking to you
Something is happening, and I'm addressing you.
Tell your crew it's '97, it ain't no refusin'
Inform your friends that it's 1997, and they must accept the current situation.
We got 'em to the bottom now they all lovin' Houston
We've attracted many people to Houston city, and they love it now.
Herschelwood my hood, this is Lil' to Keke
Herschelwood street is my place of origin, and I'm proud of it.
"Keke yours sure have been the Cinderella story
you've been shooting to the top of the bullet, but
how do you feel about the East Coast West Coast situation?"
Reporters acknowledge my success, but ask me about my opinion on the East Coast West Coast rivalry.
"You know, I'ma keep my comments about that, but
due to representation, it's Something About The Southside"
I choose not to comment on the rivalry, but I'll continue representing the south side of Houston city.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: LA TEEF DAUMONT, SHANNON SHOWES, TIM PARKER, TROY COTTRELL, XAVIER MOSLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
SupahDupahPlayahMackNumbah1
This song has brought me out of drug induced anxiety attacks where my whole body is shaking. This shit came on. Started nodding my head with the beat slowly stop shaking...Moe start rap singin. I'm good mane.
Dre 713
Fr bro? 😂😭
Mr.H
Ok bet so u thowed in other words
Marc
na bro u just to dam high😂😂
Mo W
This shit was and still is and will forever remain tight asf. Nobody like Dj Screw .
Hiawatha Clemons III
Leanin
Saul Canales
Respect to Screw pullin all nighters ...he was dedicated and believed in his ability to make Grey Tapes...still got the six tapes I bought from him when he was selling them out his apartment..
Desi Long
What it Do, Dj Screw
Lavon beamon
Saul Canales AWREADY Trill Shit
Daniel Perez
#Respect!