It’s hard to believe, but it’s been 20 years since Still Tippin’, the hit single by Mike Jones, dropped and changed the landscape of Houston hip-hop. Released in 2004, the song became a symbol of the city’s unique style and sound, blending a mix of Southern swagger, chopped-and-screwed influences, and a whole lot of Texas pride. But Still Tippin’ wasn’t just a song—it was a cultural moment that defined a whole era for Houston, and its impact is still felt today. Let’s take a look back at how Mike Jones, Slim Thug, and Paul Wall worked together to reshape the city’s hip-hop scene and put Houston on the map in ways it had never been before.
The Sound of Houston: A New Era in Southern Hip-Hop
Before Still Tippin’, Houston was already home to a thriving hip-hop scene. Artists like Scarface, UGK, and DJ Screw had laid the foundation with their slow, syrupy beats and chopped-and-screwed style. But by the early 2000s, Houston’s sound was about to evolve.
Mike Jones, Slim Thug, and Paul Wall—three artists who grew up in Houston—were all rising stars when Still Tippin’ dropped. Each of them had their own style, but together they represented a new chapter in Houston rap. Mike Jones brought his signature catchphrase “Who? Mike Jones!” into the mainstream, while Slim Thug’s laid-back flow and Paul Wall’s smooth, almost melodic delivery helped create a perfect balance. Their collaboration gave Houston a fresh voice in the rapidly growing rap scene.
A Global Anthem
When Still Tippin’ hit the airwaves, it quickly became more than just a regional anthem—it went nationwide. The song’s infectious hook, catchy beat, and effortless flow made it easy to bump in the club, in the car, or at the skatepark. But beyond that, it became a representation of Houston’s culture, from the candy-painted cars (or “slab” cars) to the slow, steady style of the city’s rappers.
What made Still Tippin’ so iconic wasn’t just its beat or the lyrics. It was the feeling it gave off. The song felt like a love letter to Houston, filled with references to the city’s streets, its unique style, and the sense of pride that comes with being from there. For people in Houston, it was an anthem that said, “We’re here, and we’ve got something to say.” For people outside of the city, it gave them a glimpse into Houston’s world.
Changing Houston’s Hip-Hop Identity
Before Still Tippin’, Houston rap had mostly been about keeping things local. Artists like DJ Screw had built a loyal following by blending slow beats with unique vocal effects, creating the chopped-and-screwed style that was a hallmark of Houston rap. But Still Tippin’ marked a shift. The song brought Houston’s sound to the national stage in a way that hadn’t been done before. The trio of Mike Jones, Slim Thug, and Paul Wall mixed their Southern roots with a new wave of commercial appeal, showing the world that Houston could be both gritty and glamorous at the same time.
For Houston, Still Tippin’ was a defining moment. It was more than just a song—it was the start of the city’s hip-hop renaissance. After its success, the city became home to a new generation of rappers, all looking to put their own spin on the Southern rap sound. Artists like Travis Scott, Megan Thee Stallion, and others would go on to carry Houston’s torch and take it even further, but it all started with songs like Still Tippin’.
The Lasting Legacy of Still Tippin’
Now, 20 years later, it’s clear that Still Tippin’ was more than just a moment—it was a movement. The song changed the way the world saw Houston rap, making it a force to be reckoned with in the mainstream. But beyond the fame and success, it also helped establish a sense of community among Houston’s hip-hop artists. Mike Jones, Slim Thug, and Paul Wall didn’t just work together to create a hit—they helped build the foundation for a whole new generation of rappers who looked up to them.
20 years later, Still Tippin’ isn’t just a song from the past—it’s a reminder of how far Houston’s hip-hop scene has come. Mike Jones, Slim Thug, and Paul Wall took something distinctly local and turned it into a global anthem. Their work on this track didn’t just put Houston on the map—it redefined what it means to be a Southern rapper. And even two decades later, Still Tippin’ still feels as fresh and relevant as ever, a classic that’ll never lose its place in Houston’s hip-hop history.
