Kay-K
The only surviving member of the group Dead End Alliance (which also featured DJ Screw, Fat Pat, and Hawk), Kay-K was an early presence at Screw's house on Greenstone but found himself in prison for much of the time of most notoriety for the Screwed Up Click (back when everyone was still alive). After his release from prison, he began recording again, putting together a new version of DEA and releasing the Sean Solo-produced "Sun Hit Da Fade Pt II" with Z-Ro and Lil' Keke in 2013.
-- Lance Scott Walker, author of Houston Rap Tapes: An Oral History of Bayou City Hip-Hop (University of Texas Press, October 2018)
Photograph of Kay-K and Fat Pat at D.E.A. Screwed for Life photo shoot
Dead End Alliance, Screwed For Life CD, Dead End Records
The Dead End Alliance (D.E.A.) was a Houston rap group made up of Fat Pat, his brother HAWK, DJ Screw, and Kay-K. All were members of the Screwed Up Click, the rap collective that developed around DJ Screw's mixtapes. Kay-K is the only surviving member of D.E.A.
Clay-Doe
Clay-Doe brought the hard street wise edge to any record he touched. Most notably known as a member of the Southside Playaz, stepping in after Fat Pat passed away, Clay-Doe is a Houston hustler and his verses and freestyles reflected it. As a core member of the SUC, Clay-Doe was a regular in the Screw House and represented the ambitious business-minded side of the group with a hunger to build an empire in the rap game.
-- Victor J. Del Hierro, Ph.D, Assistant Professor of Rhetoric and Writing, University of Texas at El Paso
Southside Playaz, You Gottus Fuxxed Up CD, LafTex Records
The Southside Playaz was a rap group originally comprised of Mr. 3-2, Mike D, and Fat Pat, the latter replaced by Clay Doe after his death. This album opens with several tracks dedicated to the late Fat Pat.
Juneteenth Rap Explosion featuring Screwed Up Click's D.E.A., Southside Playaz, Straight Profit Records flyer
This Juneteenth concert was held at Vernon L. Richards Riverbend Park on the outskirts of Smithville, the small Texas town where DJ Screw was raised. Performers were all members of rap collective the Screwed Up Click. They included the groups D.E.A. (DJ Screw, HAWK, and Kay-K) and Southside Playaz (Mr. 3-2, Mike D, and Clay Doe). Both groups had originally included Fat Pat, who was killed in 1998. Straight Profit Records was a label owned by Den Den that released albums by Screwed Up Click members Z-Ro, Yungstar, and Dat Boy Grace.
Mike D
Mike D is an MC from Third Ward known for his gritty, yet smooth depictions of inner-city living. In addition to the Screwed Up Click, Mike D has been a part of the socially conscious ANM and the S.U.C-affiliated Southside Playaz. A skilled freestyler and songwriter, Mike D's rhymes reflect a certain street-infused wisdom that comes from both nuanced experience and sheer intelligence.
-- Langston Collin Wilkins, Ph.D, folklorist, ethnomusicologist, writer, and creator of the forthcoming Street Folk podcast
Southside Playaz 12" test pressing, LafTex Records
This rare test pressing was probably given to DJ Screw to listen to or include on a mixtape. A test pressing is one of a small run of vinyl records made before the commercial pressing to test sound quality.
Sticker promoting Southside Playaz, You Gottus Fuxxed Up, LafTex Records
E.S.G.
Consummate Houston freestyle rapper who popularized the screw sound and culture on the lead single, "Swangin' and Bangin'" for his first studio album (Ocean of Funk (1994)) and major label album (Sailin' Da South (1995)). Referencing Houston's unique drugging culture and car culture, E.S.G. raps "...now you know what my real Gs do sip syrup, swang and bang, jam nothing but that screw fool." In 1999, now an elder south side rapper affiliated with the Screwed Up Click, E.S.G. collaborated with Slim Thug, a neophyte north side rapper affiliated with Swisha House, on the song "Braids and Fades" in an attempt to kill sectional rap beef.
-- Maco L. Faniel, author of Hip Hop In Houston: The Origin and Legacy
E.S.G., "Swangin' and Bangin'" 12", Perrion Records/Priority Records
"Swangin' and bangin'" refers to the motions of the customized cars known as "slabs" which were often referred to in S.U.C. freestyles. The song was sampled in 2011 by rap star Drake on his Take Care album.
The Dirty 3rd: The Movie DVD, Wreckshop Records
"This Is A True To Life Story Of Southern Hustlers And Players On A Mission For Millions." Produced by D-Reck Dixon, the owner of Wreckshop Records, this movie starred Dixon as "Street" and E.S.G. as "Action."
Lil' Keke
Original member and self-described "captain" of the Screwed Up Click; one of the most gifted and prolific Houston rappers, Keke's freestyles can be heard on iconic screwtapes such as Leanin' on a Switch and It's All Good; opening verse on "Pimp Tha Pen" (3 N' The Mornin') is one of the most celebrated and recognizable verses in Houston hip hop history; debut album Don't Mess Wit Texas was a massive local success, and Keke has released dozens of albums and mixtapes since, including SLFMADE II in July 2018.
-- Matthew K. Carter, Ph.D Candidate in Musicology, The Graduate Center, CUNY
Lil' Keke, "Southside" 12", Breakaway Entertainment/Jam Down
Botany Boyz
Botany Lane in the Cloverland area is the reason behind the name of one of my favorite groups that spawned from DJ Screw and the gray tapes. The Botany Boyz were the first artists out the S.U.C to release a record with the Smokin N' Lean'n EP in 1995, and the chemistry was undeniable. The Botany Boyz consist of B.G. Duke, C-Note, D-Red and Will-Lean, and former members include D-E-Z, Lil' 3rd, Head, and B.G. Gator (R.I.P.). The Botany Boyz also had their own click called Cloverland G's, which spawned Lil Flip.
-- Robert Hodge, interdisciplinary artist and musician, and music lover
Advertisement for Botany Boyz Forever Botany in Murder Dog 6:5
Botany Boys Thought of Many Ways promotional poster
This poster hung on the wall of the original Screwed Up Records and Tapes store at 7717 Cullen Blvd.
Al-D
Al-D goes deep and is the thinker. He is about freedom -- that kind that is internal and in the mind, but restricted by hardship, violence, society, and being black. His delivery is chill, measured, centered, fearless, and often laced with that g-funk style. He is the Lion, looking violence in the face with honesty and a conscience. My favorite tracks are Can U See This, Lost in Tha Hood, Let Me Blow, Life & Times, I Understand, and Mind at Ease.
-- Ayanna Jolivet Mccloud, artist, writer and UH Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies Program Director
Photograph of Al-D and DeMo at DJ Screw's house
Rappers Al-D and DeMo at Screw's house on Greenstone. Though not related, Al-D and Screw were so close that they described themselves as brothers. In addition to rapping on screw tapes, Al-D also released several solo albums. Four months after this photograph was taken, DeMo ordered a personal tape that would become Screw's most famous and biggest-selling mixtape, June 27th.
Al-D, Home of the Free cassette, Jam Down Records
Enjoli
Known as the "Queen of the SUC," Enjoli is one of few female voices associated with the Screwed Up Click (though many more worked behind the scenes). She was also one of the youngest, going on the road with the SUC in the later '90s and bringing a whole new energy to their live shows. Starting out she worked frequently with Al-D, and then DJ Screw, appearing on a number of Screwtapes, including 1999's Eyes on the Prize, South Side Most Wanted, and the infamous Southside Still Holding.
-- Lance Scott Walker, author of Houston Rap Tapes: An Oral History of Bayou City Hip-Hop (University of Texas Press, October 2018)
Big Moe (featuring Enjoli), City of Syrup CD, Wreckshop Records, 1999
"Syrup" or "lean" is a recreational drug made from mixing codeine promethazine with a soft drink. It was popularized by the S.U.C. and is associated with Houston.
Big Moe
Big Moe's voice communicates joy and pain in a manner that makes him stand out amongst the Screwed Up Click. The merriest song I've ever heard is "Barre Baby." The saddest song I've ever heard is the freestyle on Chapter 110: Feel My Pain. Mourning the recent death of Fat Pat, Big Moe sings "mourn you til I join you" and "I miss my homeboy" truly sounding like he's holding back tears with every syllable, encapsulating the misery of everyone in the room and the emotiveness of Houston rap music.
-- Anthony "Fat Tony" Obi, artist
Advertisement for Big Moe Purple World in Murder Dog 9:1
Obituary (memorial service program) for Big Moe
Big Moe, born Kenneth Dionell Moore, was known for "rap-singing" on DJ Screw mixtapes and on solo albums. His rich voice added R&B style to "June 27th," DJ Screw's best-selling tape, and to the classic albums "City of Syrup" and "Purple World." The titles of both albums referenced codeine promethazine syrup. Big Moe died of a heart attack on October 14, 2007.
Big Pokey
I think about Pokey a lot. A man, I imagine, who has had to battle through some serious survivor's guilt after losing so many in his crew. That boy PoYo is one of the dopest lyricists in the history of S.U.C though -- no question. My favorite track? Ball-N' Parlay. The song feels like a crisp, sunny day on Houston's South Side -- sucka free, ridin' slabs, smokin' good, bangin' screw. I always get excited when I hear new music from Big Pokey, happy that he continues to find his way back to the mic.
-- Josie Pickens, professor, writer, and culture critic
Big Pokey, "Ball and Parlay" 12", Chevis Entertainment
DJ Screw, "Leaning on a Switch" mixtape commissioned for Big Pokey
This is an original mixtape created by DJ Screw, also known as a screw tape or gray tape. It was donated to the library by DJ Screw's longtime girlfriend Nikki Williams.
Lil' O
Debuted when he was 19 years old with the 1997 single "Can't Stop," featuring a pre-fame Beyonce Knowles and her group Destiny's Child. Lil' O was born in Nigeria but grew up on the west side of Houston and spent parts of his youth in jail and in school before making his way into Screw's house in the later part of the 90's. He is both artist and businessman, over the years recording for virtually all the major labels and plenty of independents, including his own Bar None Entertainment.
-- Lance Scott Walker, author of Houston Rap Tapes: An Oral History of Bayou City Hip-Hop (University of Texas Press, October 2018)
Lil' O Da Fat Rat Wit Da Cheeze poster