DJ Screw: A Life in Slow Revolution

DJ Screw, a.k.a. Robert Earl Davis Jr., developed the chopped and screwed mixing technique in the 1990s, revolutionizing rap and hip-hop. He sold thousands of cassettes in Houston, inspiring a city holiday and a documentary that explores his craft and the Houston scene. Screw was a pioneer whose mystique has only grown in the two decades since his death.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 17 May 2022
Publisher: University of Texas Press

DJ Screw, a.k.a. Robert Earl Davis Jr., revolutionized rap and hip-hop with his innovative mixing technique known as chopped and screwed. In the 1990s, in a spare room of his Houston home, he created a sound that would define the city's burgeoning and innovative rap culture. Spinning two copies of a record, Screw would "chop" in new rhythms, bring in local rappers to freestyle over the tracks, and slow the recording down on tape. His cassettes became highly sought after, selling thousands in a single day. Fans would blast his music through their car speakers, a sound that would come to represent the city's rap scene.

June 27 has become an unofficial city holiday, inspired by a legendary mix Screw made on that date. Lance Scott Walker has conducted extensive interviews with nearly everyone who knew Screw, including childhood friends, collaborators, and aficionados who spread his tapes worldwide. Walker provides captivating details about Screw's craft and his world, showcasing the history of the Houston scene as it emerged. DJ Screw's story is more than the tale of one man; it is a history of the Houston scene, full of vibrant moments and characters. However, none can top Screw himself, a pioneer whose mystique has only grown in the two decades since his death.

In conclusion, DJ Screw's impact on rap and hip-hop cannot be overstated. His innovative mixing technique, chopped and screwed, changed the game and paved the way for a new generation of artists. His legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians worldwide, and his influence on the Houston rap scene is immeasurable. His story is a testament to the power of creativity, dedication, and the ability to create something truly unique.

Weight: 596g
Dimension: 236 x 162 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781477325131