DJ Screw, born Robert Earl Davis Jr. on July 20, 1971, in Bastrop, Texas, was a fixture in the Houston hip hop scene. Raised by his mother after his parents separated when he was young, Screw had a tumultuous childhood, with his father, Robert Earl Davis Sr., working as a long-haul truck driver and often absent from home. Despite the challenges he faced, Screw found solace in music and developed a passion for DJing from a young age.
As a teenager, DJ Screw began experimenting with turntables and mixtapes, creating unique blends of hip hop and rap music that caught the attention of local listeners. He soon gained a following for his innovative style of mixing, which involved slowing down the tempo of tracks and repeating key lines to create a hypnotic effect. This technique, later known as Chopped and Screwed, would become his trademark and revolutionize the Houston music scene.
Throughout the 1990s, DJ Screw's mixtapes gained widespread popularity, with fans clamoring for his signature sound. He released several albums, including the critically acclaimed "3'n the Mornin': Part Two" and "Since the Gray Tapes Vol. 2," which solidified his status as a pioneer of the Chopped and Screwed movement.
His influence extended beyond the music industry, with artists like Lil Flip crediting him for shaping their own careers. DJ Screw's impact on the Texas music scene was undeniable, as he became one of the most influential figures of the early 2000s.
Despite his success, DJ Screw battled personal demons, including substance abuse issues. Tragically, he was found dead in the bathroom of his studio in 2000, after ingesting a lethal combination of codeine and alcohol. His untimely death shocked the music world, but his legacy lived on through his music.
Even after his passing, DJ Screw's music continued to resonate with audiences, as his Spotify audience still generated over 210,000 monthly listeners as of April 2022. His contribution to the hip hop genre and the influence he had on subsequent artists cemented his place in music history.
DJ Screw's legacy lives on not only through his groundbreaking music but also through the Chopped and Screwed movement he pioneered. His impact on the Houston hip hop scene and the broader music industry is undeniable, making him a true legend in the world of DJing and production.
Related links