Bun B’s rodeo ‘Takeover’ features Erykah Badu, Cupid
Bun B knew the stakes were high this year at RodeoHouston.
Last year’s “H-town Takeover” was the first of its kind, an all-star Houston rap revue that featured more than a dozen acts, including Chamillionaire, Paul
Wall and That Girl Lay Lay.
It drew almost 74,000 people and showcased the power of Houston hip-hop.
This year’s Southern Takeover expanded the map to multiple states, including Louisiana, Tennessee and Mississippi.
Bun revealed only a few names — Juvenile, Mannie Fresh — before Friday night’s show. But the advance hype put it atop first-day ticket sales.
The final count was 74,573 — higher than last year.
The night’s big surprise was Dallas native Erykah Badu, whose two-song set included “On and On” and “Tyrone.” But she was just the cap on an hour of energetic performances.
The show kicked off with a video intro featuring Mario Elie, Ric Flair, Calvin Murphy and J.J. Watt, among several others.
Bun B took the stage in a black cowboy hat and UGK poncho over a fringed jacket. Enthusiastic sing-alongs, the first of many, accompanied “Pocket Full of Stones” and “Get Throwed.”
Bun has an effortless charm onstage and is great at leading a crowd through the action.
The show was split into sections by state. Tennessee was represented by Jazze Pha and Tela, who performed suave hit “Sho Nuff.” They were joined by 8Ball & MJG, who hyped the crowd with their own “Space Age Pimpin’.”
A commanding David Banner repped Mississippi, and was joined by Lil Flip, for “Like a Pimp.” Big K.R.I.T. brought Bun B back onstage for “Country Sh**.”
Atlanta rapper Trinidad James, dressed in red leather and white fringe, was an animated, ebullient presence during “All Gold Everything.”
“Celebrate yourself,” he urged the crowd.
Louisiana singer Cupid kept the crowd moving in the aisles with a pair of line dance songs: “Do it With Your Boots On” and party staple “Cupid Shuffle.”
“Down, down, do your dance,” he commanded as thousands obliged.
The final round was all Texas, baby: Chalie Boy (“I Look Good”); Big Mike (“Havin Thangs”), YungStar and Scarface. Bun took another solo turn during “Big Pimpin’.”
And it wouldn’t be Houston without a miniparade of slabs, the candy-colored cars with protruding rims known as “swangas.” Rappers Slim Thug and Killa Kyleon were even along for the ride.
A video memorial honored DJ Screw, Pimp C, Big Hawk, Bushwick Bill and others before the final singalong to UGK’s “International Players Anthem (I Choose You).”
Bun was joined by Badu, Banner and the others for an all-star Southern sing-along.
See you next year, Bun, when the show soars past the 75,000 mark.