DJ Screw: A Life In Slow Revolution

(University of Texas Press — May 17, 2022)

American Music Series, edited by Jessica Hopper. Photographs by Ben Tecumseh Desoto, Peter Beste, James Bland, Deron Neblett, DeMo Sherman, Julie Grob, Michelle Wheeler and DJ Screw.

 

 

 

Slowed and Throwed: Records of the City through Mutated Lenses

(Contemporary Arts Museum Houston — March 30, 2021)

Edited by Patricia Restrepo. Text by Dr. Regina N. Bradley, Big Bubb, E.S.G., Ciarán Finlayson, Maco L. Faniel, Julie Grob, Devin Kenny, Patricia Restrepo, Rocky Rockett, Lance Scott Walker, Will-Lean.

This book documents a two-part exhibition on the legacy of the late Houston legend DJ Screw (1971-2000), best known as the creator of the now-famous "chopped and screwed" DJ technique, the leader of Houston's Screwed Up Click and an influential figure in the Houston hip hop community. DJ Screw distorted songs by musical artists, creating "chopped and screwed" versions of the original by slowing tempo, reducing pitch, chopping lyrics and layering freestyles by Houston-based rappers. Known for his signature stretched sound, he also displayed deft skill evident in his transitions, sampling choices and beat juggling. Slowed and Throwed: Records of the City through Mutated Lenses explores visual arts practices that parallel the musical methods of the innovative DJ. It features unconventional photography and new media works by artists with personal ties to Houston, including B. Anele, Rabéa Ballin, Tay Butler, Jimmy Castillo, Jamal Cyrus, Ben DeSoto, DJ Screw, Robert Hodge, Shana Hoehn, Tomashi Jackson, Ann Johnson, Devin Kenny, Liss LaFleur, El Franco Lee II, Karen Navarro, Kristin Massa, Ayanna Jolivet Mccloud, Sondra Perry and Charisse Pearlina Weston.

 

 

Houston Rap Tapes: An Oral History Of Bayou City Hip-Hop

(University of Texas Press — October 15, 2018)

Foreword by Willie D

Photographs by Peter Beste, DJ Ready Red, Matt Sonzala, Mike Frost, Anne Marie D'Arcy, Rico King, Sergio Santos, Michael Craft, Angela Tellez, Carlos "DJ Styles" Garza, and courtesy of University of Houston Libraries

New Edition of 2014's Houston Rap Tapes from University of Texas Press features 22 new interviews broken up into sections with new essays, album art, and maps, with photos by collaborator Peter Beste and dozens of new photographs from dozens of photographers. Included are new interviews with Scarface, Slim Thug, N.O. Joe, Lez Mone, Def Jam Blaster, B L A C K I E, Lil' Keke, Snapp of The Niyat, Kay of The Foundation, Icey Hott of Street Military, DJ Domo of Geto Boys, 380 Dat Lady, DJ Styles and Rob Quest of Odd Squad/Coughee Brothaz, with voices from the newer generation like Cal Wayne and OMB Bloodbath. Bandcamp copies come signed from the author.

 

 

Houston Rap Tapes

(Sinecure Books — February 28, 2014)

Photographs by Peter Beste
Edited by Johan Kugelberg and Michael P. Daley
Foreword by Willie D

Houston Rap Tapes is the companion to Houston Rap, Peter Beste's intimate photobook on this important hip-hop culture. Houston Rap Tapes complements Beste's photography in a series of oral histories conducted by writer Lance Scott Walker. This book features exclusive interviews with legendary producers and MCs like Bun B, Willie D, Paul Wall, Z-Ro, Big Mike, DJ DMD, K-Rino, Salih Williams, and Lil' Troy, alongside creation myths told by old school masters like MC Wickett Crickett and Rick Royal. The life stories of the Houston rap scene are also represented here by an assortment of radio and club personalities, impresarios, ex-pimps, former drug dealers, and members of the community.

OUT OF PRINT

 

 

Houston Rap

(First Edition, Sinecure Books — November 25, 2013)
(Second Edition, Sinecure Books — November 27, 2020)

Photographs by Peter Beste
Edited by Johan Kugelberg
Introduction by Bun B

The Houston, Texas neighborhoods of Fifth Ward, Third Ward, and South Park have grown to be hallowed ground for modern rap culture, possessing self-contained celebrities, entrepreneurs, support networks, and a micro-economy of their own. Photographer Peter Beste (True Norwegian Black Metal) and writer Lance Scott Walker spent eight years documenting the most influential style in 21st century hip-hop and the vibrant inner city culture from which it stems. Houston Rap, edited by Johan Kugelberg, profiles noted artists such as Bun B of UGK, Z-Ro, Big Mike, K-Rino, Willie D of Geto Boys, Lil' Troy, and Paul Wall, alongside reflections on the lives of departed legends such as DJ Screw, Pimp C, and Big Hawk. The book also features community leaders, rappers, producers, businessmen, and family members, all providing an astonishing and important insight into a great American cultural narrative.

BACK IN PRINT – order Revised Second Edition from: