Another “greatest” list from Rolling Stone will spark more debate over who and what belongs and where.
What is not up for debate in the music publication’s 250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century So Far list is the heavy Houston representation.
From hometown legend Beyonce and those that grew up or went to school in the Bayou City, such as Megan Thee Stallion and Lizzo, to artists with more tangential ties to the city and surrounding region, the list puts an exclamation point on Houston’s musical legacy in the 21st century.
Here are 12 artists with direct and indirect ties to Houston who have left a cultural footprint on music’s modern era.
Beyonce
Connections: Beyonce Knowles was born and raised in Houston’s Third Ward, makes the list with five songs, starting with her 2003 hit “Crazy in Love” from her debut album, “Dangerously in Love,” at No. 3.
Other mentions:
“Formation” at No. 32
“Survivor” (as part of Destiny’s Child) at No. 120
“Savage Remix” (with fellow Houston-native Megan Thee Stallion) at No. 29.
“Déjà Vu” (featuring her husband, Jay-Z) at No. 138
“Cuff It” at No. 186.
Scarface
Song: “My Block” at No. 242
Houston connection: Born Brad Terrence Jordan in Houston, Scarface was a founding member of the influential Geto Boys, who were rooted in the city’s Fifth Ward.
Megan Thee Stallion
Song: “Savage Remix” (featuring Beyoncé) at No. 129.
Houston connection: Megan Jovon Ruth Pete grew up in Houston’s South Park neighborhood and graduated from Texas Southern University after moving with her family from San Antonio. She was given the keys to the city by then-Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner in 2022.
Travis Scott
Song: “Sicko Mode” (feat. Drake) at No. 147.
Houston connection: Houston-born and raised in Missouri City, Travis Scott‘s music incorporates many references to his home city, most famously in his 2018 album, Astroworld, named after the city’s iconic amusement park.
Mike Jones, Slim Thug and Paul Wall
Song: “Still Tippin'” at No. 136.
Houston connection: The Houston rappers were all born here and were influential members of Houston’s hip-hop scene, including during the chopped and screwed movement of the early 2000s.
Solange
Song listed: “Cranes in the Sky” at No. 62
Houston connection: Solange Knowles was born and raised in Houston, and the younger sister of Beyoncé. The singer-songwriter talked to Stereogum about how growing up in the Third Ward has shaped her work, including its Louisiana and Creole cultural influences. Her work – especially “A Seat at the Table” – is steeped in Houston’s Black cultural history and sound.
Lizzo
Song: “Truth Hurts” at No. 215
Houston connection: Though born in Detroit, Melissa Viviane Jefferson attended the University of Houston and played the flute for The Spirit of Houston marching band.
UGK (Underground Kingz)
Song: “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” featuring OutKast at No. 29
Houston connection: UGH is the duo of Bun B and Pimp C who both hail from Port Arthur but have roots in Houston’s music culture, including through collaborations with Houston artists.
Frank Ocean
Songs: “Thinkin’ About You” at No. 10 and “Novacane” at No. 100.
Houston connection: Born Christopher Edwin Breaux in Long Beach, Calif., Frank Ocean was raised in New Orleans and his song “Nights” made references to relocating to Houston after Hurricane Katrina.
Taylor Swift
Songs: “All Too Well” at No. 5, “Blank Space” at No. 114 and “Cruel Summer” at No. 61 and “Love Story” at No, 213.
Swift not just everywhere but also has direct ties to Houston. The megastar’s parents, Scott and Andrea Swift, met and were married in Houston. Her mother attended Memorial High School and graduated from the University of Houston. At her Houston stop during the Eras Tour in 2023, Swift referred to Houston as her mother’s hometown and has also mentioned childhood memories of the Galleria.
Florence and the Machine
Song: “Dog Days Are Over” at No. 103.
Houston connection: London-born Florence Welch’s paternal grandparents are from Galveston. The singer-songwriter talked to the Chicago Tribune in 2018 about the “American side” of her family.
“I remember my grandfather had a house in Galveston, Texas, when I was a baby,” she said. The artist also shared a photo on her Instagram in 2013 of a “Galveston family reunion.”
Drake
Song: “Hold On, We’re Going Home” at No. 43, “Marvins Room” at No. 162.
Houston connection: After making comments about plans to move to Houston, it was confirmed in 2025 that Drake bought a $15 million ranch about 70 miles northwest of Houston.
This article originally published at Houston artists stand out on Rolling Stone’s list of the 250 greatest songs of the 21st century.
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