Don’t Mess Wit Texas

“Don’t Mess wit Texas” is the debut studio album by Lil’ Keke, released on June 17, 1997, through Jam Down Records.

The story

Lil’ Keke, born Marcus Lakee Edwards, is an original member of the Screwed Up Click and came up freestyling on DJ Screw’s mixtapes. Recorded in 1996 and 1997, with Patrick Lewis and Vincent Perry as executive producers, his debut turned that local reputation into wider recognition. The single “Southside,” released on May 27, 1997, became a hit and is the song most closely tied to the album.

Sound and production

Production was split between Sean “Solo” Jemison, who handled tracks 1–4, 7, 9, 14 and 15, and Double D with André Sargent on the remaining songs. The beats draw on samples from Richie Rich, Con Funk Shun, Whodini, George Benson and the Floaters. The fifteen tracks, running about 67 minutes, feature fellow Houston artists including Fat Pat, Big Moe, Mr. 3-2, Madd Hatta, Phaz and the Herschelwood Hardheadz, with a chopped and screwed version issued under alternate cover art.

Legacy

The album reached No. 43 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and No. 20 on the Heatseekers Albums chart. Houston label Rap Classics reissued it in 2004, and a 20th anniversary vinyl pressing followed in 2017. Keke went on to sign with Swishahouse in 2005, whose president described him as a Houston legend central to the city’s rap style.

Released June 17, 1997. More from hip hop in 1997.