The Coldest Moments in Dallas Hip-Hop History

A little bit of snow in January followed by ... spring. Yeah, North Texas isn't the best place for those who like winter weather, but that's OK. We have other ways to chill. The region has consistently produced some of the coldest moments in hip-hop over the past few decades, showcasing our unique presence through music, concerts and culture. From the debut of D.O.C.’s “It’s Funky Enough” to the death of Mo3, coldness appears in various forms.

Most say you have to have the “coldest” flow to be the best rapper. A winter storm can describe an impactful verse. The type of diamonds, often called “ice,” in a grill can metaphorically drop temperatures to below zero. The notion of coldness  has various interpretations that showcase the good, the bad and the incredible aspects of regional rap.

Take a trip down memory lane with some of the coldest moments in Dallas-Fort Worth hip hop with these unforgettable moments, iced-out music videos, bone-chilling bars, winter-themed music, surprise performances, gimmicks and more.

The D.O.C. “It’s Funky Enough” Music Video

Dallas’ original rap superstar debuted in 1989 with an innovative black-and-white video to match the G-funk production and dope lyrics. D.O.C.'s razor-sharp rhymes mixed with multiple genres erased the “country” stereotype. It was a cinematic experience taking you on a ride with an Eazy E looking for the D.O.C. From Kendrick Lamar to Eminem, D.O.C.'s lyricism has stood the test of time.

Play-N-Skillz & Chamillionaire Win Grammy For “Ridin”

The Irving-bred production duo secured their first Grammy in 2007 with the Chamillionaire and Krayzie Bone hit about police brutality. The song describes a traffic stop, calling attention to the harsh realities of the rapper lifestyle. Chamillionaire and Play-N-Skillz forever changed the perception of Texas hip-hop.

MTV Recognizes G4 Boyz, Big Chief, & The “D-Town Boogie”

Before it was stolen by the West Coast, MTV came to Dallas in 2009 to explore the culture known as the “D-Town Boogie.” For its popular docuseries My Block, the network interviewed some of the biggest names in the area and highlighted the unique aspects of this culture, including its lingo, fashion and music. Southern rap stars Bun B and Pitbull appeared in the segment to celebrate the city’s originality. The show also introduced legendary dances like the Stanky Leg and the Dougie to a national audience.

DSR Release “Southside Da Realist”

The 2004 anthem from DSR, 'Southside Da Realist,' is a timeless piece that captures the endless hustle of the Dallas Southside. Its cold and gloomy visual amplifies its message, reminding us of the seriousness of the streets' conditions. This song catapulted DSR into legendary status, and it is now immortalized with the help of revered music executive George Lopez. Over 20 years, the song has become as memorable as the pledge of allegiance in North Texas, evoking a sense of nostalgia in all who hear it.

Yella Beezy Watching Himself Perform From a Hospital Bed

“That’s On Me,” Yella Beezy’s biggest hit, was at its peak in 2018, and it created the opportunity for the rap star to perform on national television at that year’s BET Hip Hop Awards. Although the ceremony was pre-recorded, it was a surreal moment for the rap star as he watched it from a hospital bed after being shot multiple times while driving on the highway. The experience showed fans the harsh reality of hip-hop, a genre that is glorified for its stories about street life.

Post Malone’s Inaugural Posty Fest

The first Posty Fest in 2018 hosted a lineup ahead of its time with headliners Post, La Flame and T Baby. Before becoming the biggest names in music, they held a one-of-a-kind concert in Dallas that will never happen again, as they now sell out arenas individually. The three are consistently beating each other’s box-office records with their own world tours. Seeing them all together in one show now feels like a dream.

Sno Drops “The Latin of the City”

With a name that embodies the elements, delivering a chill every time you speak is ensured. “The Latin of the City” is another classic DFW track that showcases locals thriving in harsh conditions. Sno embraces the weather and controls it. The 2010 song is one of the biggest in the legend’s catalog.

Jeezy at Snow Fest 2024

While he may not be from DFW, you can’t have a list like this and not include the Snowman. Headlining last month’s Snow Fest at the Comerica Center, Jeezy performed his coldest tracks including “Go Crazy,” “Put On” and “Trap or Die” for a sold-out crowd. You can’t ban the Snowman.

Nipsey Hussle at House of Blues

Nipsey Hussle returned to the Dallas area in 2018 for his Victory Lap Tour, and the city hosted an album release party. The rap star and Dallas had built a bond that included music and business. However, the House of Blues concert proved a bittersweet experience as it would be Nipsey Hussle's last visit to North Texas. He was murdered less than a year later. Dallas honored his memory with a candlelight vigil and balloon release that drew thousands.

The Death of Mo3

Mo3 was gunned down in November 2020. The artist was beloved by his city, and the day of his passing is one of the saddest in hip-hop history. DFW and rap culture continue to mourn the loss of Mo3, as his music is still celebrated. He is regarded as a legend. Long live Mo3.

Vanilla Ice Drops “Ice Ice Baby”

Naturally, this song comes to mind when thinking about the coldest moments in North Texas. Released during the genre's evolution, it's one of the most successful hip-hop songs of all time. Vanilla Ice ushered in a group of new acts with slick dance moves, rhymes and hairstyles, and the music video won a variety of awards. The behind-the-scenes story of the record is as cold as the winter storm falling from the sky.

Erykah Badu Strolls Through Dallas Naked For “Window Seat”

The New Amerykah Part II music video made headlines in 2010 as the award-winning entertainer was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct after walking through downtown Dallas naked. Inspired by the Kennedy assassination, the performance in which the artist gradually removed her clothing, with the gusts of wind against her, symbolizes freedom of expression. At the time, she told VIBE: “Once you walk a path and you shed all the things and labels that people put on you — the things they teach you in school and church — you are vulnerable and naked to an assassination. Whether it's your character or worse. Once you don't believe what the group believes they usually group up out of fear to kill your ideas and your thoughts because they don't understand.”

Nykees Campbell Gets 12 Years For Cocaine Lyrics

In 2018, Nykees was sentenced to 12 years in prison after bragging about his crimes on social media. Using his cocaine-referenced lyrics as evidence, prosecutors said that the words that came out of his mouth led to consequences. Ahead of Young Thug, YNW Melly and Lil Durk, this case marks one of the first instances where rap lyrics were used in a trial in recent years.