Megan Thee Stallion, the Grammy-winning rapper known for her dynamic presence and powerful lyrics, has released her latest studio album, Megan Act II, a deluxe version of her earlier album Megan. This new project serves as a heartfelt tribute to her Southern roots, particularly her hometown of Houston. With tracks like “Bourbon” and “Number One Rule,” Megan continues to embody the essence of Houston, while her song “Rock Steady” creatively samples Ciara’s iconic 2004 hit “Goodies.” The album also features a slower tempo on tracks like “Best Friend,” where Megan pays homage to Louisiana rapper Lil Boosie.
New music video: “Bigger in Texas”
On Friday, Megan unveiled the music video for her single “Bigger in Texas,” which further emphasizes her pride in her Houston heritage. The song is characterized by a chopped and screwed beat, a style that originated in Houston. The music video, filmed in Texas, showcases cameos from several prominent Houston artists, including Slim Thug, Scarface, Paul Wall, and Sauce Walka, reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the city’s music scene.
Houston references in the video
Megan’s video is rich with references to Houston culture, showcasing various elements that define the city. Here are some highlights:
- The Houston skyline: Although it may not top lists of the most beautiful skylines, Houston’s cityscape is significant as the largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the U.S. The skyline stretches prominently across the downtown area, symbolizing the city’s growth and vibrancy.
- The candy-painted slab: Slabs, or custom cars with flashy paint jobs and unique rims, are a staple of Houston culture. In the video, Megan is seen dancing in front of a glossy, orange-painted slab, showcasing the city’s love for extravagant automobiles.
- Paul Wall and Johnny Dang’s Grill Shop: Paul Wall, a key figure in popularizing grillz, is featured in the video. His collaboration with Johnny Dang led to the establishment of the world’s largest custom grill shop, Johnny Dang & Co., where Megan is seen sporting grillz, further emphasizing her connection to Houston’s hip-hop scene.
- The Houston Astros baseball cap: Megan also sports a Houston Astros cap in the video, showing her support for the local baseball team, which has won two World Series titles in seven years. This nod to the Astros highlights her pride in her city’s sports culture.
Megan’s musical evolution
In June, Megan released her third studio album, Megan, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The album features the hit single “Hiss,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Megan describes her music as a reflection of her true self, stating, “This is music I would like if I wasn’t Megan Thee Stallion. I’m just tapping into other sounds, but it’s still very much Megan Thee Stallion.” This statement underscores her commitment to authenticity while exploring new musical avenues.
A new chapter in Megan’s career
In 2023, Megan made significant changes in her career by parting ways with 1501 and 300 Entertainment. She announced a new deal with Warner Music Group, which allows her to retain the rights to her master recordings and publishing. This move marks a pivotal moment in her career as she focuses on building her empire and growing as an entrepreneur.
“This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter of my life and career,” Megan stated. “I’m really focused on building an empire and growing as an entrepreneur, so I’m proud to take this next step in my journey.” With her sights set on creating history, Megan Thee Stallion continues to inspire and uplift her community through her music and entrepreneurial endeavors.
