HOUSTON — The Houston area is known for producing great artists. From legends like the Geto Boys, Bun B, and Kenny Rogers, to Megan the Stallion, Travis Scott and, of course, Beyonce.
We aren’t new to having artists climb the charts and there are new rising stars to keep your eyes on. KenTheMan is one of those stars. She started rapping for fun with her friends in north Houston and isn’t planning on living elsewhere.
“I love this place to settle. I always say that when people ask, 'will you ever move out?' I always say, 'no Houston is home to me.'” KenTheMan said.
She has more than 100 million streams over several platforms. As for her Houston style and flow,“ I can't really put my finger on it, but I just feel like Houston," KenTheMan said. "We're known for, like, freestyle out in the car. Like we are just chill. We are just freestyle,.
When asked if there is something about Houston that she takes everywhere with her when it comes to artistry and how it influences her music, KenTheMan said, “I always say that Houston artists sound different to me. I feel like we're outside the way we are, like, country. We have a little twang to it, but I always say that you can't really tell that we're from Houston unless we’re talking. It's like something about us in our voice and it’s powerful.”
That Mexican OT is another artist making some noise and climbing the charts. His hit song "Johnny Dang” debuted in the Billboard’s top 100 in 2023. Then you have X factor star Josh Levi, whose song “Birthday Dance” went viral on social media. His success on the hit show earned him a record deal.
Other new Houston artists gaining speed include singer Keshi?, rap artists Monaleo and Teezo Tchdwon. Taking the country world by storm is North Houston’s Julia Cole. She said her volleyball team discovered her talent when she sang in the locker room randomly. “ My volleyball coach was like, 'Why don't you send a video in to the Texans?' So, then I started doing the anthem for the Texans, Astros, Houston Dynamo, Houston Rodeo, Houston Livestock Show and Radio,” Cole said.
The CMT 2022 next women of country star, instantly fell in love with performing and moved to Nashville but didn’t forget her Texas roots.
“If you knew how much Buc-ee's paraphernalia my band has and how I have literal like, Whataburger stands, like on my counter over there, I am hardcore. I am your classic annoying person in Nashville who won't stop talking about being from Houston, Texas,” Cole said.
Julia has over 200 million streams across various musical platforms and is performing in the Houston area on May 10 at the Big As Texas Fest.
“Think about a playlist that someone from Houston would make, like, you're going to go from Cody Johnson to, I don't know, Beyonce. Like, it's going to all be on the same playlist. And everyone listening loves it all,” Cole said.
It’s no wonder some say Houston is evolving into a breeding ground for raw fresh talent taking over the music scene.