What Is Houston Rap's Best Diss Song Ever?

Some rappers happen to be thoughtful, intelligent people. Every Monday that isn't a national holiday, Rocks Off will have some of them hear discussing issues relevant to their culture.

Photo illustration by John Seaborn Gray

Not Invited: Lil Troy

This Week's Prompt: Last week, Jay-Z told Peter Rosenberg he thought that, looking back on it, that his "Takeover" diss record was better than Nas' "Ether," which people have generally come to accept as one of the best diss songs of all time.

So, question: What is the best diss record from a Houston rapper ever? Is it Pimp C's attack on Lil Troy? Cham's Mixtape Messiah massacre of Mike Jones? One of the bombs that K-Rino or Trae lobbed at The Box?

Bun B: Probably the Chamillionaire mixtape dedicated to dissing Mike Jones.

Fat Tony: The very best Houstonian "diss" came from "The Chronicles of Pimp C" from Ozone magazine, particularly the first article where he went the fuck off on Lil Troy's argyle wearing Pharrell-esque attire, Ne-Yo's glossy lips, Russell Simmons' dildo-in-the-booty fetish and more.

No other rapper-penned article will ever match that shit. I still die laughing while reading it. A really good actual diss record is UGK's "Murder." Bun B didn't seem too happy with someone on his verse.

Rap Round Table: Ah, yes. You're referring to the infamous "Marcus," right?

FT: Yes.

Renzo: The best diss song I have ever heard from a Houston rapper had to be the one that Slim Thug did to Lil Mario. It wasn't a speculation diss of any sort, and was filled with personal information that couldn't be denied by anybody that knew either of them.

He talked about how his sister went with him to the bank to make deposits. I hated what it did for the north side, but I would be lying if I wasn't enjoying listening to somebody get roasted like that. I'm sure they are both over it by now though. Other than that, I would say Willie D, Pimp C, Z-Ro, Slim Thug, and Scarface are the best dissers in Houston due to how direct they are when they get started. (Listen here.)