DJ Screw

Bio

DJ Screw (Robert Earl Davis Jr., 1971–2000) was a Houston-based DJ and producer who pioneered the “chopped and screwed” technique—slowing down hip-hop tracks and repeating sections to create a hypnotic, syrupy sound. Working from his home studio, he released hundreds of mixtapes that became the backbone of the city’s underground rap scene and influenced generations of Southern artists. His influence extended far beyond Houston; the chopped-and-screwed style was adopted by mainstream rappers and producers, and his 1990s tapes remain essential listening for anyone exploring the roots of crunk, gangster rap, and Southern hip hop.