100 % Chopped 'n' Screwed | Sarah Zeryab & Tobechukwu Onwukeme

This episode is a tribute to DJ Screw (July 20, 1971 – November 16, 2000), a pioneering artist who reshaped hip-hop and gave voice to the soul of Southern rap. Known as the creator of the "chopped and screwed" sound, DJ Screw (born Robert Earl Davis Jr.) slowed down beats and stretched out flows, creating a powerful, dreamlike sound that captured the raw emotions of the streets. His unique style became a movement in itself, evolving into a genre that has influenced countless artists. DJ Screw’s life and music were deeply rooted in Houston’s culture, where sipping "syrup" or "lean"—a blend of codeine and soda—was part of the scene. Tragically, this practice also contributed to his untimely passing, along with the loss of others drawn to this lifestyle. Screw’s death in 2000, due to a codeine overdose, left an irreplaceable void, but his sound and spirit continue to resonate across generations. In his career, Davis released over 350 mixtapes, initially reaching mostly regional audiences. His legacy began to reach a wider audience around 2005, influencing a diverse range of artists across genres and bringing his iconic sound to new ears worldwide.

RIP DJ Screw, and to all those lost while sippin' the syrup. Your legacy lives on in every beat that brings us back, slows us down, and helps us feel.