Drake, Bun B and more have mourned the death of Big Tho, after news of the Houston underground rap legend and DJ made the rounds on social media this week.
Drizzy took to Instagram Stories on Thursday (April 11) to pay tribute to the late MC, writing: “Rip Big Tho too many memories Eric gonna keep you alive every night I know that more than I know anything.”
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The tribute was accompanied by a photo of Tho with the aforementioned DJ Eric. The duo hosted an iconic Houston radio show entitled “The Big Tho & DJ Eric Show” on 97.9 The Box.
Paul Wall also shared a photo to his Instagram Stories of him with Tho, which included two broken heart emojis.
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Bun B shared a photo to his Instagram grid, which featured Big Tho in a Houston Astros hat.
The caption read: “Man this just fucked me up. Prayers to @97.9djeric @lilkeith and all of his family and loved ones. RIP.”
Houston rap hero Lil’ Keke also shared an Instagram post. He dropped a video for his track “Freestyle Finale,” and a caption paying tribute to some departed figures.
“First off RIP Big Tho & RIP Big Pokey & Happy Birthday to my moma all in one night [three heart emojis, three horn sign emojis],” the caption read. “Freestyle Finale ft @sucbigpokey Up & running the video & song out now Pre order the album if you haven’t ‘Can’t Rain Forever’ Texas it’s our time let’s run it up #lilkeke #bigpokey #cantrainforever [umbrella emoji] #ripbigtho.”
Tho’s radio home 97.9 The Box also shared a statement on Facebook that read: “Forever in our hearts. One of the last times we got to see our brother at the Rodeo @gohustlerbigtho. Please keep Big Tho’s family & friends in your prayers. [dove emoji]. We love you #GoodMorningHtown #RipBigTho.”
Bun B’s relationship to Tho is expected, because both are H-Town icons, but Drizzy’s relationship with the DJ and Hip Hop figure likely came because of his relationship with the UGK rapper.
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In March, the 6 God reunited with his mentor in Texas, during the latter’s set at one of the state’s grandest events of the year.
The NRG Stadium in Houston hosted a series of performances by artists such as Lil Jon, Rick Ross, Nelly, Ying-Yang Twins, E-40, Too $hort and more as part of the 2024 RodeoHouston gathering. Bun B also took the stage that evening, during which a fleet of black SUVs pulled up to the venue’s center.
“And to thank you for all that you’ve done for me and my family, I present to you, The Boy,” Bun told the roaring crowd as the Canadian superstar got out of one of the cars. “This is our newest resident, please make some noise for Drizzy Drake.”
Drake’s limited setlist consisted of fan favorites “N 2 Deep,” “Nonstop,” “SICKO MODE” and “Rich Baby Daddy.” Most notably, though, he closed out his guest appearance with the 2009 So Far Gone cut “November 18th.”
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In addition to paying homage to the late DJ Screw and emulating Houston’s signature sound, the track references the date Drake flew out to the city to meet with Lil Wayne, laying the foundation for what would become one of Hip Hop’s strongest alliances to date.
HipHopDX extends its condolences to the friends and family of Big Tho, and the entire Houston Hip Hop community.
