Houston’s legacy in Black music is legendary.
From the iconic “chopped and screwed” sound of DJ Screw to global superstars like Beyoncé and Megan Thee Stallion, dig beneath the surface of the charts and mega-venues, and you’ll find a constellation of incredible Black artists quietly and powerfully reshaping the city’s musical landscape. They’re bending genres, telling intimate stories, and carving out lanes that defy the mainstream.
These artists are grinding in studios, perfecting their craft on smaller stages, and whose sound is about to explode. Forget what you thought you knew about the H-Town music scene.
Here are the five most underrated Black Houston musicians in 2025, the hidden gems whose talent demands your attention right now.
Dende
R&B / Soul / Hip-Hop
Dende is a multifaceted artist, singer, rapper, producer, and instrumentalist from Katy, TX. He has carved a unique space for himself in modern R&B and Hip-Hop by championing what he terms “nontoxic R&B.” His music prioritizes emotional depth and vulnerability over heedless self-indulgence, offering listeners a genuine look into his personal experiences, particularly surrounding love, loss, and healing. Dende’s sound is a sophisticated blend of contemporary Hip-Hop fluidity and the soulful, narrative richness of early 2000s R&B, drawing inspiration from diverse artists including Smino, Saba, John Legend, and Chance The Rapper.
BuddieRoe
Hip-Hop
Darin Venters, known as the rapper BuddieRoe, is a dynamic Hip-Hop artist from Houston’s Briargate neighborhood, who leverages his music as a tool for both personal expression and community education. Signed as the first artist to Educational Entertainment, his work, notably the debut Curriculum Project (CP), LOST & FOUND (2024), is an autobiography dedicated to teaching literacy, and inspiring youth. BuddieRoe’s sound is characterized by a rapid-fire, bullet-train delivery and vivid, conscious lyrics that tackle the struggles and triumphs of his real-life journey.
Caleb James
Country
Caleb James is a rising country singer and Americana artist in Houston, Texas, known for his compelling and heartfelt lyrics. Originally from Oakland, California, James found his authentic musical home in Houston, where he embraced his Southern roots and a deep passion for country music. His artistry reflects the “Western Lifestyle,” emphasizing themes of hard work, family and the spirit of the rodeo arena. Growing up in a blue-collar family instilled in him the values of hard work and determination, traits that heavily inform his music, such as his single “Grow Up to Be Cowboys,” which he describes as a love letter to tradition and grit.
DE’WAYNE
Alternative Rock/Punk
DE’WAYNE is an alternative rock artist from Houston, Texas, known for a high-energy, genre-defying sound that blends rock, punk, hip-hop, funk, and soul. Based in Los Angeles, he is a vital voice for Black artists in the alternative scene, with a dynamic stage presence influenced by his church upbringing. His albums, including STAINS and the funk-infused June, showcase his raw talent and mission to break musical boundaries.
Dria Thornton
R&B/ Hip-Hop
Dria Thornton is an industry powerhouse who is finally claiming the spotlight as a solo artist.
For over a decade, Thornton has been a force behind the scenes. Her career is full of major accomplishments, including 12 RIAA Platinum certifications and nominations for both Grammy and Dove Awards. Her extensive songwriting and production credits span many mainstream artists, from Logic and Rick Ross to Young Thug and Lecrae.
Thornton is now stepping from the writers’ room to center stage, bringing her seasoned experience and an undeniably powerful vocal presence to her solo work. Watch her latest releases as she transitions from an elite, well-respected secret to a breakout star.
