The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has announced its 2025 concert lineup. For Black Heritage Night on March 7, Houston rap legend and Trill Burgers owner Bun B will headline once again.
“Bun B’s Birthday Bonanza” promises to celebrate the Houston icon’s legacy while showcasing his impact on the city’s music scene.
He has become a staple of Black Heritage Night, bringing in a rolodex of top-tier Hip-Hop R&B performers. But reactions to his return for a third consecutive year have been mixed. Some celebrate his consistency and the tribute to Black culture, while others hope for a shakeup in the lineup to highlight new voices.
Christopher Jarmon, a Texas Southern University graduate student and lifelong rodeo attendee, has seen firsthand how the Houston Rodeo bridges the city’s rich traditions with evolving entertainment tastes.
“For the past few years, Bun B has done a great job putting on for the rodeo,” Jarmon said. “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. But I’m also a big advocate for independent and up-and-coming artists. It would be nice to see some local talent get the opportunity to perform on a stage of this caliber.”
As someone who grew up on a ranch with deep cowboy roots, Jarmon appreciates the historical significance of the rodeo and Black cowboys’ role in its narrative. However, he suggests the Black Heritage Night programming could expand to include diverse musical genres and lesser-known artists.
“There’s so much untapped talent here in Houston,” Jarmon continued. “The rodeo could be an even greater platform for showcasing the incredible diversity within Black music and culture.”
Sierra Adams, a budding R&B artist from Houston, shared Jarmon’s perspective. Bun B’s consistent presence is proof of his loyalty to the city, but there’s room to elevate more local voices.
“It’s really cool that Bun B keeps putting Houston first,” Adams said. “But talking to other young people, there’s definitely chatter about wanting more variety in the lineup. It would be great to see more Black country artists and other genres represented. Houston has so much talent across the board.”
Adams dreams of one day performing on the rodeo stage. She believes showcasing emerging talent at the rodeo would reignite hometown pride. Even if it isn’t on the big stage, she hopes that Bun B considers incorporating smaller sets during the rodeo schedule to highlight the local talent in the city.
“There’s something powerful about bringing back to the roots,” Adams said. “It’s nostalgic and keeps the cultural circle going. We need to be reaching out to the next wave of artists.”
Fans on social media appreciate Bun B’s dedication to celebrating Houston’s culture and music, while others were hoping for something different. However, many look forward to his Birthday Bonanza, which he promises will be “a party for everybody.” His social media teaser urging fans to “expect the unexpected” has fueled excitement for what surprises might be in store.
Tbf it’s never just him. He brings a ton of hip hop artists who would never be able to carry a Rodeo concert on their own. I feel like he’s done a good job of keeping it fresh.
— Nathan (@NateNTheH) January 10, 2025
I feel like the people who are mad about Bun B coming back to the rodeo again have never been to see him because he brings out different people every year and it’s always a good time
— B 🦋 (@bdanielleee) January 14, 2025
I’m tiedddd of Bun B taking over Black Heritage Night at the Rodeo. Houston’s Black culture is far too expansive to be having him host every single year, no shade! Separate rnb and rap so each genre can have its own show, and give us more than 1 Black music night!!
— KG 💜 (@KerriMe_Away) January 10, 2025
