Rap Atlas US: Dallas and Surrounding Cities — 15 Acts
Start with Fila Fresh Crew and Nemesis on Dallas stages, The D.O.C.’s No One Can Do It Better, Dirty South Rydaz and Big Tuck, and Dorrough’s “Ice Cream Paint Job.” The guide follows recordings, collaborators, radio and labels through Bobby Sessions, Yella Beezy, Asian Doll, Mo3 and BigXthaPlug. Post Malone’s Grapevine upbringing and Splurge’s Arlington connection are distinguished from origins in Dallas itself.
What This Guide Covers
This guide centers on Dallas and includes documented connections to Grapevine and Arlington in the Dallas–Fort Worth metro. It is a selection, not coverage of every part of the metro, and distinguishes origins, bases, recording and performance locations.
The 15 individual profiles cover: Asian Doll, Big Tuck, BigXthaPlug, Bobby Sessions, Dorrough, Lil Ronny MothaF, Mo3, Nemesis, Post Malone, Splurge (SSG Splurge), Tay Money, Tay-K, The D.O.C., Trapboy Freddy, Yella Beezy. The list is alphabetical, not a ranking.
Timeline / Artist and Group Profiles / Districts and Venues / Labels, Crews and Other Organizations
Timeline: Dallas and Surrounding Cities, 1983–2025
The documented starting point used here is 1983, when Cisco Soul and the Party Patrol began a hip-hop radio show in Dallas; KNON and KKDA-FM (K104) also carried hip-hop programming that decade, and the Fila Fresh Crew and Nemesis performed at venues including Down Under One in Oak Cliff, New York Connection in North Dallas and City Lights in South Dallas, according to the Dallas Observer. Dallas Observer’s 1998 reporting.
1989: After growing up in Dallas and working with Fila Fresh Crew, The D.O.C. released the Dr. Dre-produced No One Can Do It Better following his move to Los Angeles. The production history distinguishes his Dallas background from the later recording location.
Dirty South Rydaz, the Dallas crew that included Big Tuck, signed with Universal Records in October 2005, in a deal D Magazine described as worth several million dollars across six albums. Big Tuck’s major-label debut, Tha Absolute Truth, was released on Universal Records in 2006, per the Dallas Observer.
2009: Dorrough’s “Ice Cream Paint Job” appears at No. 27 on the U.S. Hot 100 listing published by Billboard JAPAN on September 14; this is the listed week’s position, not a peak claim. The weekly listing.
2017: On December 14, XXL reported Tay-K’s 88 Classic deal and the No. 44 Hot 100 peak of “The Race.” The report.
June 13, 2018: The FADER reported the announcement of Asian Doll’s deal with Gucci Mane’s 1017 Eskimo Records, describing her as the label’s first female artist. The announcement report.
Early on October 14, 2018, Yella Beezy was shot on the Sam Rayburn Tollway in Lewisville, Texas; the Dallas Observer (December 18, 2018) reports an 11-day hospital stay with release on October 24. The same article, which also describes Yella Beezy’s “Oak Cliff upbringing,” reports that “That’s On Me” (2017) had been on the Hot 100 for roughly the last five months, helped by airplay from Dallas radio station K104.
2018: Splurge released four projects including Glockeeeee. A 2019 XXL interview traces his Arlington connection and appearance on Rico Nasty’s Anger Management. Artist interview.
In September 2019, a mural of Bobby Sessions by artist JD Moore was unveiled at the corner of Canton Street and Trunk Avenue in Deep Ellum; D Magazine reported on October 9, 2019 that finishing touches were still being added.
2019–2020: Trapboy Freddy’s 2019 project was Rockboy Freddy 2020 Flow; “Big Trap” followed in January 2020. The artist feature.
On November 11, 2020, Mo3 was shot on I-35E in Dallas and died after being taken to hospital. The Dallas Police Department’s account records the date and death.
In March 2021, Bobby Sessions was credited as a co-writer on Megan Thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé’s “Savage” and won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Song; Grammy.com lists him among the track’s credited songwriters for that win.
2021: On March 19, Mo3’s team presented “Outside,” featuring OG Bobby Billions. Bobby Sessions released Manifest on Def Jam on June 11. The “Outside” announcement / The release listing for Manifest.
BigXthaPlug’s “Mmhmm” debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 93 in the chart dated December 16, 2023.
In 2025, BigXthaPlug’s “All the Way,” featuring Bailey Zimmerman and appearing on the album I Hope You’re Happy, reached No. 4 on the Hot 100 and No. 1 on Hot Country Songs.
Award levels and dates are addressed in the source note.
Districts and Venues
Yella Beezy grew up in Oak Cliff, while Bobby Sessions is connected to Deep Ellum through his performances and a mural. Post Malone grew up in Grapevine; Splurge and Tay-K are linked to Arlington. Grapevine and Arlington are treated as cities distinct from Dallas. The timeline records the location of Mo3’s shooting.
Trees dates its opening to May 1990. The Bomb Factory reopened after renovation in 2015; its current site lists capacity for more than 4,000 guests. Trees / The Bomb Factory.
South Side Ballroom is part of Gilley’s Dallas. The official venue site lists dates and ticket information.
From HIPHOPCs’ artist interviews. Cz TIGER says that after traveling from Atlanta to Dallas, Mike Jones collected him from his hotel, they completed a song in the studio and moved toward a video shoot that day. Read Cz TIGER’s account of working in Dallas. His account documents a recording and filming connection to Dallas.
Artist and Group Profiles: 15 Acts
Alphabetized by the displayed English names, including an initial The.
Asian Doll
The Dallas-born MC’s deal with 1017 Eskimo Records was announced on June 13, 2018, when The FADER described her as the label’s first female artist. Alongside that report, D Magazine’s 2019 feature points to her recordings Unfuccwitable and Fight Night.
Big Tuck
A member of Dirty South Rydaz, whose Universal Records deal in October 2005 was reported by D Magazine as a six-album, multimillion-dollar agreement. His 2006 major-label debut, Tha Absolute Truth, featured Erykah Badu, Paul Wall, Bun B, Chamillionaire and Slim Thug. The Dallas Observer’s profile describes him as a South Dallas rapper.
BigXthaPlug
Billboard describes him as a Dallas native and reports that “Mmhmm” debuted at No. 93 on the Hot 100 dated December 16, 2023. His UnitedMasters releases include the album I Hope You’re Happy, featuring “All the Way” with Bailey Zimmerman. Billboard reports the song reaching No. 4 on the Hot 100 and No. 1 on Hot Country Songs. RIAA’s official histories record Take Care at platinum on August 13, 2025 and “Texas” at double platinum on September 24, 2025. See the work- and version-specific certification records. The separate sources are the “Mmhmm” chart report and the album interview.
Bobby Sessions
A Dallas-based MC whose performances around Deep Ellum preceded his 2021 Best Rap Song win as a credited co-writer of Megan Thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé’s “Savage.” See the Recording Academy credit. His own 12-track album Manifest followed on Def Jam on June 11, 2021; the official release listing offers a route from the songwriting award to his work as a recording artist. A mural by JD Moore was unveiled in Deep Ellum in September 2019, with finishing touches still being added when D Magazine reported on October 9.
Dorrough
A rapper described as Dallas-based by the Dallas Mavericks. “Ice Cream Paint Job” appears at No. 27 on Billboard JAPAN’s U.S. Hot 100 listing published September 14, 2009. See the dated chart. The RIAA certified it gold on October 23, 2009 and platinum on August 2, 2010. See the certification records.
Lil Ronny MothaF
XXL identifies him as a Dallas rapper and covers “Circle” and “Vain.” In a 2017 email interview, he described “Vain” as a dedication to his late brother. XXL’s interview provides both a regional connection and his account of why he made the song.
Mo3
Melvin Noble Jr. His Shottaz series and 2020 collaboration with Boosie Badazz, Badazz Mo3, provide a starting point for his music. A March 19, 2021 release from his team introduced “Outside,” featuring OG Bobby Billions, and announced the posthumous Shottaz 4Eva. The announcement scheduled preorders for April 2. His death is recorded in the timeline.
Nemesis
A group active in Dallas during the 1980s that signed to Profile Records. The Dallas Observer’s “Beat Down” places its shows, alongside Fila Fresh Crew’s, at Down Under One, New York Connection and City Lights. The 1991 album Munchies for Your Bass, also available on streaming services, provides a route into its recorded work.
Post Malone
Born in Syracuse, New York, he moved to Grapevine at nine. Paper’s interview traces a later period in Los Angeles, work with FKi and the recording of “White Iverson,” and discusses “Congratulations” with Quavo. His upbringing in the Dallas area and recording in another city are distinct connections. His father worked in concessions for the Dallas Cowboys.
Splurge (SSG Splurge)
An MC from Arlington. XXL’s May 2019 interview describes the then-17-year-old’s rise after a song made for his sixteenth birthday in 2017. It identifies Glockeeeee, Glen Baby, No Melody and Splurge Go! as 2018 projects. In 2019 he appeared on Rico Nasty’s Anger Management. Both XXL’s interview and D Magazine’s North Texas feature connect him to Arlington.
Tay Money
D Magazine identifies her as a Dallas rapper and discusses “Trappers Delight.” Its 2019 North Texas feature offers a starting point in her music.
Tay-K
Taymor McIntyre. XXL’s December 14, 2017 report describes him as a rapper from the Dallas area, gives “The Race” a Hot 100 peak of No. 44, and reports his deal with 88 Classic. The Santana World rerelease also arrived that day. See XXL’s report. D Magazine also connects him to Arlington.
The D.O.C.
Tracy Lynn Curry. A book excerpt published by the Dallas Observer traces his Dallas upbringing and work with Fila Fresh Crew, followed by his move to Los Angeles and the Dr. Dre-produced No One Can Do It Better in 1989. The excerpt, drawing on interviews connects those different stages of his career. The Los Angeles Times reported his November 14, 1989 accident on the Ventura Freeway. The Observer recounts the resulting damage to his voice, partial improvement in 2015 and his October 2015 Bomb Factory show. The RIAA history records gold on September 22, 1989 and platinum on April 21, 1994. See the official certification records.
Trapboy Freddy
An MC connected to Oak Cliff. XXL separately lists the 2019 project Rockboy Freddy 2020 Flow and the three-part Trapboy Freddy Krueger series. Its 2020 artist feature also covers the January 2020 single “Big Trap.”
Yella Beezy
The Dallas Observer describes his Oak Cliff upbringing. Its December 2018 artist feature reports that “That’s On Me” (2017), supported by K104 airplay, had spent roughly five months on the Hot 100. The same article discusses Ain’t No Goin’ Bacc, released on November 16, 2018, and the video for “What I Did,” featuring Kevin Gates. See the 2018 interview. “That’s On Me” has separate first gold dates for its original and remix, with platinum awards for both on February 27, 2025. See the version-specific certification records.
Labels, Crews and Radio
Crews, labels, release outlets and radio are distinguished here. The national labels in this section are not all presented as Dallas-headquartered organizations.
Dirty South Rydaz — The Dallas crew that included Big Tuck. D Magazine documents its October 2005 Universal deal.
Profile Records — Nemesis’ label appears in the early Dallas history.
Universal Records — Signed Dirty South Rydaz and released Big Tuck’s major-label debut in 2006.
Def Jam Recordings — Released Bobby Sessions’ 2021 Manifest; see the release listing.
1017 Eskimo Records — Gucci Mane’s label announced Asian Doll’s deal on June 13, 2018.
UnitedMasters — The release outlet for BigXthaPlug’s Take Care and I Hope You’re Happy.
88 Classic — Tay-K’s label deal was reported in December 2017.
K104 (KKDA-FM) — The Dallas radio station credited with supporting “That’s On Me.”
Inclusion and Corrections
This is not a ranking, and placement is not sold. The published Rap Atlas criteria provide two routes: an official streaming release supported by verifiable media coverage, performance or chart evidence; or a historical role in the regional scene established through multiple independent sources. A chart entry, RIAA award, legal name or date of birth is not a universal requirement.
Profiles are alphabetized by their displayed English names, including an initial The. Birthplace, upbringing, base, recording location and performance location are distinct. A label deal or collaboration does not establish that an artist comes from the label’s or collaborator’s home city. Nemesis is a group: fifteen acts does not mean fifteen people.
Legal events are limited to dates and necessary details attributable to reporting or official statements. A charge or indictment is not a finding of guilt. Send a correction or supplement through the contact page, identifying the passage and supporting material. Anonymous submissions are accepted.
Sources and Certification Records
The table records selected certification milestones from material checked on September 23, 2026. The dates are certification dates, not release dates, and the original and remix are listed separately. Reports of later awards are identified as reporting rather than independently verified RIAA history. An em dash means no later award is listed here, not that none exists.
| Artist / Title | Format / Label | Gold | Platinum | Later award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The D.O.C. / No One Can Do It Better | ALBUM / ATLANTIC | 1989-09-22 | 1994-04-21 | — |
| Yella Beezy / That's On Me (original) | SINGLE / YELLA BEEZY / HITCO | 2019-05-23 | 2025-02-27 | — |
| Yella Beezy / That's On Me (remix: 2 Chainz, T.I., Rich The Kid, Jeezy, Boosie Badazz, Trapboy Freddy) | SINGLE / HITCO | 2019-04-30 | 2025-02-27 | — |
| BigXthaPlug / Take Care | ALBUM / UNITEDMASTERS | 2025-05-06 | 2025-08-13 | A February 2026 report describes a double-platinum award; its match to the official title-level history and certification date remains unverified. |
| Dorrough / Ice Cream Paint Job | SINGLE / E1 MUSIC / NGENIUS | 2009-10-23 | 2010-08-02 | — |
| BigXthaPlug / Texas | SINGLE / UNITEDMASTERS | 2023-11-09 | 2024-05-16 | 2× Platinum: 2025-09-24 |
Main References
The references include artist interviews, release credits, institutional records and local reporting. Certification dates are distinct from release dates, and a reporter’s account is distinguished from an artist’s direct statement.
- Dallas Police Department — Homicide Investigation: April 24, 2021 update
- Billboard JAPAN — U.S. Hot 100, page published September 14, 2009
- Dallas Mavericks — The Huddle: Dallas-based artists
- Dallas Observer — Beat Down, Straight Outta Dallas — The D.O.C., Big Tuck — Tha Absolute Truth, Yella Beezy — After Being Shot in a Drive-By, Bobby Sessions — Manifest
- D Magazine — 10 North Texas Hip-Hop Artists to Watch in 2020, Bobby Sessions Gets His Own Mural in Deep Ellum, Pulse, December 2005
- The FADER — Asian Doll Signs to 1017 Records
- Billboard — BigXthaPlug’s Hot 100 Debut, BigXthaPlug Interview
- Grammy.com — Bobby Session, Jr.
- RIAA (artist/title-specific certification searches) — The D.O.C., Dorrough, Yella Beezy, BigXthaPlug — Take Care, BigXthaPlug — Texas
- Los Angeles Times — The D.O.C. Car Accident
- PaperMag — Riding With Post Malone
- Venue official sites — Trees, The Bomb Factory, South Side Ballroom, Gilley’s Dallas
Additional interviews and release information: The Break Presents: Splurge (2019-05-08) / Trapboy Freddy Catches a Play in New Freestyle (2020-03-23) / Tay-K Signs Record Deal With 88 Classic (2017-12-14) / Lil Ronny MothaF Reps His Crew in Vain Video / Mo3’s Team Shares Outside (2021-03-19) / Manifest / Bobby Sessions / Cz TIGER / Bun B interview EN
Related Guides and Corrections
- Japanese version of this guide
- Rap Atlas US hub: Dallas entry
- All regions
- Inclusion criteria
- Send a correction or supplement
Update Record
Earlier public updates are summarized below.
- 2026-09-11: Added Splurge, Trapboy Freddy, Lil Ronny MothaF, Tay-K and Nemesis.
- 2026-09-11: Updated cross-language links, geographic and contract wording, certification limits and correction guidance.
Frequently asked questions
- What does this Dallas-area guide cover?
- This guide centers on Dallas and includes documented connections to Grapevine and Arlington in the Dallas–Fort Worth metro. It is a selection, not coverage of every part of the metro, and distinguishes origins, bases, recording and performance locations.
- Who receives an individual profile?
- 15 acts: Asian Doll, Big Tuck, BigXthaPlug, Bobby Sessions, Dorrough, Lil Ronny MothaF, Mo3, Nemesis, Post Malone, Splurge (SSG Splurge), Tay Money, Tay-K, The D.O.C., Trapboy Freddy, Yella Beezy. See Artist and Group Profiles: 15 Acts. Nemesis is a group; fifteen acts does not mean fifteen people.
- Which labels, crews and other organizations appear?
- Dirty South Rydaz, Profile Records, Universal Records, Def Jam Recordings, 1017 Eskimo Records, UnitedMasters, 88 Classic, K104 (KKDA-FM). This follows the Labels, Crews and Radio section. National labels are not all treated as locally headquartered organizations.
- What period does the timeline cover?
- Selected events from Dallas hip-hop radio in 1983 to 2025. The documented starting point is not presented as the birth date of the entire scene.
- Where are the sources and correction details?
- The guide uses Dallas Observer, D Magazine and XXL reporting and interviews, alongside Recording Academy and RIAA records, release listings and official venue information. See Main References and Sources and Certification Records. Correction links are in Related Guides and Corrections and the inclusion policy.
