Bun B Brought Hip-Hop, R&B With Birthday Bonanza At Houston Rodeo 2025

Following last year’s Hip-Hop-fueled All-American Takeover orchestrated by Bun B at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the veteran rapper decided to take a different route for this year’s iteration. At the annual event, March 7 was recognized as Black Heritage Day, where the contributions of the Black Cowboy to western heritage were celebrated with exhibitors, school performances, and entertainment throughout the day. In the night, Bun B kicked off his birthday celebration, adding to the cultural affair with a Rap, Gospel, and R&B showcase bringing entertainment for all to enjoy.

After the mutton busting and calf wrangling ended, the drumlines from the Prairie View A&M University Marching Storm and the Texas Southern University Ocean Of Soul united for a performance for the first time in history. The audience screamed in excitement at the unity, building anticipation for the show to follow. As the lights in the stadium dimmed, the culmination of Bun B and his team’s endless work had arrived. The announced lineup for Bun B’s Birthday Bonanza included Jagged Edge, Yolanda Adams, Keith Sweat, Coco Jones, Don Toliver, and Ludacris.

And he was right. Bun B arrived on stage draped up and dripped out in a custom PURPLE Brand and Crown Royal collaborative look, featuring the Bun B Leather Trench Coat and Crown Royal Bun B Vest, specifically crafted for his big day. Smiling while gazing into the crowd, Bun B’s pride in himself and his hometown was on full display as he recognized the magnitude of the moment. Once the show began, a majority of the ticketholders stood on their feet, only to remain standing for the duration of the show, cheering, cuddling, and singing along to the diverse sound brought from each act.

“Thank y’all for coming to my birthday party,” exclaimed the UGK co-founder as the audience of 69,667 erupted in praise

Coco Jones, Jagged Edge, and Keith Sweat gave the lively crowd smooth tracks to sing along and groove to. Don Toliver brought the modern Houston party with his trending melodic raps. Yolanda Adams performed a gospel tribute in honor of local politicians U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner, who died days before the rodeo, and U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who passed in July after battling cancer. The memoriam paid homage to musicians lost over the years, including the recent losses of Angie Stone, and Roberta Flack.

Surprises included Tommy Richman performing his viral “Million Dollar Baby” track, and love for the midwest with Chicago’s Do Or Die performing their classic “Po Pimp,” as well as appearances from Slim Thug and Maxo Kream. The biggest surprise came when T.I. popped out, performing an enduring full set including his biggest hits such as “What You Know” and “24s” and “Bring Em Out.” While on stage, the Atlanta rapper gave Bun B his flowers for being one of the “first notable rappers to come to Atlanta” for collaborations.

After Ludacris’ bouncy and swift Hip-Hop set ended, Bun B returned to the stage with T.I. and Keith Sweat for “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You).” By connecting generations, shuffling genres, and uplifting local culture, Bun B’s Birthday Bonanza fulfilled its promise of bringing something for everyone. Take a look below for pictures from the entire event.