Source: Jay West / Getty
This week, Houston rapper, Marcus “Lil Keke” Edwards, is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his debut album, “Don’t Mess Wit Texas.”
Lil Keke will celebrate this milestone Sunday, July 16, 2017 at The Screw Shop, located at 3538 Fuqua Street, Houston, TX 77045 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
During the celebration, two community based organizations, Southeast Little League Baseball and The Technology Camp at Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center, hosted by Appropriate Development Technology, Inc., will be honored with donations to continue their work with local youth.
When Lil Keke’s debut album dropped on June 16, 1997, the then 21-year-old Gangsta rapper garnered national attention with his hit song “Southside.” In fact, remixed versions of the song are still played in area clubs on local radio. The Houston native says he has come a long way from those early days on the music scene and hasn’t forgotten how the community has supported him for two decades.
“Twenty years ago, I was a kid rapping, doing parties and concerts, and trying to make a name for myself. Today I’m a father, a businessman, and a youth advocate. I feel it is important to support programs empowering kids, and to financially contribute to those organizations. So, this Sunday we’re donating to the Southeast Little League and to the technology summer camp at Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center. Both programs are dedicated to keeping kids out of trouble and exposing them to different opportunities,” says Edwards.
Two years ago, former Houston Mayor, Annise Parker, officially proclaimed July 13, 2015 (7-13) “Lil Keke Day.” Since July 13th is this week, Edwards choose the upcoming weekend for the “Don’t Mess Wit Texas” 20th Anniversary Block Party. In honor of the recognition, Edwards and his team created “#7Thirteen,” which is one of his brands that directly connects to the Houston community, as the numbers 713 make up the original area code for Houston, TX.
