Houston is still mourning the loss of one of its most important cultural architects, and now one of the city’s most recognizable voices has stepped forward to reflect on that loss. Paul Wall has spoken publicly for the first time since the passing of Swishahouse founder Michael “5000” Watts, offering heartfelt words about the man who helped shape an entire movement that defined Southern Hip Hop for a generation.
For Paul Wall, Watts was more than a DJ, more than a producer, and more than a regional legend. He was a mentor, a gatekeeper, and a cultural pillar who gave countless artists their first real opportunity to be heard. In Houston, the name Michael “5000” Watts is synonymous with the rise of the chopped and screwed sound and the Swishahouse brand, which helped introduce the world to a distinct Texas identity that was raw, slowed down, and deeply rooted in the streets.
Speaking with emotion, Paul Wall reflected on how much of his own journey was tied to Watts’ belief in him early on. He described Watts as someone who had a sharp ear for talent and an even sharper sense of community. Long before Houston’s sound was embraced nationally, Watts was building a movement from the ground up, giving young artists a platform when no one else would…