Released: 2024
Label: Manifest/GoodTalk/Good Money Global/Capitol Records
Featuring: DaBaby, Paul Wall, DRODi, Slim Thug, Le$, Pro-Pain, Z-Ro, Trapboy Freddy, OTB Fastlane, Hannah Everhart, Moneybagg Yo, Fredo Bang, Hogg Booma, Homer, Mone
When it comes to driving the narrative of Southern hip-hop in nuanced, unapologetic ways, few artists can match the intensity and authenticity of That Mexican OT. His album, ‘Texas Technician,’ is a testament to this truth. The album is an explosive concoction of hard-hitting tracks that provide an unfiltered look into the gritty realities of life in Texas’ streets while paying homage to the state’s ethos of pride and resilience.
Featuring heavy hitters like DaBaby, Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Le$, and Z-Ro, this album is far from a solitary endeavor. The synergy among these artists amplifies the intensity of the narrative, delivering narratives that are as incisive as they are evocative. Each track serves as a lyrical landscape, painting vivid pictures of resilience, tenacity, and the relentless drive to overcome adversity.
‘Texas Technician’ is a bold representation of Texan life, reflecting the spirit of survival and ambition that are deeply entrenched within the state’s culture. From an inside perspective on the state’s famous lean culture in “Wockhardt” featuring Le$ to an unapologetic dive into the realities of gang life in “Twisting Fingers” featuring Moneybagg Yo, OT asserts his place in the hierarchy of the streets and the music scene alike. So let’s get into it. From fierce realism to gritty humor, here we are breaking down the album “Texas Technician” by “That Mexican OT”.
1 02.02.99
With bars like “I was deep in that water, swimmin’ with them fishes / Them crash dummy missions, I was jumpin’ fences,” he doesn’t just paint a picture – he throws you headfirst into the trenches of his past, where survival wasn’t guaranteed, it was earned. Through his words, we navigate the complexities of loyalty, the ever-present specter of violence, and the relentless pursuit of standing tall in a world that’s quick to cut you down. The standout line, “Can’t nobody tell me shit ’cause I got cutters, motherfucker,” isn’t just a flex; it’s a declaration of self-sufficiency in the face of adversity, embodying the unyielding spirit of not just That Mexican OT, but of those who’ve had to fight to make their voices heard in the chaotic symphony of the streets.
2 Point Em Out
Features: DaBaby
The collaborative chemistry between the two is electric, with each verse blending seamlessly into the next while maintaining that grit and swagger characteristic of both artists. One standout line, “Before rap, I was poppin’ my shit, nigga / I was still turnt with them motherfuckin’ bags,” encapsulates the essence of DaBaby’s verse — a reflection on past struggles, street credibility, and the triumph of authenticity over flashy exteriors. This track isn’t just boasting; it’s a declaration of survival, resilience, and the refusal to forget where one comes from, even in the face of newfound fame and fortune.
3 Chicken Strips & Ass
Features: Paul Wall
The track is a potent brew of bravado and humor, detailing a lifestyle where indulgence in the finer (and simpler) things doesn’t pause for a breath. A standout line, “Bitch, I’m on some stupid shit, eating chicken strips with ass today,” encapsulates the song’s essence – a nonchalant embracing of life’s hedonistic joys, underscored by a rhythm that’s impossible to resist. It’s a declaration of living on one’s own terms, a middle finger to convention wrapped in a boast that’s too catchy to ignore. The colloquial brilliance lies in its rawness, crafting an anthem for those who find luxury in the unapologetic enjoyment of life’s dual pleasures: fast food and faster living.
4 Bull Riding
Features: DRODi, Slim Thug
5 Wockhardt
Features: Le$
It drops us right into the heart of a syrup-soaked narrative, painting vivid scenes of Texas’s famous lean culture. That Mexican OT and Le$ blend a lifestyle of luxury and laid-back vibes with the harsh realities of addiction in the streets. With a smooth flow, they navigate through the highs and lows of sippin’ on lean; it’s not just about the purple drink—it embodies success, struggle, and the Southern way of life. This track is a nod to the chopped and screwed legacy of DJ Screw, echoing throughout the Houston streets and beyond. That standout hard-hitting line, “I pour a trey in my Chick-fil-A lemonade while I’m getting paid,” encapsulates the essence of mixing pleasure with business, turning leisure into a lucrative lifestyle, all while maintaining that signature Southern swag.6 Function
Features: Pro-Pain
An unapologetic dive into the chaos and revelry of the street life and underground parties, wrapped in a gritty, boastful rhyme scheme that’s as much about establishing street cred as it is about narrating a lifestyle. Bouncing between braggadocio and dark humor, the track lays bare the raw, unfiltered reality of hustling, party crashing, and the relentless chase for money and respect. A standout bar, “I never lose, always chose, I leave a sucker with a bruise,” cuts to the core of the track’s aggressive confidence; it’s not just about surviving in the game—it’s about dominating it, leaving competitors and doubters in the dust. The lyrics weave through personal prowess, the allure of dangerous women, and the thrill of disrupting the norm, all while staying true to the roots and pride of their local scenes—from Bay City to West Columbia, shouting out to the vatos and asserting their place in the hierarchy of the streets and the music scene alike.
7 Texas Pledge
Features: Z-Ro
The track isn’t just a nod to the state’s official pledge; it’s a deep-dive into the essence of Texas pride, blending the bravado of hip-hop culture with the state’s grandeur and resilience. Z-Ro’s verse, in particular, encapsulates this sentiment, standing tall like a lone star, embodying the state’s unity and indivisibility despite the odds. A standout line that hits hard for its raw truth and allegiance is, “Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas.” This line does more than just quote; it resurrects the spirit of every Texan, asserting their undying loyalty and respect for their roots and culture.
8 Crooked Officer
Features: Z-Ro
The track pulses with an energy that’s both rebellious and reflective, capturing the essence of confronting societal injustices head-on. Z-Ro’s verse slices through with raw honesty and a clear-eyed view of the struggles against systemic corruption, underscored by lines that hit hard and leave an impact. A standout line, “Crooked officer, crooked officer, what you waiting for? This is what I got a lawyer for,” encapsulates the defiance and resilience in the face of corrupt authority figures, conveying a message that’s all too familiar in many communities. This collaboration isn’t just about laying down hard-hitting beats and flows; it’s a powerful commentary on the realities that shape the lives and perspectives of many, wrapped in a sharp lyrical package that demands attention.
9 Cowboy In A Escalade
Features: Trapboy Freddy
Featuring Trapboy Freddy, is a lyrical joyride, blending tales of survival, hustle, and the gleam of success, all set against a backdrop of Houston’s sprawl. With a nod to their roots and a clear eye on the prize, the duo paints a vivid picture of life’s highs and lows, from the grind of the streets to the glamour of riding high in an Escalade. The track’s narrative is rich with the essence of Texan swagger and the relentless pursuit of prosperity, underscored by a standout line that encapsulates their journey: “Today I still got to the damn money even though I woke up horny.” This line hits hard, emphasizing the artist’s unwavering focus on financial success above all else, showcasing a blend of humor and dedication that characterizes the song.
10 Comin Down
Features: OTB Fastlane, Hannah Everhart
With verses that run deep into the heart of struggle, resilience shines through lines like “Took a lost, had to get back up, ain’t had no time to heal.” This standout line encapsulates the essence of the track—a relentless push forward without dwelling on past defeats. Through the blend of OTB Fastlane’s gritty realism and Hannah Everhart’s haunting refrain, the song captures the dichotomy of pain and toughness required to survive and thrive. It’s a testament to staying true to one’s roots while battling the demons of one’s past and present, painted vividly against a backdrop of Southern hustle and raw emotion. Setting the tone with reflective introspection, the transition into hard-hitting resolve underscores a message of resilience, making “Comin Down” a compelling piece in That Mexican OT’s repertoire.
11 Glocks & Hammers
The repetitive chorus, “Yes, we got Glocks and we got hammers,” serves as a bold declaration of armament and readiness, underpinning a lifestyle where might makes right and respect is earned through intimidation and power. Through lines like “When you see my face on the news with the weapon of a dirty pole,” OT delves into the consequences and notoriety that come with such a life, painting a picture of inevitability in confrontation and conflict. The song doesn’t just glorify this existence but also touches on personal loss and coping mechanisms, as highlighted by “Really miss my Ma, why You take her away? I’m taking drugs to take the pain away,” revealing a vulnerability and depth beyond the exterior hardness. This juxtaposition of toughness with emotional rawness provides a nuanced exploration of the trials and tribulations faced in the pursuit of respect and survival on the streets.
12 Twisting Fingers
Features: Moneybagg Yo
The duo vividly narrates a life filled with the perils and pride of gang affiliation, leaning into the raw and unfiltered aspects of street loyalty with lines that hit hard, like “If you a member, throw the gang up, I don’t care if I get famous / I’ma still be out here bangin’, twistin’ fingers, stayin’ dangerous.” This hook underscores the theme of steadfast loyalty and identity, despite the allure of fame and success. Their verses delve into a lifestyle where street credibility and success in the rap game go hand in hand, painting vivid imagery of the clash between their past and their current status, marked by wealth and recognition. The standout line “Did a cat-scan at the doctors, they say, ‘I got money on my brain'” metaphorically captures the essence of their transformation and the persistent hustle, all while keeping it real with their heritage and the streets that molded them.
13 Hola
Features: Fredo Bang
This collaboration with Fredo Bang adds a layer of intensity, as both artists boast about their wealth, street credibility, and no-nonsense approach to life. They navigate through verses layered with vivid imagery of luxury, violence, and survival in a cutthroat world. A standout line, “How you get away with murder? I’m clever,” encapsulates the cunning and resilience required to thrive in their environment. The song is a homage to their relentless grind, with cultural nods like “Gangbanging trying to see what you seeing ’bout” and “Chingo feeling like Pancho Villa,” celebrating their heritage. The repeated “Hola” serves as both a greeting and a warning, a dual-tone that defines the track’s hard-hitting message.
14 In The Air
Features: Hogg Booma
With a backdrop of relentless ambition and the gritty grind of getting it “out the mud,” the track pulses with the heart of the streets. It weaves tales of survival, the allure of fast money, and the harsh realities of street life, encapsulated in the line, “This that never gave a fuck / Run it up on them niggas.” This lyric punches hard, embodying the essence of an unapologetic rise from rags to riches, where the rules of the game are rewritten by those who dare to flip the script. The collaboration with Hogg Booma adds a layer of authentic street credibility, reinforcing the track’s message of resilience, ambition, and the complex dynamics of loyalty and survival in the game.
15 Mucho Gracias
OT gives props to the late Virgil Abloh, signaling his aim for authenticity over social media clout, setting a tone of realness from the start. The track oscillates between OT’s highs and lows, touching on personal loss, impending fatherhood, and battles with substance use, all conveyed with a brutal honesty that’s both compelling and relatable. One standout line, “I’m proud of you, Virgil, look at the house at where you stay,” encapsulates OT’s reflection on progress and the bittersweet realization of dreams amidst personal trials. Through a mix of gratitude, ambition, and vulnerability, OT crafts a narrative that’s as celebratory as it is contemplative, extending a heartfelt “Mucho Gracias” to those who’ve shaped his journey, including the exquisite shout-out to Mama Momo and his promise to return victorious, symbolizing full circle moments and unwavering loyalty.
16 Kick Doe Freestyle
Features: Homer, Mone
The track is a raw blend of street wisdom, loyalty tests, and the ceaseless grind for success amidst adversity. Laced with sharp beats, the lyrics paint vivid pictures of life’s harsh realities and the relentless pursuit of respect and wealth in a world filled with both loyal companions and deceitful foes. A standout line, “I put the Bay up on my back, then run a hundred laps,” not only speaks volumes about the artists’ dedication and tireless work ethic but also pays homage to their roots, emphasizing their pride and loyalty to their origins. This track is a testament to staying true to one’s essence and the continuous hustle, echoed in the thematic interplay of trust, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of success.
