Many fans watching Forrest Frank's RODEOHOUSTON debut were surprised when a familiar Houston hip-hop legend walked onto the stage. The guest was Paul Wall, a longtime Texas rap star whose career helped shape Southern hip-hop in the early 2000s.
Born Paul Michael Slayton on March 11, 1981, Paul Wall is a rapper, DJ, and entrepreneur from Houston, Texas. He first rose to prominence through the influential Houston label Swishahouse, where he collaborated with artists like Chamillionaire, Mike Jones, and Slim Thug. His laid-back delivery and deep connection to Houston's "chopped and screwed" hip-hop culture helped him become one of the most recognizable voices in the region's rap scene.
Wall's biggest mainstream breakthrough came in 2005 with his album The People's Champ, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The project included the popular single "Sittin' Sidewayz," a track that became a defining anthem for Houston hip-hop. He later gained even wider attention for appearing on Nelly's hit song "Grillz," which also topped the Billboard charts.
Beyond music, Paul Wall is also known for his business ventures. He co-owns TV Jewelry with celebrity jeweler Johnny Dang, a company famous for creating custom dental grills worn by many major artists and athletes.
The rapper recently returned to the spotlight during Forrest Frank's March 8 performance at Houston's NRG Stadium, where the Christian pop artist performed in front of more than 70,000 fans. Wall joined Frank onstage for a special moment as the two traded verses on "Sittin' Sidewayz."
According to reports from the event, the performance included adapted lyrics that reflected a faith-centered message, aligning with Frank's bold declaration during the concert that "there's only one name that's important... and that's Jesus Christ."
For many in the crowd, the unexpected collaboration between a Houston rap legend and a rising Christian artist created one of the most memorable moments of the night. The appearance also highlighted how music from different backgrounds can come together around themes of faith, encouragement, and community.
