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Big Hawk
Big Hawk
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Key Information

John Edward Hawkins (November 15, 1969 – May 1, 2006), better known by his stage names Big Hawk and H.A.W.K., was an American rapper from Houston, Texas and a founding member of the late DJ Screw's rap group the Screwed Up Click.

Life and career

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Born John Edward Hawkins in Houston, Texas on November 15, 1969, he grew up with a younger brother, Patrick "Fat Pat" Hawkins and two sisters. He started rapping in 1992 when Fat Pat took him to DJ Screw's house, an upcoming mixtape producer and DJ in the southern area of Houston.[4] In April 2006 Hawk married his longtime girlfriend, Meshah Henderson. The couple had two sons.[4]

In 1994 Hawk, Fat Pat, DJ Screw, Lil' Keke and Koldjack collaborated to form the group D.E.A. and Dead End Records (named for the dead end block of Martin Luther King Blvd where Hawk grew up in Houston). In late 1998 D.E.A. released an original independent album entitled, Screwed For Life featuring Lil' Keke, Big Pokey and the rest of the S.U.C. After the deaths of Hawk's brother (Fat Pat) and DJ Screw and the incarceration of many others SUC members, Hawk's ultimate mission and goal became keeping the "Ghetto Dream" alive. In 1999 Hawk participated in a Southside Playaz compilation album titled You Got Us Fuxxed Up, with Mike D, Claydoe and other members of the S.U.C. Hawk released his solo album, Under Hawk's Wings on Dead End Records in 2000 and had recorded with Lil' Flip, Lil' Keke, Big Moe, Z-Ro and was featured on the Lil' Troy hit "Wanna Be A Baller".

Big Hawk appeared on numerous mixtapes from artists in the Houston underground rap scene. After Screw's death in 2000, he was the main person responsible for keeping the S.U.C. together,[citation needed] so much so that his nickname was the Five Star General of the Screwed Up Click. He collaborated with Lil' O on the smash hit, "Back Back" Next, he partnered with Game Face Records in 2002 and released his first album under his label Ghetto Dreams Entertainment, self-titled, "HAWK". With the hit song, "U Already Know", the album charted the Billboard's list of top R&B and Rap Albums at no. 45. It was at Game Face Records where Hawk met and clicked with a young up and coming group called the GritBoyz and an artist named Starchy Archy. Hawk and Ghetto Dreams Ent. teamed up with Presidential Records in 2003 to release "A Bad Azz Mix Tape Vol. II." A year later he and Lil' Keke teamed up to release "Wreckin 2K4" with Presidential Records as well. It was around this time when the original S.U.C. members, along with M.J. (of Southside Studios) started collaborating on a group/compilation album titled "The Takeover". Trae tha Truth made an album dedicated to BIG HAWK called Life Goes On.

Hawk was featured on the popular single "Swang" by Trae that included a tribute to Fat Pat in 2005. In 2006, Hawk, along with Clint Dempsey of the U.S. National Soccer team recorded a song for Nike's "Joga Bonito" World Cup soccer promotion called "Don't Tread". He was part of Pepsi's Yahoo! "Houston Mic Pass" with Lil' Flip, Chamillionaire, Trae, Chingo Bling, Bun B, Short Dawg, Magno and Mike D. Since his death, Hawk has been featured on several tracks including Lil O's "I Do" single, "Down In Texas" off of the 2008 A.B.N. album It Is What It Is, and Big Unk's "I'ma Beast" to name a few.

On November 11, 2011, two posthumous singles were released called "Somebody Who Loves You" and "Praise God."

Death

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On May 1, 2006, eight years after his younger brother Fat Pat was murdered, Hawkins was shot dead in Houston.[5][6] He had arrived early at a house on Redfern Drive to play dominoes with a friend, and was alone at the time when an unknown assailant shot him multiple times. Hawkins was 36 years old.[6] His murder remains unsolved.[7]

Fellow Houston rapper Bun B, in an interview with the Houston Chronicle, said about Hawkins: "There were no chinks in this man's moral armor. Because he was a rapper, there will be people who will take his death the wrong way, but he was a peaceful guy and a family man who had no beefs with anybody".[7]

Discography

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Studio albums

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List of studio albums, with selected chart positions and information
Year Title Peak chart positions
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums[8] Top Rap Albums[9] Independent Albums[10] Heatseekers Albums[11]
1998 Dead End Alliance (with DJ Screw, Fat Pat & Kay-K)
  • Label: Dead End Records
2000 Under H.A.W.K.'s Wings
  • Label: Dead End Records
68 30 33
2001 HAWK
  • Label: Ghetto Dreams Entertainment
45 43
2004 Wreckin' 2004 (with Lil' Keke)
  • Label: Presidential Records
93
2007 Endangered Species
  • Label: Ghetto Dreams Entertainment
54 24
2008 Still Wreckin' (with Lil' Keke)
  • Label: Presidential Records

Mixtapes

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  • 2004: A Bad Azz Mix Tape Vol. II.
  • 2005: The Incredible Hawk Undaground Volume 1
  • 2005: The Incredible Hawk Undaground Volume 2
  • 2006: Since the Gray Tapes, Vol. 4
  • 2007: Terrible Texas Dub K Six

Guest appearances

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Year Song Performer(s) Album
1999 "Boys N Da South" E.S.G. Shinin' N' Grindin'
"Day 4 Day G's" Day 4 Day G's, Big Moe What"s Da Deal!
2000 "Country Rap Tune" Towdown, Big Pokey By Prescription Only
"Nigga Who Dat" Woss Ness, South Park Mexican Bangin Screw
"Took A Lil Time" Mafio, Shunny Pooh, Ronnie Spencer Shunny Pooh Presents: 3rd Coast's Finest Volume 1
"Save Me" Candyman, Den-Den, Black-N-Mild, Lil J Makin' Deals Of A Lifetime
2001 "Already" G.I.N. of the Presidential Playas. Big Pokey Straight Out Da Bottle
"Real Recognize Real" Godfather Before It's Too Late
"PAT" D-Drew, Big Baby Down South Still Holdin
"You Made It Happen" H.A.W.K. ScrewHeads: Forever And A Day
"Down South We Mob" R.W.O., Lil' Keke Book Of Game: Chapter 1
2002 "Chicken Fried Steak" Tow Down, Slim Thug, Bun B Chicken Fried Steak
"Watch Out" E.S.G., Slim Thug Boss Hogg Outlaws
"Keep It 100" Kottonmouth Urban Legend
2003 "Sho Yo Thong" Lyrical 187 Ready 4 What Eva
2004 "G-Strang" Kottonmouth, Big G Authentic
2018 "Sicko Mode" Travis Scott, Drake, Swae Lee Astroworld

Awards and nominations

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Grammy Awards

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The Grammy Awards are annual awards presented by The Recording Academy to recognize outstanding achievement in the mainly English-language music industry.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2019 "Sicko Mode" Best Rap Performance Nominated [12]
Best Rap Song Nominated


See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Big Hawk, born John Edward Hawkins (November 15, 1969 – May 1, 2006), was an American rapper from Houston, Texas, renowned as a founding member of the influential Screwed Up Click (S.U.C.) and a key figure in the development of Southern hip-hop's chopped and screwed subgenre. Known by stage names including HAWK and Big H.A.W.K., he earned the moniker "Five-Star General" within S.U.C. for his leadership and prolific output, blending street narratives with melodic flows in collaborations featuring DJ Screw's signature slowed-down production. His career highlighted the resilience of Houston's underground rap scene, where he mentored emerging artists and advocated for non-violence amid the city's vibrant yet perilous hip-hop culture. Hawkins began rapping in the mid-1990s, initially working alongside his younger brother, rapper Fat Pat (Patrick Lamont Hawkins Jr.), and pioneering DJ Screw, whose innovative "chopped and screwed" technique—slowing tracks and adding skips—defined their sound. He co-founded D.E.A. Records in 1994 and appeared on numerous DJ Screw mixtapes, contributing verses and establishing himself as a staple in Houston's rap collective. Transitioning to a full-time music career after a job at American General Insurance, Hawkins released his debut solo album Under Hawk's Wings in 2000 on Dead End Records, followed by the self-titled HAWK in 2002 via Ghetto Dreams Entertainment, which featured the hit single "You Already Know." His discography also included the collaborative project Wreckin' 2K4 with Lil' Keke in 2003 and the posthumous Endangered Species in 2007, with standout tracks such as "Back, Back," "Playas Get Chose," and "Chillin' Wit My Broad" showcasing his versatile lyricism and party anthems. A devoted family man, Hawkins was married to Meshah Henderson Hawkins and father to two sons, Tahj and Koran, often drawing from personal experiences in his music while maintaining notebooks filled with lyrics as a testament to his dedication. Tragically, on May 1, 2006, he was fatally shot outside a friend's home in Houston's Acres Homes neighborhood; the case remains unsolved, adding to the lore of violence that has shadowed Houston's rap pioneers. His legacy endures through posthumous features, including a sample on Travis Scott's 2018 track "" from the album Astroworld, and his influence on subsequent generations of Southern rappers who credit S.U.C.'s blueprint for shaping trap and melodic hip-hop.

Background

Early life

Big Hawk, born John Edward Hawkins on November 15, 1969, in , , was raised in the city's neighborhood. His upbringing occurred in a close-knit family setting, where he grew up alongside his younger brother, Patrick "Fat Pat" Hawkins, amid the vibrant cultural landscape of late-20th-century . Hawkins attended Sterling High School in 's South Park area, a institution that connected him to the local community and emerging artistic circles during his formative years. From an early age, he developed an interest in music, shaped by the burgeoning hip-hop scene in Houston and the familial environment that exposed him to creative expression. His brother played a key role in sparking this passion, introducing him to the rhythms and storytelling of local rap traditions.

Family and influences

Big Hawk, born John Edward Hawkins on November 15, 1969, in , , was the older brother of fellow rapper Patrick Lamont Hawkins, known as , who was born on December 4, 1970. The two brothers shared a close familial bond that extended into their musical pursuits, with playing a pivotal role in introducing Big Hawk to the local rap scene. Their family structure centered around this sibling relationship, though details on additional immediate family members, such as parents or other siblings, remain limited in documented accounts. A key influence on Big Hawk's path into music was his brother , who drew him into the emerging hip-hop community during their youth in the neighborhood. More broadly, (Robert Earl Davis Jr.), a pioneering DJ from , profoundly shaped Big Hawk's artistic development through the invention of the technique—a style involving slowing down tracks and adding skips to create a distinctive, laid-back sound that captured the essence of Southern hip-hop in the 1990s. This technique, which emerged during Big Hawk's formative years, resonated deeply with the local culture and inspired his adoption of the style in early recordings. Big Hawk adopted the stage name "Big Hawk" or stylized as H.A.W.K., reflecting his within the Houston rap scene, though specific personal motivations for the choice are not extensively detailed in primary accounts. His entry into music was propelled by these familial ties and the innovative soundscape created by , which provided a creative framework for expressing the realities of Houston street life.

Musical career

Involvement with Screwed Up Click

Big Hawk, born John Edward Hawkins, joined his brother Fat Pat as one of the founding members of the Screwed Up Click (S.U.C.), a pivotal Houston rap collective established in the mid-1990s by DJ Screw in the South Acres neighborhood. He co-founded D.E.A. Records in 1994, which further integrated him into the scene. The group initially included core figures like Fat Pat, Kay-K, Lil' Keke, Big Pokey, and the Botany Boyz, fostering a tight-knit community of Southside rappers who gathered at Screw's home studio to record freestyles and tracks. Big Hawk's early involvement stemmed from these sessions, where family ties to Fat Pat—another original member—drew him into the fold, solidifying his place in the collective's foundational lineup. As a prominent voice in the S.U.C., Big Hawk played a key role in popularizing the "chopped and screwed" style, DJ Screw's signature technique of slowing tracks to a languid pace and skipping beats for a hypnotic effect, through his repeated features on Screw's influential mixtapes. These appearances, often raw freestyles captured live at Screw's house, showcased Big Hawk's commanding flow and street-oriented lyrics, helping embed the sound within Houston's hip-hop culture during the 1990s. Notable early contributions include his verse on "We Ain't Trippin'" from the 1998 compilation DJ Screw and Screwed Up Click Presents: Screwed For Life, a track that exemplified the group's collaborative energy alongside Fat Pat, Kay-K, and Screw himself. He also participated in S.U.C. freestyles like those on ScrewTape Rocks, reinforcing anthemic group dynamics with peers such as Mike D and Lil' O. The tragic death of on February 3, 1998, from a shooting outside an apartment complex, profoundly affected Big Hawk's commitment to the S.U.C., as he honored his brother's memory by intensifying his presence in group recordings and events. Following 's passing and DJ Screw's overdose death in 2000, Big Hawk assumed a position within the , earning the moniker "Five Star General" for his efforts to sustain its unity and mentor emerging members amid mounting losses. This dedication ensured the S.U.C.'s legacy endured, with Big Hawk's work emphasizing continuity and tribute to the group's pioneering spirit.

Solo releases and collaborations

Big Hawk released his debut solo album, Under H.A.W.K.'s Wings, on January 4, 2000, through Dead End Records. The project showcased his Southern rap style, influenced by the Screwed Up Click's techniques, with standout tracks like "Down N H-Town (Remix)" featuring , , and , which highlighted Houston's street narratives and collaborative energy. Other notable cuts included "Roll Up A Blunt" and "Heart of a Hustler," emphasizing themes of resilience and local pride. His second solo effort, , arrived on February 27, 2001, via Game Face Records and Ghetto Dreams Entertainment. The album peaked at No. 45 on Billboard's Top Rap Albums chart, marking a commercial milestone for the Houston underground artist. Tracks such as "Diggin' Da South" featuring and "You Already Know" demonstrated Big Hawk's commanding flow and ability to blend gritty lyricism with melodic hooks, further solidifying his presence beyond group affiliations. In 2004, Big Hawk teamed up with fellow member for the collaborative album Wreckin' 2004, released on January 4 through Presidential Records. This project epitomized Southern rap's laid-back yet intense vibe, with songs like "Wreckin' 2K4" and "Hit'em" capturing the duo's chemistry and the region's signature slow-tempo production. Big Hawk's collaborations extended to prominent figures, including on tracks like "Maintain" from Z-Ro's Screwed Up Click Representa (2002) and "Still Livin'" from I'm Still Livin' (2006), where their verses explored survival and street loyalty. He also appeared on mixtapes such as A Bad Azz Mix Tape II (2003), hosting and contributing to cuts like "Texas Boys" with the Grit Boys and "Home of S.U.C." featuring , amplifying his role in the local scene's tape culture. While direct joint projects with Scarface were limited, Big Hawk's work intersected with the veteran's orbit through shared rap networks and mutual appearances on compilations like (1999).

Death and legacy

Circumstances of death

On May 1, 2006, Big Hawk, born John Edward Hawkins and a prominent member of Houston's Screwed Up Click, was fatally shot at the age of 36 outside a friend's residence in the South Acres/Crestmont Park neighborhood of Houston, Texas. Hawkins had arrived around 10:45 p.m. at 12127 Redfern Drive to play dominoes when, as he exited his vehicle, he was shot multiple times by unknown assailant(s). He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. Houston Police Department officers responded immediately to the shooting, securing the area and noting a small white compact car with tinted windows fleeing the vicinity, though no license plate or further description of occupants was obtained. The investigation yielded few leads, with authorities stating that the motive remained unclear and no suspects were identified at the time. Initial media coverage appeared in local outlets like the Houston Chronicle and national publications such as Billboard, highlighting the rapper's status in the city's hip-hop community. As of 2025, Big Hawk's murder remains unsolved, with no arrests reported in the nearly two decades since the incident.

Posthumous impact and tributes

Following Big Hawk's death in 2006, his final studio album, , was released posthumously on May 15, 2007, by Ghetto Dreamz Entertainment, featuring unreleased tracks and collaborations with fellow (S.U.C.) members such as and . The project showcased Hawk's signature Southern rap style and served as a capstone to his catalog, emphasizing themes of perseverance and pride. In Houston's rap community, Big Hawk's legacy endures through various tributes, including an annual "Big Hawk Day" observance established in 2016 to commemorate his life and contributions to the city's hip-hop culture. This event has featured community gatherings, such as the dedication of a mural in Houston's Third Ward painted by local artists Roland Saldana and Marcos DelBosque at the request of the Hawkins family, depicting Hawk as the "5 Star General" of the S.U.C. Ongoing S.U.C. reunions and memorials, often tied to these celebrations, highlight his role in preserving the chopped and screwed sound pioneered by DJ Screw, with events drawing surviving members like Z-Ro and Trae tha Truth to perform and honor fallen affiliates. Big Hawk's influence extends to contemporary Houston artists, who frequently reference the S.U.C. as foundational to the city's rap identity. sampled Hawk's 2005 track "Victory Flow" in the hook of "" from his 2018 album ASTROWORLD, integrating S.U.C. ad-libs to pay homage to Houston's underground roots. Similarly, has cited the S.U.C.—alongside figures like and —as key influences shaping her aggressive flow and regional pride, crediting the collective for opening doors for modern rappers. The Hawkins family has actively worked to preserve Big Hawk's legacy, with his widow, Meshah Henderson Hawkins, donating personal artifacts—including lyrics, photos, and clothing—to the Libraries' "Brothers in Rhyme: , Big Hawk, and the " exhibit in 2018. This collection, curated with input from S.U.C. affiliates, documents the group's history and ensures Hawk's contributions remain accessible for future generations. Hawk left behind two young sons, and his family continues to uphold his memory through these cultural initiatives, even as the circumstances of his unsolved murder underscore the vulnerabilities faced by early rappers.

Discography

Studio albums

Big Hawk released four studio albums during his career, with the final one issued posthumously. These projects showcased his Southern rap style, often featuring collaborations with fellow members and emphasizing Houston's hip-hop scene.
TitleArtist(s)Release dateLabelPeak chart position
Under H.A.W.K.'s WingsBig HawkJanuary 4, 2000Dead End Records#68 ( Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)
HAWKBig HawkFebruary 27, 2001Ghetto Dreams Entertainment#45 ( Top Rap Albums)
Wreckin' 2004Big Hawk & 2003Presidential Records (independent)
Big HawkMay 15, 2007 (posthumous)Ghetto Dreams Entertainment
The albums were characterized by themes of street life and loyalty to the , with versions produced for some tracks in line with the collective's tradition.

Mixtapes and compilations

Big Hawk contributed significantly to Houston's underground hip-hop scene through various mixtapes and compilations, often highlighting his gritty lyricism and ties to the Screwed Up Click collective. These releases emphasized raw, street-oriented tracks typical of Southern rap's aesthetic, distributed independently to build local buzz. In 2003, he independently released A Bad Azz Mix Tape II, a 17-track project that showcased his solo cuts alongside collaborations with S.U.C. affiliates. Standout tracks included "Texas Boys," featuring the Grit Boys and produced by Del, which celebrated regional pride, and "Home Of S.U.C.," affirming his crew loyalty. The mixtape, issued via Presidential Records, captured the era's DIY ethos with its unpolished production and focus on gangsta narratives. Posthumously, the Incredible Hawk series emerged as a compilation , compiling unreleased and archival material to honor his legacy. Volume 1, subtitled Undaground, appeared in 2003 in both standard and slowed & chopped editions, featuring freestyles and verses over classic beats. Volume 2 followed suit with similar underground vibes, including appearances from . A third volume was released in 2023 as an explicit , mixed by Trill Nation Entertainment, extending the series' role in preserving his influence amid ongoing S.U.C. revivals. As a key S.U.C. member, Big Hawk frequently appeared on DJ Screw's seminal series, delivering freestyles that embodied the group's innovative slowed-down sound. These contributions spanned multiple chapters, with his verses adding intensity to collective sessions recorded at Screw's home studio, helping cement the genre's cultural footprint in .

Notable guest appearances

Big Hawk contributed featured verses to numerous tracks by fellow Houston rappers, solidifying his role as a key figure in the city's underground hip-hop landscape through collaborations that emphasized Southern grit and street narratives. A standout early appearance came on Lil' Flip's "Dirty Souf" from the 2000 album The Leprechaun, where Hawk's verse highlighted regional pride alongside Redd of H.$.E. In the same year, he guested on Lil' O's "Back Back" from Da Fat Rat Wit Da Cheeze, delivering a high-energy performance that helped propel the single as a local club staple and earned cameos from S.U.C. affiliates like and in its video. Hawk's 2005 feature on the remix of Chamillionaire's "Turn It Up" from The Sound of Revenge paired him with E.S.G. and Lil' O, blending S.U.C. roots with Chamillionaire's rising mainstream appeal in a track produced by Scott Storch that paid homage to DJ Screw's influence. He also appeared alongside Z-Ro (aka the Mo City Don), Trae, and Mike D on "After the Club," a posthumously released S.U.C. posse cut from the 2014 album The Take Over that captured the collective's camaraderie and raw energy. Posthumously, Hawk's 2005 solo track "Victory Flow" was sampled in the bridge of 's "" featuring Drake from the 2018 album Astroworld, where his ad-libs ("H.A.W.K.") added a haunting nod to Houston's screwed legacy and helped the song reach No. 1 on the Hot 100.

Awards and nominations

Grammy Awards

Big Hawk earned a posthumous nomination in the Best Rap Performance category at the in 2019 for his featured role on "," a track by featuring Drake and . The song, from Scott's album Astroworld, integrates sampled vocals from Big Hawk's 2003 recording "Victory Flow," highlighting his enduring influence in Houston's hip-hop scene through this uncredited posthumous contribution. "Sicko Mode" was also nominated in the Best Rap Song category at the same ceremony. Neither resulted in a win; Best Rap Performance was awarded to a tie between Anderson .Paak's "Bubblin" and "King's Dead" by , , & James Blake. These remain Big Hawk's only Grammy recognitions as of November 2025, with no additional nominations or wins in subsequent ceremonies.

References

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