Introduction to 713 Day
Houston hip-hop don Lil’ Keke claims the city’s unofficial holiday, which is celebrated every year on July 13. This local not-holiday might look like a regular day to others, but to Houston, it’s everything. Houstonians show up in droves for their own H-Town AF activities, and many businesses go all out. Restaurants offer $7.13 food and drink specials, artists and musicians perform, and celebrities make appearances around town.
The Origins of 713 Day
The origins of 713 Day are lesser known. To most, it’s about area code pride. In 1947, the Public Utility Commission of Texas created 713 as the first area code in the city, and one of the first in Texas. However, true Houstonians know that 713 Day’s real roots lie within the heart of the city’s hip-hop culture, and with one of its most iconic voices: Marcus Lakee Edwards, better known as Lil’ Keke.
Lil’ Keke: The Founder of 713 Day
Lil’ Keke is credited as one of the definitive voices in Southern rap. A Houston native, Edwards popularized the "713" brand to pay tribute to his city. "I came up with [713 Day] because it was based on something that had to do with my career," Edwards explains. "My city was everything to me. My city broke me. They gave me my legs. They always stood behind me." Edwards incorporated the "713" tag into his lifestyle and career, launching his company and brand, Slfmade 713, in 2012.
The Growth of 713 Day
The movement gained momentum, and in 2015, former mayor Annise Parker issued a proclamation declaring July 13 "713 Day" or "Lil’ Keke Day." Friends, fans, and supporters inaugurated the initial 2015 decree with an impromptu party in the parking lot of Screwed Up Records and Tapes, the official music store of DJ Screw and a cultural landmark affectionately known as the Screw Shop. Former mayor Sylvester Turner continued to issue similar dictums to Lil’ Keke, further cementing the rapper’s claim to the code.
Celebrations and Events
Edwards marked the first official observation of the holiday in 2016 by taking the celebrations to the next level. He hosted a 713 Day event in the Screw Shop’s parking lot at West Fuqua Street, and rap fans from all over the city showed up and showed out, jamming to his performances while soaking up the summer sun’s rays. Since then, Edwards has held 713 Day celebrations almost every year, with concerts and meetups at central locations in the city, including 8th Wonder Brewery.
The Impact of 713 Day
The parties paused during the height of the pandemic but restarted in 2021. That’s when Edwards says he saw the holiday becoming more mainstream. City officials and local organizations began embracing "713 Day" into its lexicon, promoting Houston’s spirit and camaraderie across the region on July 13. However, there was little mention of Edwards or Houston’s hip-hop culture. "That’s my day, and the only proof I have is in a branded form, from hats to merchandise, my line, my email, my store," Edwards says.
Conclusion
This year, the celebrations continue, with Edwards headlining multiple pop-ups in the city and a Legends Only concert at Bar 5015. Houstonians will attend some of the day’s biggest parties and affairs, though many are unaware that Lil’ Keke was the catalyst for it all. In the end, "it’s no ill will," he says. "I know I’m really the brains behind it. [and] I love it," Edwards says. "Because it’s for my city."
