Introduction to the Weirdest Summer in Houston
As the summer gets hotter, Houston seems to get a little weirder. This month, we’re looking at everything from celebrity encounters to funky politics, and everything in between. From Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour to flesh-eating maggots, and from coin flip politics to rapper sightings, Houston has been the hub of some of the most bizarre and entertaining stories.
Still Tippin’: Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour
Resident G.O.A.T. Beyoncé returned to Houston for the homecoming stop of her sold-out Cowboy Carter tour in late June. During her highly anticipated visit, Miss Third Ward made headlines again after a major prop malfunction during her first night in Houston. The superstar was in the middle of singing her hit single "16 Carriages" in a floating car, suspended over the audience, when she and members of the Beyhive noticed the car tipping. The Queen quickly called on staff to stop the concert and bring her down. Though terrifying, the incident immediately got a chuckle from Sasha Fierce herself. Less than 24 hours later, Beyoncé posted the incident on her Instagram, captioning it, "Sittin’ Sidewayz." The viral moment spawned memes and jokes, of course, but the singer hasn’t returned to using her car prop since.
Flesh-eating Maggots: The USDA’s Unconventional Solution
Earlier in the season, officials from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that they would drop millions of flies over Texas. Luckily for us, the flies are serving a greater purpose. According to the USDA, these flying insects are part of an effort to control the population of the invasive New World screwworm fly, a flesh-eating maggot that threatens livestock, wildlife, and pets across the state. Though the screwworm has long been eradicated in the US, several reported cases in Mexico are a growing concern. Interestingly enough, the USDA will invest $8.5 billion into a fly dispersal facility down in South Texas.
Flippin’ Out: Coin Flip Politics in Pasadena
We all know that a coin flip is a legitimate decision-maker at sports games, but can a quarter decide a political race? In Pasadena, it did. In late June, the Pasadena City Council elected its next member after a tiebreaker. City Council District B candidates Bianca Valerio and Bruce Leamon both received an even 272 votes during a June 7 runoff election. According to the Texas Election Code, a tiebreaker runoff election can result in "casting lots," a.k.a coin flips, dice rolls, games of chance, etc., to determine a winner. On June 30, Valerio was reelected to her incumbent seat after successfully calling heads.
Rapper’s Delight: Drake’s Texas Takeover
In 2023, popular Canadian rapper Aubrey "Drake" Graham announced his major relocation to Texas, eventually settling down in the small town of Brenham. Located about an hour and a half from Houston, residents reported multiple sightings of the hip-hop star at a historic saddle shop and, most recently, a couple of local bars. The Toronto native was spotted at Shooters Saloon but cut his visit short after being mobbed by fans; he then moved on to the Alibi Bar in Chappell Hill. Local entrepreneurs have praised Graham’s presence in Brenham, noting that his star power is helping boost business. Who knew the Degrassi star loved country life?
Too Fast: Maxo Kream’s Run-In with the Law
Houston’s celebrities have been out and about all summer, but turns out, there is such a thing as being too outside. According to TMZ, Houston rapper Maxo Kream, formally known as Emekwanem Ogugua Biosah Jr., was arrested just a day before Beyoncé’s "tipsy" Saturday night concert. Police initially stopped the rapper for expired license plates, and he sped off when officers approached. On the second attempt, Biosah stopped, and police found two firearms in his vehicle. Police arrested Biosah and charged him with a misdemeanor of evading police and unauthorized carrying of firearms by a registered gang member. Biosah’s attorneys have denied allegations that Biosah fled from police. Biosah also took to social media to speak on the matter, explaining that he wasn’t "eluding" police, but rather that his "Lambo [was] just a lil too fast."
Conclusion
This summer has been one for the books in Houston, with a mix of excitement, entertainment, and downright weirdness. From Beyoncé’s tipsy car to Drake’s Texas takeover, and from flesh-eating maggots to coin flip politics, Houston has proven once again that it’s a city that’s full of surprises. As the summer comes to a close, we can’t wait to see what the rest of the year has in store for this vibrant and unpredictable city.
