What Is 1st of the Month Vol. 3

Overview

1st of the Month Vol. 3 is a posthumous release in the iconic mixtape series created by Houston-based DJ Screw, a pioneering figure in Southern hip-hop and the originator of the 'chopped and screwed' music technique. Originally released on January 1, 2003, this volume continues the tradition of monthly instrumental and vocal blends that defined Houston’s underground rap scene in the 1990s and early 2000s.

The series gained cult status for its consistent release schedule and deep ties to the Screwed Up Click, a collective of local rappers. Despite DJ Screw’s passing in 2000, his estate and Screwed Up Records continued to release archived material, including Vol. 3, preserving his legacy and expanding access to rare recordings.

• Release date: Officially dropped on January 1, 2003, continuing the tradition of monthly releases started in 1994.
• Posthumous production: Compiled from archived tapes after DJ Screw’s death on June 16, 2000, using unreleased studio sessions.
• Track count: Features 16 tracks with a total runtime of approximately 72 minutes, blending slowed vocals and heavy bass.
• Label: Released under Screwed Up Records and Tapes, the independent label founded by DJ Screw in Houston, Texas.
• Reissue: Remastered and reissued in 2015 as part of a vinyl and digital restoration project to honor the 20th anniversary of the series.

How It Works

The '1st of the Month' series operates as a curated collection of DJ Screw’s signature 'chopped and screwed' mixes, blending original tracks by Screwed Up Click members with slowed tempos and pitch-shifted vocals to create a hypnotic, laid-back sound.

• Chopped and Screwed Technique: Involves slowing down tracks to 60-70 beats per minute and cutting segments rhythmically, creating a dreamlike auditory experience.
• Monthly Format: Each volume was originally released on the first of every month starting in 1994, though posthumous volumes followed archival timelines.
• Artist Collaboration: Features verses from key members of the Screwed Up Click, including E.S.G., Fat Pat, and Z-Ro, layered over screwed instrumentals.
• Home Studio Production: Recorded in DJ Screw’s Southside Houston studio using analog tape decks and turntables, preserving a raw, DIY aesthetic.
• Physical Distribution: Initially sold on cassette tapes at local record stores, gas stations, and barber shops across Texas.
• Digital Transition: Reissued in 2015 on CD, vinyl, and streaming platforms, expanding global access to the original analog recordings.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the first four volumes in the '1st of the Month' series based on release details and content:

The table highlights how later volumes, including Vol. 3, were released years after DJ Screw’s death but maintained the series’ structural consistency in timing and format. These posthumous releases rely on archival material, ensuring the continuation of his influence in Southern hip-hop culture.

Why It Matters

1st of the Month Vol. 3 is more than a musical release—it’s a cultural artifact that preserves the legacy of a transformative sound and community. Its release helped introduce a new generation to the chopped and screwed style, influencing modern artists like Travis Scott and Megan Thee Stallion.

• Cultural Preservation: Keeps the Houston hip-hop scene of the 1990s alive through reissues and digital accessibility.
• Influence on Modern Music: Inspired the slowed, reverbed aesthetic now common in SoundCloud rap and underground hip-hop.
• Local Economic Impact: Original cassette sales supported independent record stores and local artists in Texas.
• Streaming Era Relevance: The 2015 reissue reached over 10 million streams on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
• Artistic Legacy: Solidified DJ Screw’s status as a pioneer of Southern rap, posthumously influencing Billboard-charting artists.
• Educational Use: Now studied in music history courses at universities for its innovation in remix culture.

By maintaining the monthly release tradition even after his death, DJ Screw’s team ensured that Vol. 3 and its successors remain vital links to a unique chapter in American music history.