Why is Shreveport called Ratchet city?

Shreveport earned the distinctive nickname "Ratchet City" primarily due to its influential local rap music scene that emerged in the 1990s. This association solidified as the city became a significant hub for a particular style of hip-hop and the culture surrounding it.

The Rise of a Local Rap Scene

During the 1990s, Shreveport, Louisiana, developed a vibrant and prolific rap music scene that garnered significant attention within the music industry and beyond. This era saw the city become a hotbed for emerging hip-hop artists, contributing a unique sound and lyrical style to the genre. The energetic and authentic nature of the local music resonated deeply, creating a strong identity for the city.

Origin of the Term "Ratchet"

The term "Ratchet City" itself was directly popularized and first formally used in a musical context by the local group **Lava House**. Their 1999 single, aptly titled "**Ratchet**," became a pivotal moment in the city's cultural landscape. This song firmly cemented the nickname's association with Shreveport and its burgeoning rap culture. In this context, "ratchet" often encapsulates a specific lifestyle, attitude, or aesthetic prevalent within the local community and its music. The term, therefore, became synonymous with Shreveport's unique urban identity and its profound impact on Southern hip-hop.