From Southern Hip-Hop Royalty to Premium Pour: 8Ball Coffee Makes Its Houston Debut
8BALL arriving at the Pop-Up
On a windy, blustery, and unmistakably Houston morning, culture still showed up. Dozens of fans, supporters, creatives, and community members gathered—coats zipped, cups in hand—to witness the launch of 8Ball Coffee, a premium luxury coffee brand rooted in legacy, ownership, and intention.
Despite the chill in the air, the energy was warm. People lined up outside The Tipping Point to take photos, purchase coffee, and be part of a moment that felt bigger than a brand release—it felt like a transition.
At the heart of the experience was a powerful collaboration with Cxffee Black, founded by Bartholemew and Renata, who brought depth, history, and purpose to the pour. As they explained, premium luxury coffee isn’t about hype—it’s about origin, process, and respect. Their beans are sourced directly from the motherland, Africa, honoring the continent not just as the birthplace of coffee, but as the birthplace of mastery.
CxFFEE Black Founded in 2019, by husband and wife team Renata Henderson and Bartholomew Jones
They reminded us that African women were the first baristas, and that today’s master roasters stand on centuries of knowledge, precision, and tradition. Luxury, in this context, means knowing where your coffee comes from, who touched it, and why it matters.
We also spoke with 8Ball and his son Lacey, whose presence made it clear this brand is about more than a new lane—it’s about a legacy pivot. From Southern Hip-Hop royalty to business ownership, 8Ball Coffee represents the evolution of an artist who understands that culture doesn’t stop at music—it expands into community, economics, and generational impact.
Lacey & 8BALL
For those unfamiliar, 8Ball is more than an artist, he’s a cornerstone of Southern Hip-Hop. As one half of the legendary duo 8Ball & MJG, he helped define the sound, storytelling, and independence that shaped the South’s rise in rap long before it was industry-favored. From Memphis to Houston and beyond, his influence lives in the cadence, the hustle, and the unapologetic authenticity that Southern artists still carry today. Seeing 8Ball transition from music icon to entrepreneur is a reminder that legacy isn’t just about what you created, it’s about what you continue to build for the culture.
What stood out most was the emphasis on strengthening community ties. This wasn’t a celebrity endorsement moment; it was a shared table moment. A reminder that legacy is built by what you leave behind and what you build forward—with your family, your city, and your people.
In a city known for resilience, creativity, and cultural influence, 8Ball Coffee arrived not just as a product—but as a statement. One that says ownership matters. Heritage matters. And luxury can still be deeply rooted in Black history, African excellence, and Southern soul.
