National Battle of the Bands: The HBCU Bands, Hip-Hop Legends Thrilled Fans

The National Battle of the Bands had several surprises and hip-hop legends thrilled the crowd at the annual marching competition in Houston, TX.

HOUSTON — An estimated 40,000 spectators attended the 2023 PepisCo National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB) at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX, to witness an exciting lineup of marching bands and hip-hop legends. Bands from Southern University, Florida A&M, Tennessee State, Langston, Norfolk State, Mississippi Valley State, Virginia State, and hometown favorite Texas Southern University showcased the best array of talent on the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Marching Band landscape.   

The evening was filled with impeccable marching, transcending sounds, and high-stepping field routines that thrilled the audience. During intermissions, the NBOTB honors "50 years of Hip-Hop" incredible sets from Doug E. Fresh, Big Boi, Choppa, DJ Mr. Rogers, and H-Town greats Slim Thug, Lil Keke, and Z-RO.

Aug. 26, 2023; Southern University's "Fabulous Dancing Dolls" perform at the 2023 PepsiCo National Battle of the Bands. Credit: Kyle T. Mosley, HBCU Legends

After "The Human Beatbox and Originator," Doug E. Fresh got the whole stadium swaying and rocking to "The Show," he had a few poignant words about HBCUs. "There's nothing better than supporting HBCUs," Doug E. Fresh told HBCU Legends in the tunnel at NRG stadium. "That's what we're supposed to do. So everybody, do what you know you're supposed to do. Support yourself."  

Celebrities and dignitaries like Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and mayoral candidate Shelia Jackson Lee were there to celebrate the night's festivities. Founder Derek Webber was delighted with the turnout at the fourth installment of the NBOTB, as well as the sponsorship dollars raised for scholarships. "We're quite excited about the turnout," Webber said.  

"The fans have been having a great time. We're able to contribute over $45,000 per band, a total of $360,000 this year. So we're super excited about what we've been able to do to support our HBCUs." PepsiCo, the event's title sponsor, presented checks for $200K, $120K. Also, each participating band received $5K from the NBOTB partner.

Which band won? The National Battle of the Bands did not officially award a trophy. However, HBCU Legends will provide a detailed report on a few SWAC mainstays and one surprising first-time visitor who several considered the best marching band at the 2023 PepsiCo National Battle of the Bands.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL BATTLE OF THE BANDS

As the largest African American event in Texas, the National Battle of the Bands has provided over $400,000 in scholarships and generated a $20+ million economic impact for Houston and Harris County. The 2022 NBOTB weekend saw more than 55,000 attendees, over 10,000 participants in ancillary events, and over 2,200 participating band members.