Megan Thee Stallion Dishes on Her Cheetos Partnership And Snack Habits

on
Meg_Cheetos_Image Set_1024x450
Uproxx

Straight up, Megan Thee Stallion is one of the hottest rappers in the game. Every year her presence elevates, and not just musically or visually — her partnerships, or overall brand awareness keeps ascending. 2026 appears to be no different, as she’s kicking off the year in style with a Cheetos ‘Pickle’s Back’ partnership that hits close to her Houston roots.

Houston is known as a hotbed for hip-hop, car culture, sports, and a varied culinary scene rooted in Southern tradition. Beloved for its diversity of ethnic influences, it’s no surprise that a trend like stuffing Flamin’ Hot Cheetos into pickles originated in Houston. Flamin’ Hot Cheetos is having fun with that flavor combo with its new Pickle’s Back concept, which pairs Megan with famous rock maestros, Nickelback for a cheeky campaign. Leading up to the announcement, Megan was gracious enough to give UPROXX the inside scoop on the partnership and her food favorites in Houston and beyond.

How did your Pickle’s Back partnership come about? Did it have anything to do with the trend in Houston of putting Flamin’ Hot Cheetos in pickles?

I am from Houston and I always eat pickles and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos together. I got the call from Flamin’ Hot and they were like, “My girl, we need you again. Come over.” And I was like, “I got this. I was going to do this anyway.” So who better to put in a position to do this commercial?

What are some of your earliest memories of Cheetos?

I remember when I was in middle school, we used to have the Flamin’ Hot Baked Cheetos and we had this little stand where you can buy snacks and the lady in the stand would always have the baked Hot Cheetos and nacho cheese, and she’d drizzle nacho cheese in there. That would be my lunch for the day sometimes. So I’m not new to this. I’m very true to the Flamin’ Hot Cheetos family.

Did you grow up eating spicy food in general?

Lots of Tex-Mex, lots of Louisiana spicy food, southern spicy food in general. I’m a spicy girl.

I’ve read that you really like catfish and spaghetti, what are some local dishes growing up in Houston that people may not know about nationally that are amazing?

This is going to be the most random chicken place ever. It’s on my side of town where I’m from and it’s called Timmy Chan and it’s fried chicken. It’s Chinese food, okay? It’s very good. I will highly recommend 10 out of 10 anybody go try it if they want a little heartburn.

Timmy Chan's

You’ve talked in interviews about going to the Galleria in Houston. If you’re going to the Galleria, what are you eating?

I’m so devastated because I heard that they closed down Grand Luxe that was right in front of the Galleria. That was my favorite thing to do when I went. That was my spot. I don’t know why they took it away, but I’m boycotting that decision. They need to bring Grand Luxe back.

What was your favorite thing to get at Grand Luxe?

Definitely a chicken Caesar salad. I loved the little Buffalo bites. The strawberry lemonade is very on point. Them huge ass cookies. I think they got avocado egg rolls up there, we running down the menu at this point. Grand Luxe was my favorite.

Grand Luxe Cafe

Knowing you’re from Houston; which is your favorite: Pappadeaux’s or Pappasito’s?

It’s tough and it depends on how I’m feeling because I love queso and Pappasito’s has some of the best queso ever and they have some of the best enchiladas ever, and margaritas. Pappadeaux’s has a really good selection of drinks as well. That’s a very tough question.

What’s your order at Whataburger?

I’m getting the patty melt, and this is probably going to be controversial, but I want the patty melt sauce and I want you to add a little mayo on there. And, I want spicy ketchup.

What is your favorite soul food restaurant in Houston?

My favorite soul food restaurant in Houston was Mikki’s Cafe. I don’t know if they still have it, but Mikki’s is definitely my favorite. The cabbage is so good. The Oxtail’s so good. They have some good sweet tea. Now I’m hungry.

We’re going to switch from restaurants to snacks. Besides Cheetos, what other snacks or drinks are on your rider when you’re performing?

For me on my rider, I’m all water. I need the electrolytes, lots of ice, lots of fruit. I don’t do anything too heavy on my rider because of my stomach, I’d be a little anxious before my show. I don’t want to upset my stomach, but we definitely got Flamin’ Hot Cheetos on my rider too, and I eat that after the show.

After you perform, are you usually going back to your room and getting takeout?

Yes, it depends on where I am. If I’m in a city where I absolutely love, love, love, love, love the food, then I’m like, y’all let’s eat (the local food). If the restaurant closed, please make sure somebody got this for me when I get off stage. Sometimes I can’t eat after the show because I be still on my little adrenaline rush. But if I’m somewhere where I know the food is really good, I’m like, “y’all make sure y’all got my Philly cheesesteak after the show because I want that.”

So are you getting a Philly cheese steak in Philly?

I am. One million. Couldn’t even tell you the name of the restaurant, but I want the hood Philly cheesesteak. I don’t want the pretty regular restaurant, I want to go out there where the real Philadelphians is at. Go bring me back the real shit.

Where are two other cities that you get excited about the food for?

Miami and New York.

What’s the food in Miami you’re most excited about?

I love Cuban food. I really like the steak that I eat in Miami. I feel like Miami always has these random pop-up restaurants where you can get a hotdog, they have caviar on it, or you can get a burger where the bun is a big-ass mozzarella stick. Sushi tacos but the outside is fried seaweed and it’s all kind of sushi on the inside. When I see it on my TikTok and it look good, I got to go try it.

What’s something that you tried that everybody was talking about that’s a hot trend in food that you were like, “Oh no, that’s disgusting

I think I just brought up the sushi taco because that was something that really upset me.

It looked so, so good on TikTok. I think it was just too much of it. I think if the tacos was a little bit smaller, they would’ve been better, but they loaded that thing up with too much raw salmon and too much cream. It really upset my stomach and my taste buds. But if it was smaller, I would’ve been with it.

Taco Sushi

When you’re on your tour on the bus or Sprinter, is there any snacks or food besides obviously Flamin’ Hot Cheetos that you need to have with you?

Well, because I love Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, I always have things that pair well with that. I like pepper jack cheese cubes with the pickles. A lot of water. I really love Topo Chico. I love sparkling water, so definitely that and Twizzlers.

And those things will kind of balance out the heat or you need some fruit or something cold as well?

Pepperjack cheese and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos to me are not that spicy. I like the tang of the peppers that are inside of the PepperJack cheese. Weirdly to me, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos are kind of sweet. For some reason it pairs well together and the pickle just adds the good sour and salty on top.



source https://uproxx.com/life/megan-thee-stallion-dishes-on-her-cheetos-partnership-and-snack-habits/

Comments

Post a Comment

Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution

Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution and What Listeners Look For Hip hop is more than just a genre of music; it is a cultural movement that has deeply influenced the world for over four decades. Originating in the South Bronx during the 1970s, hip hop was birthed from the creative expression of marginalized communities. What started as a fusion of DJing, breakdancing, graffiti art and MCing (rapping) quickly became a global phenomenon. Over the years, hip hop has expanded its reach, influencing various aspects of society, from fashion and language to politics and social movements. But what exactly do listeners seek when they tune in to their favorite hip hop tracks? Let’s explore.

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music At its core, hip hop music is built on rhythm and lyricism. Early pioneers like DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and Run-D.M.C. laid the foundation for what we now recognize as hip hop. They mixed disco, funk, and soul beats with rhythmic rapping to create a unique sound. Through the 1980s and 1990s, iconic artists such as Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, and Jay-Z further shaped the genre, adding deeper narratives that explored social issues, struggles, and triumphs.
In the 2000s, hip hop saw its golden age evolve into new sub-genres, from Southern hip hop (e.g., OutKast and Lil Wayne) to the rise of trap music (led by artists like Future, Gucci Mane, and Migos). Today, artists continue to experiment with hybrid sounds, blending trap with pop, rock, and electronic music, creating a more diverse landscape for the genre.

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music While the genre has evolved, the heart of hip hop music still beats with certain core elements that listeners continue to seek. Here’s what attracts audiences to hip hop music:

1. Authenticity

One of the most important qualities of hip hop is its authenticity. Listeners are drawn to artists who stay true to themselves, their roots, and their experiences. Whether an artist is rapping about overcoming hardship, life in the streets, or personal triumphs, their genuineness resonates with fans. Authenticity gives hip hop its raw edge, connecting the artist's voice with listeners on a deeply personal level.

2. Lyricism and Wordplay

Hip hop has always been a platform for storytelling, and the craft of lyricism is highly valued. Fans look for clever wordplay, metaphors, punchlines, and deep storytelling in their favorite tracks. Rappers like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Nas are revered for their intricate lyricism and ability to convey powerful messages through their words. A song with sharp bars, vivid imagery, and emotional depth can elevate a listener’s connection to the music.

3. Beat and Production Quality

The beat is often the first thing people notice in a hip hop song. A catchy, hard-hitting beat can make or break a track, and producers play an integral role in shaping the sound of hip hop music. Producers like Dr. Dre, Kanye West, and Metro Boomin have become household names for their distinctive production styles. From boom-bap beats to trap drums, the instrumental elements are essential in drawing listeners into the rhythm and groove of the song.

4. Innovation and Evolution

Hip hop is known for its constant evolution. Fans of the genre are often on the lookout for artists who push boundaries and experiment with new sounds. This spirit of innovation keeps the genre fresh and exciting. From the rise of auto-tune with artists like T-Pain to the blend of electronic and rap seen with artists like Travis Scott, listeners are eager for new music that challenges the traditional limits of hip hop.

5. Vibe and Energy

Hip hop isn’t just about the lyrics or the beat—it’s also about the energy the music brings. Whether it’s a party anthem, an introspective track, or a political statement, the vibe and energy of a song play a crucial role in how it resonates with fans. Artists like Drake, Cardi B, and Lil Uzi Vert have mastered the art of creating tracks that make listeners feel a certain way, whether it’s hyped up, laid back, or reflective.

6. Relatability and Emotional Connection

Hip hop has always been an outlet for self-expression and commentary on life experiences. Because of this, listeners often gravitate toward songs that reflect their own lives, struggles, and aspirations. Whether it’s a song about the challenges of growing up in a tough environment, the celebration of personal success, or the experience of love and heartbreak, hip hop has the unique ability to connect emotionally with audiences. Fans often seek songs that speak to their individual journeys and provide comfort, validation, or empowerment.

The Global Reach of Hip Hop

What was once confined to the streets of New York City has now become a global cultural force. From Tokyo to Paris, hip hop has spread across continents, influencing artists and listeners worldwide. In recent years, artists from outside the U.S. have brought their own cultural influences to the genre, blending hip hop with local sounds, languages, and traditions. The genre’s global reach is a testament to its universal themes of struggle, self-expression, and empowerment.

Conclusion

Hip hop music is an ever-evolving cultural powerhouse that has grown from a localized subculture into a global sensation. The authenticity, lyricism, production quality, innovation, energy, and emotional depth are the main ingredients that attract listeners to hip hop. While the genre continues to change, its core values remain consistent—offering a space for self-expression, storytelling, and connection. As hip hop continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a major force in shaping the future of music. Whether you’re a fan of classic boom-bap or modern trap, hip hop’s diverse range offers something for everyone, proving that its cultural impact is here to stay.