Review
The only thing worse than being damned with faint praise? Being damned with regional fame. Half of the Texas rap originators UGK, Bun B has been one of the South’s most intricate, vivid lyricists for over a decade. Despite a couple of mainstream peeks—notably Jay-Z’s “Big Pimpin’”—this most gentlemanly of Southern thugs has remained a local hero. His solo debut is more than a coming-out party; it’s a tribute as well, with a younger generation gathered in respect.
While the guests—Mike Jones, Ying Yang Twins, T.I. and more—threaten to crowd Bun, he’s versatile enough to rise above the frenzy, playing the corner boy on “Pushin’,” the scorned veteran on “The Story” and the callous mack on “Who Need a ‘B.’” The best songs, like Bun, bridge generations. Lil Jon pays homage to Houston’s screw music—the lethargic anti-crunk—by slowing the speed and upping the terror on the standout “Trill Recognize Trill,” a duet with Ludacris. And the remix of the pneumatic single “Draped Up”—featuring Lil’ Flip, Paul Wall and half a dozen other Houston MCs—is the city’s most exciting position statement since “Still Tippin’.”
Nothing, though, tops “Get Throwed,” a dub-rock variation on the Houston sound and the logical summation of Bun’s career. There’s a gloriously sneering verse from UGK partner Pimp C (incarcerated since 2002 on a probation violation) and brash ad libs from Young Jeezy, the Atlanta trap star whose style owes obvious debts to UGK. Finally, Jay-Z returns the “Big Pimpin’” favor with a devastatingly succinct verse.
Comfortably in the middle, Bun exudes calm, effortlessly hopping between different flow patterns. After a decade in wait, the camaraderie is nice, but he’s playing to the spotlight, not the supporting cast.
DOWNLOAD: “Get Throwed,” “Trill Recognize Trill”
While the guests—Mike Jones, Ying Yang Twins, T.I. and more—threaten to crowd Bun, he’s versatile enough to rise above the frenzy, playing the corner boy on “Pushin’,” the scorned veteran on “The Story” and the callous mack on “Who Need a ‘B.’” The best songs, like Bun, bridge generations. Lil Jon pays homage to Houston’s screw music—the lethargic anti-crunk—by slowing the speed and upping the terror on the standout “Trill Recognize Trill,” a duet with Ludacris. And the remix of the pneumatic single “Draped Up”—featuring Lil’ Flip, Paul Wall and half a dozen other Houston MCs—is the city’s most exciting position statement since “Still Tippin’.”
Nothing, though, tops “Get Throwed,” a dub-rock variation on the Houston sound and the logical summation of Bun’s career. There’s a gloriously sneering verse from UGK partner Pimp C (incarcerated since 2002 on a probation violation) and brash ad libs from Young Jeezy, the Atlanta trap star whose style owes obvious debts to UGK. Finally, Jay-Z returns the “Big Pimpin’” favor with a devastatingly succinct verse.
Comfortably in the middle, Bun exudes calm, effortlessly hopping between different flow patterns. After a decade in wait, the camaraderie is nice, but he’s playing to the spotlight, not the supporting cast.
DOWNLOAD: “Get Throwed,” “Trill Recognize Trill”
