Bun B Albums (6)
What The Critics Say
The years between Bun B's debut solo album -- 2005's Trill -- and the sequel -- 2008's II Trill -- were turbulent. His longtime friend and partner in UGK, Pimp C, saw release from prison in late 2005 only to die two years later from an accidental overdose of codeine and promethazine. In the middle of it all were Bun's hit solo singles like "Draped Up" and "Get Throwed" plus the well-received double album Underground Kingz, which found the reunited UGK topping the album charts for the first time in their long career. It's a testament to Bun B's solid foundation that the more things change, the more he stays the same, refusing to be rattled by the highs or the lows and remaining true to his promise to stay "UGK for life." Save an appearance from pop-rap singer Sean Kingston -- who really does add some great Island flavor to standout track "That's Gangsta" -- everything here should satisfy the loyal UGK fan's hunger for cold and unforgiving Dirty South music. There's the down but not out "If It Was Up II Me," with reggae legend Junior Reid adding hope to Bun's tale of struggle, plus the message-filled "Get Cha Issue," where the hard truth gets coated in Houston funk by producer Bigg Tyme. On "Damn I'm Cold" there's great chemistry between B and Lil Wayne (who offers the amusing "Don't tell me how to spend it/And yes, I know the rules/Don't marry Robin Givens") while "You're Everything" overflows with guest stars with Bun at the center, keeping the track focused. While Pimp C's absence is addressed in a moving, bittersweet manner, it's hardly dwelled upon and his passing influences the album as much as his incarceration influenced the original Trill. Just like he was two years prior, Bun B is a reluctant solo artist on II Trill, burdened with keeping the UGK name alive on his lonesome. This time out, he's a single short and couple songs too long, but his back is strong enough to carry the weight, proving once again he's one of the Dirty South's most reliable voices. ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
With his partner Pimp C struggling with legal problems and eventually incarceration, fellow UGK member Bun B was forced to go it alone. His Mddl Fngz project was satisfying and his guest appearances are always welcome, but with Trill he establishes himself as an exciting solo artist benefiting from both experience and the hunger of someone just joining the game. There's a ridiculously star-studded guest list to come, but before thrilling the listener with Jay-Z, Ludacris, Ying Yang Twins, Mannie Fresh, and even Too Short, Bun B takes the first highlight for his own, delivering "Bun" like an up-and-comer on his first big mixtape. Beating Mike Jones and Paul Wall at their own game, B follows up his new anthem with two hooky hanging-out tracks, the celebrity-packed "Get Throwed" with Z-Ro and Jay-Z and the magnificent "Draped Up" featuring Lil' Keke and referencing DJ Screw for Southern hood authenticity. As the album progresses with one inspired guest appearance after another and 31 flavors of hip-hop for the tasting, Trill becomes the more street-level alternative to its guest star Lil Jon's grand Crunk Juice. The big difference is Trill is born out of necessity, a need to keep the UGK spirit alive and Bun B in the spotlight by proving he still has it. On all counts, it succeeds. ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide
'Da Bottom, Vol. 4'
Release Date 8/2/2005
Tracks 33
Label BCD Music Group
See Album Tracklist and Review
