Bun B of UGK on People's Party with Talib Kweli (Full Interview)

On the world premier of People's Party, Kweli sits down with Texas rap icon Bun B. They reflect on his biggest influences growing up in Port Arthur, the evolution of UGK, his lyrical style, as well as his and Pimp C's breakthrough getting on the Menace II Society soundtrack. We hear his story of hotboxing with Biggie Smalls, and how it felt like he was smoking out with the Godfather. He also gives detailed insight about the home invasion he and his wife experienced recently.

ABOUT PEOPLE'S PARTY:

People's Party is a weekly interview show hosted by Talib Kweli with big-name guests exploring hip-hop, culture, and politics.

"Ladies and gentlemen, get ready, here I come
Talib Kweli and I'm bangin' on ya eardrum"

ABOUT BUN B:

Bernard James Freeman (born March 19, 1973), known professionally as Bun B, is an American rapper and actor. He is best known as one half of the southern rap duo UGK (UnderGround Kingz), a group he formed in 1987 alongside Pimp C. Aside from his work with UGK, Bun B has released four solo albums, including 2010's Trill OG, which received the rare 5 mic rating from The Source. He is also a guest lecturer at Rice University, located in Houston, Texas.

In the late 1980s, Pimp C started the rap duo UGK. He first released a demo tape titled "Underground King" which didn't feature Bun B on the track. Instead, it featured Pimp C's friend Mitchell Queen. Bun B and friend Jalon Jackson had their own group called P.A. Militia. Both groups joined forces and formed the group 4 Black Ministers. Queen and Jackson later left the group leaving Pimp C and Bun B so they decided to revert to UGK. The demo Pimp C recorded with Mitchell Queen, Underground King, caught the attention of an independent label in Houston called Bigtyme Records. They then released an extended play titled The Southern Way. The release of this record caught the attention of Jive Records. While recording their debut album, Too Hard to Swallow, many of the songs had content too explicit for the album, so Bigtyme Records released an extended play titled Banned before the album was released, including all the songs that were too explicit for Too Hard to Swallow. The song "Pocket Full of Stones" became the first UGK song to get major airplay throughout the United States. Their second album, Super Tight..., followed in 1994. Their third album, Ridin' Dirty, peaked at number 2 on the R&B Charts in 1996, and at number 15 on the Billboard 200. After releasing their fourth studio album, Dirty Money, Pimp C got sentenced to jail.

When Bun B's UGK partner, the late Chad "Pimp C" Butler, entered a jail sentence on an aggravated gun assault charge in 2002, Bun B made guest appearances on numerous albums by other rappers and released a 2005 mixtape titled Legends. Singles featuring a Bun B guest appearance included "They Don't Know" by Paul Wall, "Gimme That" by Webbie and "I'm A G" by Yung Joc.

In October 2005, Bun B's debut solo album Trill was released. Singles included "Draped Up", "Git It", and "Get Throwed". The album peaked at the number 6 spot on the American Billboard 200 chart and number 1 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart.

After Pimp C died in 2007, Bun B returned to a solo career. In 2008, he released his second album, II Trill. The first single was "That's Gangsta" featuring Jamaican American artist Sean Kingston. It debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200, selling 98,000 copies. Other singles were "Damn I'm Cold" featuring Lil Wayne and "You're Everything" featuring Rick Ross, David Banner, DJ Corbett and 8Ball & MJG, the latter of which was dedicated to the late Pimp C.

On June 24, 2014, Bun B made a guest appearance to the Htown Beatdown concert hosted by local radio station Hot 95.7. He was awarded the 360 Legend Award for his successful music career and his impact on the local community.

At the start of the Spring 2011 semester, Bun B joined the faculty of Rice University as a Distinguished Lecturer. He taught a course in the

Rating:
  • Currently 0/5 stars.

Views: 24

Comment

You need to be a member of True Skool Network to add comments!

Join True Skool Network

Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more

Connect

Bookmark and Share

Subscribe to E-Blast

WIN TICKETS

Kev Choice
Friday, June 14 @ Yoshi's, Oakland

Hiatus Kaiyote
Saturday, July 20 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

PJ Morton
Wedneday, Oct 23 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Members

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Groups

Latest Activity

TEAM BIGGA RANKIN posted blog posts
7 hours ago
Editor's Pick posted discussions
12 hours ago
Support Those That Support You posted a blog post

[Exclusive] "Divine Action The E.P." By Melodic: An Enlightening Voyage Of Transformation And Truth!

Melodic's "Divine Action The E.P." is a profound exploration of taking action in life, guided by divine inspiration and protection. Thisproject is not just a collection of songs but a spiritual journey,encapsulated perfectly in it's symbolic cover. Each elementon the cover tells a story of righteousness, positive change,and a deep connection to his cultural and…See More
14 hours ago
Editor's Pick posted discussions
yesterday
Tampa Mystic posted a blog post

Unveiling BIG 4.1's Anthem: "BIG SACK"

Hailing from Gwinnett 'DA NAWF', BIG 4.1 emerges as a beacon of authenticity in the realm of hip-hop. With his latest track, "BIG SACK," recently released and produced by the skilled Joe Peoples, BIG 4.1 delivers not just a song, but a mantra for financial empowerment and self-improvement. In a world obsessed with flaunting bags, BIG 4.1's message cuts through…See More
Thursday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Wednesday
Support Those That Support You posted a blog post

[Exclusive] "Unveiling Resilience: Taewitda9's Latest Single Encourages Perseverance Through Life's Challenges with 'Always Got Tomorrow

Rising Florida artist Taewitda9 has struck a chord with listenerseverywhere with his latest release, "Always Got Tomorrow." This uplifting anthem serves as a reminder to never give up ononeself or life, emphasizing the importance of perseverance andresilience in the face of adversity.In "Always Got Tomorrow," Taewitda9 delivers a powerful messageof hope and determination, urging…See More
Wednesday
realmuzik posted discussions
Wednesday
TEAM BIGGA RANKIN posted a blog post

Zuu Drops New Single "M.A.B." Under New Deal

The spotlight is now on New Orleans native and Atlanta based artist Zuu, who recently dropped his new single "M.A.B." featuring Justace under new deal with Krown Records/Atlantic Records. Zuu brings in a different sound being equipped with the best of both worlds. Having lost his father at age 4 Zuu was raised by his mother and uncles. Originally known by the stage name VLA Geeno the rapper rebranded himself into Zuu, a more mature and pristine version of his younger immature self. With the…See More
Wednesday
Artistpr posted a blog post

Lil Trophy the No. 1 Chart Ranking Hip Hop Artist In Mississauga

Mississauga, Ontario, Canada — Lil Trophy has a new album coming out sometime in May so be on the lookout. It is going to feature your favourite artists like Lil Wayne, Gucci Mane, MJ, Ab-Soul, Cee-Lo Green, Obie Trice, Papoose and more.Don’t forget to check out Lil Trophy’s current songs featuring Lil Wayne titled Chedda already out now on all platforms. Also listen to the song titled “Dream”it is loved by all and even got the recognition of the famous rapper Fat Joe’s liking. Also Rolex, Glow…See More
Wednesday
Cooler Heads posted an event

Planet Asia with MC Pauze, Kai the MC at Thee Stork Club, Oakland, CA

May 25, 2024 at 9pm to May 26, 2024 at 1am
BIG NEWS: Cooler Heads is invading Oakland! We’re expanding our reach to Thee Stork Club, bringing our crates of records there May 25. And since we always go big whenever possible, we booked one of our favorite MCs, the most prolific man in hip hop, Planet Asia, to do a set! Can you believe it? TAKE NOTE: thee Stork is small, so this will sell out QUICK!Opening for PA is MC Pauze and Kai the MC, and your favorite DJs – TPCO, Mr. Tibbs and OGP – will be behind the decks, so you know it’s going…See More
Tuesday
UrbanElite PR posted a blog post

New Audio & Video Release - Tru Trilla "Turn That Down" ft Guilty Simpson & Skyzoo

Brick City's Tru Trilla is back at it with another choice cut, the fourth single from his new album 'XVI : Return of the Gods' out soon on May 31st through New Dawn Records."Turn That Down" is the latest display of mic skills and production levels evident throughout the upcoming release, galvanised by a heavyweight line up of guest featured artists from around the States.Veteran NY State producer Frost Gamble makes…See More
Tuesday

© 2024   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service