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: 37

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

Subscribe to E-Blast

WIN TICKETS

ScHoolboy Q
Friday, Oct 16 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Hugel
Saturday, Nov 7 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Bonobo
Saturday, Nov 14 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Pretty Lights
Thursday-Sunday, Nov 19-21 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Ozomatli
Saturday, Nov. 21 @ UC Theatre, Berkeley

Connect

Members

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Latest Activity

Editor's Pick posted discussions
15 hours ago
Tampa Mystic posted a blog post

DJ Rhythm Brings Back the ’90s Vibe With New Single “Back To The Hotel”

Growing up in McFarland, California, and now residing in Porterville, independent music artist DJ Rhythm is bringing nostalgic energy back to the music scene with his latest single, “Back To The Hotel.” Inspired by the unforgettable sounds of the 1990s, the track captures the smooth rhythms, romantic atmosphere, and laid-back vibes that defined an influential era in music.Although DJ Rhythm has only been actively producing music for a few months, his connection to music goes back nearly two…See More
yesterday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
yesterday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Elevation (1st Fridays) with Nina Sol, Mind Motion & Renoir (aka Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist) at Golden Ratio, Oakland

November 6, 2026 at 9pm to January 1, 2027 at 1:45pm
FRIDAY, NOV 6 True Skool presents ELEVATION (1st Fridays)Featuring:Nina Sol (Elements) Mind Motion (Pirate DJs) Renoir (aka Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist)@ Golden Ratio, 1517 Franklin St., Oakland 21+ / Doors 9pm / FREE B4 10pmFree B4 11pm with RSVP: http://bit.ly/elevationfirstfridayABOUTELEVATION is a brand new party series! Curated by…See More
yesterday
Tampa Mystic posted a blog post

Sconey G Delivers a Powerful Message of Success and Growth with New Single “Case Closed”

Hip-hop artist and entrepreneur Sconey G is turning life lessons into inspiration with his latest single, “Case Closed.” Raised between Chicago and Milwaukee and now based in Oklahoma City, the independent artist continues to build a legacy rooted in perseverance, ambition, and personal growth.With a musical journey that began unofficially in 2000 and professionally in 2005, Sconey G has spent two decades sharpening his craft while expanding…See More
Tuesday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Monday
TEAM BIGGA RANKIN posted a discussion

Roscoe Dash X Drumma Boy - I Wanna Rock

oscoe Dash is an RIAA-certified Diamond recording artist, songwriter, and emerging actor whose voice and creative instincts helped shape the sound of a generation.His career has moved through several defining eras, beginning with the breakout energy of “All the Way Turnt Up” and continuing through his contributions to major records such as Waka Flocka Flame’s Diamond-certified “No Hands” and Big Sean’s “Marvin & Chardonnay.”Roscoe has also built a legacy as a songwriter, contributing behind…See More
Monday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Saturday
Tampa Mystic posted a blog post

Yung ELz Showcases His Versatility with New Single “4 A.M.”

West Los Angeles recording artist Yung ELz is bringing a fresh perspective to the independent hip-hop scene with his latest single, “4 A.M.” Inspired by real-life experiences, relationships, and late-night emotions, the record highlights his versatility while offering listeners a glimpse into his personal and creative world.Growing up between West Los Angeles and Compton, California, Yung ELz developed a…See More
Oct 16
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

HUGEL (WIN TICKETS) at Hearst Greek Theatre, Berkeley CA

November 7, 2026 from 6pm to 11:30pm
ENTER TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS. WINNER WILL BE DRAWN RANDOMLY AND ANNOUNCED 2 DAYS PRIOR TO EVENT. Saturday, November 07, 2026HUGELOchokDERON b2b DarmonHearst Greek Theatre, 2001 Gayley Rd, Berkeley, CA Doors: 5:00pm | Show: 6:00pm…See More
Oct 15
Editor's Pick posted videos
Oct 15
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Oct 15

© 2026   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service