Bun B-Trill O.G.

“Reppin’ H-Town like Phi Slama Jama…”

Bun B is one of the most respected MCs in rap today, and he holds a position in my personal top five greatest ever. Bun doesn’t seem to have enemies – everyone loves him and what he stands for. He is the living definition of loyalty, as he demonstrated through his “Free Pimp C” campaign in which he single-handedly held down the legacy of his group, UGK, for almost four years while his partner was on lock. He stays true to the southern style of hip-hop and living, while maintaining a mass appeal and keeping the streets on smash. Beyond his reputation, Bun has skills that stand up to any other MC doing it. Trill O.G. is a culmination of all that makes Bun B one of the south’s brightest stars, and will be well-received by any fan of true southern rap.

Rather than being in a position where he was ready to do so, circumstances seem to be what thrust Bun B into the recording of his first two solo albums. Pimp C’s imprisonment and then later his unexpected passing both had a heavy impact on the inspiration for and development of the first two LPs from Bun. Not to say they weren’t good, because they were, but with Trill O.G., a clever title for the third chapter in the trilogy, Bun admitted that his focus was sharper. He had a goal to make a complete thematic album that represents what southern hip-hop is to him, and I believe he successfully did just that, saving the best for last in this series.

Bun B deliberately chose to create within a certain formula throughout the entire album –this may slightly disappoint some fans, while greatly pleasing others. The UGK brand has never been shy about remaining true to their core audience, but Bun himself has shown that he has enough depth and dexterity to write on a wide range of topics with a variety of flow styles. However, we don’t get that other side of Bun much on Trill O.G. The album opens with an inauguration from J. Prince, the looming voice of Pimp C from beyond the grave (“Chuuch!”) and the sound of chilling gospel organs that were a staple of Pimp’s production. Lyrically, Bun B sticks to rap braggadocio, tales of flossin’ and ballin’, and the usual reflections on the lifestyle of O.G.s and street hustlers. He’s got a couple of joints for hip-hop heads where he raises the level of his wordplay and rides the track seamlessly, namely the DJ Premier-helmed “Let Em Know,” and “Speak Easy” featuring a magnificent verse from Twista. He also resurrects two of hip-hops deceased legends on “Right Now,” a party track featuring Pimp C and 2Pac along with Trey Songz on the chorus. The big-band horns from producer Steve Below help bring life after death to these dated verses, but the song is not anything we haven’t heard before. But throughout all sixteen tracks, Bun consistently sinks his teeth into solid beats that bang in the trunk with those 808 thumps, snare drums and hi-hat cymbals that we southerners love to ride to. Add to that two cameos from hip-hop’s current boy wonder Drake, and I can say that Bun B has crafted a widely marketable yet distinctively Texas-bred third solo album with Trill O.G. Port Arthur, Texas is still in the building.