Drake is arguably the world’s most prominent artist, but he still shows loves when he can.
Throughout his career, in particular, he’s always shown love to the city of Houston.
Just a few days ago, Drizzy popped out at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, for the 2024 RodeoHouston show. The show boasted an all-star lineup of iconic acts such as Lil Jon, Rick Ross, Nelly, Ying-Yang Twins, E-40, Too $hort, and more. Of course, you can’t have a show in the city without the legends performing.
When it was time for Bun B to take the stage, a bunch of black SUVs pulled up to the venue… gifting fans with a show for the books.
The UGK rapper begins, “And to thank you for all that you’ve done for me and my family, I present to you, The Boy.” At this point, Drake getes out of one of the vehicles.
Bun B continues, “This is our newest resident, please make some noise for Drizzy Drake.”
Veteran West Coast rapper Lichelle Marie Laws, better known as ’90s pioneer Boss, has reportedly died at the age of 54. According to multiple peers via Instagram, including Bun B, DJ Premier, and Warren G, news of the vet rapper’s passing came on Monday (March 11).
Although Boss was the first female rapper signed to the short-lived Def Jam West division of the groundbreaking label, she was originally born in Detroit. She relocated to Los Angeles after graduating high school, recording early work with DJ Quik and AMG. That work caught the attention of Russell Simmons, who signed her to the then-new West Coast division of Def Jam.
Her first and only album on the label, Born Gangstaz, released on May 25, 1993, and debuted at No. 22 on the Billboard 200. It debuted at No. 3 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and produced two singles: “Deeper” and “Recipe Of A Hoe.” Its ironic content made light of Boss’ middle-class upbringing with the unrelenting gangsta rap themes popular at the time in a commentary on the twisted expectations and stereotypes placed on rappers (and Black folks as a whole) in the early ’90s.
She eventually left Def Jam after the label rejected demos for a follow-up and became a radio DJ. She released two self-funded mixtapes in the 2000s. However, from 1999 on, she suffered from renal disease; in 2021, a GoFundMe created to raise $15,000 for a needed procedure was able to reach its goal only after it was publicized by NME.
Eve, the iconic rapper known as the Ruff Ryders’ First Lady, is set to make her mark at the Houston Rodeo. She will be joining Bun B’s “Takeover” of the esteemed Texas event. The announcement, made via the official Houston Rodeo Instagram account on Thursday (March 7), has sparked excitement among fans eagerly awaiting her appearance. The Houston Rodeo’s caption left no room for ambiguity: “Ain’t no guessing, it’s E-V-E joinin’ @bunb’s All-American Takeover on March 12,” they declared proudly, highlighting Eve’s roots as hailing “reppin’ East Coast by way of Philadelphia.” This revelation has added an extra layer of anticipation to an already exciting event.
Moreover, Eve’s inclusion in Bun B’s takeover signifies a convergence of hip-hop royalty and Southern tradition. Blending diverse musical styles under the Texas sky. This fusion promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for attendees, transcending boundaries of genre and geography. While the announcement has stirred excitement, details regarding Eve’s role in the event remain shrouded in mystery. Will she grace the stage with a performance, or will she lend her support to the Houston O.G. in another capacity? Moreover, the suspense only adds to the intrigue surrounding her presence at the rodeo.
Furthermore, Eve’s participation underscores the Rodeo’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, showcasing artists from different backgrounds and regions. Her addition to the lineup not only celebrates her individual talent but also enriches the cultural tapestry of the event. Offering attendees a multifaceted experience that reflects the richness of contemporary music. However, beyond the excitement and anticipation, Eve’s involvement carries broader significance within the music industry. Moreover, as a pioneering female rapper who has broken barriers and shattered stereotypes, her presence at the Houston Rodeo serves as a testament to her enduring influence and legacy.
It reinforces the importance of recognizing and honoring women’s contributions to hip-hop, paving the way for future generations of artists. In conclusion, Eve’s announcement as the latest artist to join the Houston Rodeo, under the banner of Bun B’s “Takeover,” is a cause for celebration and anticipation. Her participation not only promises an unforgettable performance but also highlights the evolving landscape of hip-hop and the enduring impact of artists like Eve. As the countdown to March 12 begins, all eyes will be on the Houston Rodeo stage, eagerly awaiting the moment when Eve takes her place among the stars.
Bun B and Statik Selektah’s legacies are firmly entrenched within hip-hop lore. Each of them do different things, but each have already left a lasting impact on the genre. It is arguable that Bun’s rapping and Statik’s beats are on equal playing field in terms of quality and influence. Combine them together and you have a truly great duo on your hands.
Well, that is exactly what they have done. The Houston artist and the Boston producer have just come through with their third project. It is a part of their Trillstatik series. It dates back to 2019 and each one has provided a stellar feature list. Trillstatik 3 is only available on bandcamp.com and there is no signs that this will make an appearance on DSPs.
Listen To “Trillselda” By Bun B, Benny The Butcher, Rome Streetz, And Statik Selektah
One track we want to highlight from this tape is “Trillseda.” Bun and Statik grab Benny The Butcher and Rome Streetz. Both have been dropping quality material throughout 2023. The Buffalo product is gearing up for his highly-hyped 2024 record, Everybody Can’t Go. All four components do very well here, with the beat being one of the more subdued to allow for the lyrics and cadences to shine. You can check out the track and album above.
What are your initial thoughts on this brand-new song, “Trillselda,” by Bun B, Statik Selektah, Benny The Butcher, and Rome Streetz? Is this the best song from Trillstatik 3, why or why not? If not, which track is more impressive and why? Who had the best performance on the song? Is Benny going to have an album of the year candidate next year? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Bun B, Statik Selektah, Benny The Butcher, and Rome Streetz. Finally, stick with us for all of the best song drops throughout the week.
Legendary Houston rapper and icon Bun B is one of the best in the history of Southern hip-hop. His instantly recognizable voice has made him one of the most influential names in the region. Today, he and veteran producer Statik Selektah, have just come through with their next collab album. It is a part of their series, Trillstatik.
This is now their third entry into this collection of projects. The first of Bun B and Statik’s efforts came out in 2019. What was so impressive about that first installment was that it was rumored to be done in one 12-hour session. Number two’s deluxe came out four years later to the day.
Listen To Trillstatik 3 By Bun B And Statik Selektah
Now, the legendary duo is back right before the holiday to make it a trilogy. These projects have always been heavy on the features. This one is no different, as Bun and Statik are bringing old and new talents. You will find Boldy James, Lord Sko, Paul Wall, Benny The Butcher, Talib Kweli, Smoke DZA, and so many more. Currently, Trillstatik 3 is available exclusively on bandcamp. There is no word if it will see a widespread release.
What are your initial thoughts on this brand-new album, Trillstatik 3, by Bun B and Statik Selektah? Is this the best installment in the Trillstatik series, why or why not? Who had the best feature appearance? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. So, leave your takes in the comments. Additionally, keep it locked with HNHH for the latest around Bun B and Statik Selektah. Finally, stick with us for all the album drops throughout the week.
Trillstatik 3 Tracklist:
Welcome Back
Trillselda (feat. Benny The Butcher & Rome Streetz)
Bun Brecently spoke about the late Pimp Cand how he sees shades of the legendary artist in rising star Megan Thee Stallion. The Houston rapper suggested that the “Cobra” rapper embodies qualities reminiscent of Pimp and notes that it might be surprising for people to see these characteristics expressed by a woman.
Bun B Speaks
Bun B, who was Pimp C’s longtime partner in the rap duo UGK, recently shared his thoughts on today’s generation that shares similarities with the late artist. He expressed:
“I see that in most people.. like Megan Thee Stallion embodies a lot of what Pimp represented. I think that’s why it was so jarring for people to see it coming from a woman.”
Bun B says Megan Thee Stallion reminds him of Pimp C as he discusses which rapper from the current generation shares similarities with Pimp C.
Pimp C, a member of UGK alongside Bun B, passed away in 2007 at the age of 33 due to an overdose on codeine and promethazine, leaving a lasting impact on the Houston hip-hop scene.
Megan Thee Stallion has been vocal about the influence the late artist has had on her artistry. She often references Pimp C and his impact on the Houston hip-hop scene, where her alter ego, Tina Snow, is a nod to Pimp C’s Tony Snow persona.
Megan’s debut EP, Tina Snow, released in 2018, showcased her biggest hits like “Big Ole Freak” and “Freak Nasty,” further solidifying the connection to Pimp C’s legacy.
‘I Know A Star When I See One’
Chinara Butler, Pimp C’s widow, has also recognized Megan Thee Stallion’s talent. In an Instagram post in 2019, Butler congratulated Megan and referred to her as her “Trill Goddaughter,” writing:
“Lol I know a star when I see one #Congratulations to my #TrillGodDaughter @theestallion now you have everything you nrrf eith @rocnation as Management #Loveit and I’m hold on to a couple of Unreleased verses of #PimpC just for you!!! Get ‘em #TinaSnow.”
Furthermore, the rap sensation has embarked on a new chapter in her musical journey by transitioning into an independent artist, distancing herself from the complex relationship with her former label, 1501 Entertainment. Notably, Megan has entered a fresh phase in her career by signing a new distribution deal with Warner Music Group.
Timbaland To Launch AI Startup To Revive Late Artists
In the realm of posthumous releases, producer Timbaland recently faced backlash for expressing his interest in using artificial intelligence also known as A.I. to produce songs for late artists.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner recently made a notable gesture to celebrate the city’s vibrant hip-hop culture by officially declaring it “Hip-Hop Day.” The proclamation was also made in the presence of Houston rap legend Bun B.
‘Hip-Hop Day’ In Houston
As his tenure as mayor comes to an end, Mayor Sylvester Turner chose to recognize the genre that has had a profound impact on the city’s cultural landscape.
The official proclamation was made on Dec. 13, during Houston’s Hip Hop 50th Anniversary Celebration, hosted by Houston legend Bun Band DJ Donnie Jackson at De Luxe. Mayor Turner expressed his appreciation for the hip-hop scene, stating:
“One of my final acts as mayor, I wanted to come by and recognize that and put an official stamp on it from my perspective, being the Mayor of the City of Houston.”
Houston has shown a deep appreciation for its hip-hop roots in the past. The city previously designated June 27 as a city day to honor the late DJ Screw, known for his influential 38-minute chopped, and screwed freestyle mix, “June 27.”
Bun B, an iconic figure in Houston’s hip-hop scene, was present at the celebration of honor. Throughout his career, Bun B has played a pivotal role in putting Houston on the map alongside fellow artists likePimp C, Paul Wall, Z-Ro,Slim Thug, and more.
Additionally, Bun B has ventured into the culinary world with his successful Trill Burgers venture, where he recently sold over 533K burgers.
‘Megan Thee Stallion Day’
Houston has also paid tribute to another of its talented artists,Megan Thee Stallion. In 2022, Mayor Turner granted Megan Thee Stallion the key to the city, alongside her very own day, now known as “Megan Thee Stallion Day.” May 2nd marks the holiday dedicated to celebrating the achievements and artistry of the Houston-born rapper.
‘Shakur Way’
Houston’s recognition of its hip-hop community aligns with other cities honoring their celebrated artists. In November 2023, the late Tupac Shakur was honored with a street named after him in Oakland, California, paying tribute to his enduring impact on the music industry.
Over the weekend, Birdman pressed Druski and made off with his chain. TMZ dropped CCTV footage of the incident that left Druski jetting down a hallway to safety. After the incident, Druski stated he was running toward his trunk and would get the chain back. Bun B says he had previously warned him.
On this date in 1992, Bun B and Pimp C put out their first studio release Too Hard To Swallow and began their extremely successful career as Underground Kingz.
With UGK (short for Underground Kingz) being one of the first rap groups to come out of Texas to be regarded nationally, it’s easy to see how important it is to the South. At this time in the early 90s, there wasn’t much coming from anywhere other than New York or California. The only southern rappers that had hits were fellow Texas natives Geto Boys and Miami-based rappers 2 Live Crew. When this album dropped, it opened up a door for a whole new wave of southern rap to emerge.
Unlike the funkier, sample-heavy beats that UGK became known for rapping over later in their career, this album is true to its name as far as its production. The beats are a lot more aggressive and so is the lyricism. Nevertheless, this album is full of hits that are considered classics of the group’s catalog. These three tracks are “Something Good”, “Use Me Up” which hails a Bill Withers sample, and “Pocket Full of Stones”, which appeared on the soundtrack to the 1992 hood classic, Menace II Society.
The album was recorded over a year period from 1991 to 1992 and released on November 9th, 1992 under Jive Records, the early 90s powerhouse label hosting acts such as E-40, A Tribe Called Quest, R.Kelly, and the late Aaliyah. The album has so far sold 369,511 copies and peaked at 37th on the Billboard US R&B Charts. After this album, UGK went on to put out five albums until the untimely passing of member Pimp C in 2007.
