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.
On this day in Hip-Hop history, Houston’s own UGK released their second studio LP Super Tight… As the duo’s first project to make an appearance on the Billboard 200 chart, this album marked their transition from underground superstars to legitimate Hip Hop legends in the making.
With this album, it is obvious that the group had begun to refine its engineering abilities. Their usual rough around the edges sounds quality has been revamped allowing for cleaner vocals and crisper production. With the new quality also came a new fan base. Rap fans across the country were beginning to acknowledge Hip Hop coming from the south as the new sound. The smooth southern style of Pimp C and Bun B was a pleasant change from the growing hardcore scene that was growing on the East Coast and pistol gripping gun-slinging gangster rap that came from the West.
Commercially, the album was a breakthrough. Peaking at #95 on the Billboard 200 and selling over 370,000 copies nationwide, Super Tight… was UGK’s most popular album to date and set up their rise to power as the Kings of Texas rap.
For countless reasons, Ridin’ Dirty, UGK’s third full-length LP, hits as close to home in 2020 as it does when it was first released 28 years ago on July 30, 1996. This doesn’t surprise Bun B, nor would it bewilder Pimp C if he were still physically among us today.
Coming together to form the Underground Kingz in the late 80s, the two Port Arthur, Texas-born musicians knew exactly what they were seeking to achieve when they walked into the studio for their third go-around at a full-length project, creating what unknowingly at the time would inspire two generations (and counting) of what has become quintessential Southern Hip Hop.
The album solidified UGK’s permanent place within the culture, with the group unapologetically speaking for an entire region and paving the way for the artists that came after them, much like the leaders within the East and West coast music scenes were doing. However, pioneering the uncharted Southern frontier for Hip Hop wasn’t an easy task, with Pimp C and Bun B running into various sets of challenges along the way, such as proving themselves simultaneously as innovators of the genre and as masters of the craft.
Twenty eight years ago, on the record’s release date, a commercial aired on television promoting the project without involving the creative input of Pimp and Bun. When the pair saw the advertisement for the first time, both were perplexed as to why the record company associated them with what was, in their minds, an unapproved visual incorporating a scene with a desert and a limousine, the furthest two components of UGK’s day-to-day reality. That disconnect between the music, the mission and the industry grew into what would become a challenging and reoccurring pattern, with the pair having to consistently balance not compromising who they are, while also not angering the record company or resulting in their music being shelved.
“I may have records that are going to get more radio spins than others, but that’s not the kind of music that resonates with people as deeply as records such as ‘One Day,’” Bun B says. “That’s what you want to do as an artist. You want to touch as many people as deeply as possible in the moment. Ridin’ Dirty, for us, was the first time we were able to do that. We were able to do what we wanted to do, and say what we wanted to say, and that’s why the album best represented us.”
Salute to Bun and Pimp (RIP) for this timeless piece of Dirty South Hip Hop history!
Andre 3000 has too many classic verses to count. That being said, his turn on “Int’l Players Anthem” might be one of his most celebrated. It’s quotable, eccentric, and it all plays out before the drums to the main instrumental kick in. It distinguishes Andre’s verse from the other rappers on the song, aka Big Boi and UGK. As beloved as the verse and the song is today, though, Pimp C was not happy when he first heard it. The things that make it unique are the very things that rubbed the UGK rapper the wrong way.
Andre 3000 shared this anecdote during his recent appearance on The Shop. He recounted the making of the song, and his unorthodox choice to remove the drums from his verse. He sent the verse back with just the sample, and Pimp C was livid. “Pimp was so mad at me,” Andre 3000 recalled. “Because they sent the beat and I wrote my verse, put my words down and I took the beat out for me to rap.” Pimp C wasn’t disappointed with the bars, but he felt like the song had been changed without his permission. “Pimp was like, ‘Fuck this muthaf*cka, man! This n**ga done goddamn took my beat out,” Andre said. “Who the f*ck he think he is?!’ He was really mad at the choice that I had made to take the beat [out].”
Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed. Andre 3000 told The Shop hosts that others made the case for keeping the verse the way it is. “I don’t know if it was Bun [B] or somebody,” the rapper called. “They were like, ‘Nah, but you don’t understand, when that beat drop, though, it sets it off.’ So it’s almost like a set-up. So it worked, and once he got that, he was like, ‘Okay, okay.’” The gamble paid off. “Int’l Players Anthem” peaked at number 70 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was UGK’s first and only entry on the charts, and remains their most successful single.
While The Shop episode marks the first time Andre 3000 has shared the Pimp C story, a similar anecdote was shared by A&R Jeff Sledge during a 2016 appearance on the A Waste of Time podcast. The change in Sledge’s version was that it was him, not Bun B, who urged Pimp C to keep Andre’s verse without the beat. “Let’s rock it like that,” the A&R recalls saying. “Because when Andre doing acapella and then when the beat drops, that’s when your verse drops. And then your verse is gonna lift the record up because now the beat is rocking and your verse is kicking.” Whoever made the call, we’re thankful.
Back in October, Megan Thee Stallion first began teasing her new era after freeing herself from her old record deal and going independent. In just a few days, she’ll reveal the culmination of her efforts in the form of her third album, Megan, which she announced just after launching her Hot Girl Summer Tour. Here’s everything to know about the new album.
Release Date:
Megan is out 6/28 via Hot Girl Productions LLC. Pre-save it here.
Features on the album include New York Drill rapper Kyle Ricch, who appears on “B.A.S.,” Japanese rapper Yuki Chiba, and Memphis rapper GloRilla, with whom Megan previously featured on “Wanna Be” and its remix. In addition, R&B star Victoria Monét appears on “Spin,” while Texas rap royalty (heh) UGK appears on “Paper Together” (whether that means an unreleased Pimp C verse is included remains to be seen). Megan said there is a hidden feature in a livestream:
— InquisitiveCarter.com (IG: @InquisitiveCarter) (@InquisitiveCEnt) June 26, 2024
Singles:
So far, Meg has released three singles: “Hiss“; “Cobra“; and “Boa.”
Artwork:
In sharing the cover for Megan, the Houston Hottie caused some controversy among fans, who decried the original art’s departure from the previously established snake theme of the promotion to date. However, it appeared Meg was ready for the backlash, as she had not just one but two snakier covers ready to go. You can see all three covers below.
The US leg of the Hot Girl Summer tour will be done before the album’s release, but there’s a European leg remaining. After that, Meg may swing back around to the states to perform all her new songs, so stay tuned.
Megan Thee Stallion’s new album, MEGAN, will be released this Friday. Ahead of the release, Hot Girl Meg has released the tracklist, revealing that UGK, GloRilla, Victoria Monet, and more will join her on the 18 tracks. You can see the full tracklist below.
50 Cent’s breakout hit “In Da Club” isn’t the only song to get the AI remix treatment today. Remakes of faves from Eminem, Tupac, UGK, and more were remade in the style of 1950s doo-wop and rock hits, and are going viral on social media as fans are delighted by the juxtaposition of modern lyrics and songwriting philosophies with sounds that evoke a more wholesome time — at least, in comparison.
After all, rock and roll stars like Chuck Berry and Little Richard were plenty controversial in their day, much the same way Eminem drew fire for his deliberately provocative lyrics. Singers like Sam Cooke tackled divisive sociopolitical topics the same way Tupac did, and it’s important to remember that even Elvis — the original Eminem — were largely considered sex symbols whose work was too racy for the relatively conservative climate of the midcentury, even if they’re considered pretty tame by today’s standards. Check out some of the remakes below.
Lil Wayne: https://twitter.com/AllHHSessions/status/1799284198005706961/video/1
Tupac: https://twitter.com/AllHHSessions/status/1799548625107718366/video/1
Eminem: https://twitter.com/AllHHSessions/status/1799656245974225099/video/1
Ugk: https://twitter.com/AllHHSessions/status/1799670328399974413/video/1
Young Thug: https://twitter.com/AllHHSessions/status/1799865845876703405/video/1
50 Cent: https://twitter.com/AllHHSessions/status/1799895616765694195/video/1
Sisqo: https://twitter.com/AllHHSessions/status/1800049570568913201/video/1
AI in music has been considered a bit of a hot topic recently, with AI-generated songs drawing both derision and acclaim as the works become more popular. However, there are still plenty of fans and music industry professionals who see a need for legislation to control how and when AI can be used, before it’s too late.
This week on Country Rap Tunes Podcast, Cory Mo & Kimberly Jones talk to the Legend himself Jazze Pha. They talk about his younger years growing up in the music industry. Working with R Kelly, Aaliyah, Missy Elliot, Ciara, UGK, Biggie, 2 Pac, Michael Jackson and much more. Jevon Dewand of the “Trap Stars” also joined in to talk about his new project ventures & how to live life the right way. This episode will inspire you to be motivated at what ever it is that you do in life. Ep. 1 Season 2.
When it comes to the music industry, especially the rap genre, one name that constantly resounds is that of Bun B. The rapper, whose real name is Bernard Freeman, has amassed a significant fortune over his illustrious career. As of 2024, Bun B’s estimated net worth stands at a commendable $4 million according to Celebrity Net Worth.
The Journey of Bun B
UGK.” class=”wp-image-687326″ srcset=”https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-71598869.jpg 1024w, https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-71598869-300×201.jpg 300w, https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-71598869-768×514.jpg 768w” sizes=”(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px” />ORLANDO, FL – AUGUST 06: UGK members Pimp C (L) and Bun B attends the First Annual Ozone Awards at the Bob Carr Auditorium August 06, 2006 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Ray Tamarra/Getty Images)
Bun B’s journey to wealth began in his hometown of Port Arthur, Texas. It was here that he established himself as one half of the legendary Southern rap duo UGK, alongside the late Pimp C. Their unique blend of gritty street narratives and soulful production laid the foundation for Bun B’s burgeoning career.
AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 17: Bun B performs onstage at ‘Earn Your Leisure & UnitedMasters Present #earnyourmasters Music Showcase’ during the 2022 SXSW Conference and Festivals on March 17, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Samantha Burkardt/Getty Images for SXSW)
Bun B’s net worth has been accumulated primarily through his music career. Album sales, concerts, and collaborations with various artists have all contributed significantly to his wealth. His solo albums, such as Trill and II Trill, have enjoyed considerable commercial success, further boosting his earnings.
Bun B’s Influence On Hip-Hop
HOUSTON, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 4: Rapper Bun B (Bernard Freeman) of UGK and The Suffers open when ZZ Top performs during Super Bowl Live at Root Memorial Square Park in Houston, Texas, on February 4, 2017. (Al Pereira/Getty Images)
Bun B’s contribution to the hip-hop industry extends beyond his personal wealth. As a prominent figure in the Southern rap scene, he has influenced a new generation of artists and helped put Southern hip-hop on the global map. His influence in the industry is undeniable and adds to his overall net worth in terms of cultural currency.
MIAMI BEACH, FL – OCTOBER 06: Bun B is seen backstage during the BET Hip Hop Awards 2018 at Fillmore Miami Beach on October 6, 2018 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET)
While music is the primary source of Bun B’s wealth, he has also explored other avenues of income including the launch of Trill Burgers. The rapper has made various investments over the years, although the details of these ventures are often kept private. In addition, Bun B bolstered his worth through his activities as a guest lecturer at Rice University, which demonstrates his diverse range of interests and talents.
HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 08: Rapper Bun B speaks in support of Democratic Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke at a campaign rally at White Oak Music Hall on October 8, 2018 in Houston, Texas. O’Rourke is running against incumbent Republican Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) in the midterm elections. (Photo by Loren Elliott/Getty Images)
At $4 million, Bun B’s net worth in 2024 reflects the success of a career spanning several decades. With new music continually in the works and his influence ever-present in the industry, it’s likely his wealth will continue to grow.
Bun B’s net worth is a testament to his skill, dedication, and influence in the music industry. Whether through his music, his investments, or his academic pursuits, the rapper has demonstrated a keen sense of business acumen. While Bun B’s net worth currently stands at $4 million, his wealth is not solely financial. His cultural impact and influence on the hip-hop industry are worth even more and will continue to resonate for many years to come.
Houston Hip Hop legend Pimp would’ve turned 50 years old today
Born Chad Lamont Butler on this day in 1973 in Port Arthur, Texas, Pimp C emerged into the Hip Hop scene with his partner Bun B to make the Underground Kingz (UGK) one of the greatest rap groups to come out of the Dirty South and undoubtedly the best rap duo from Texas.
In his illustrious three-decade-long career, the Pimp released nine UGK albums, six full-length solo albums, and even a posthumous book Sweet Jones: Pimp C’s Trill Life Story by Ozone Magazine owner Julia Beverly, which dropped this past summer.
Pimp C lost his life on December 4, 2007, from an overdose of promethazine syrup, which is called “lean” on the streets, in West Hollywood, California. He passed just weeks shy of his 34th birthday. Even though his physical presence is gone and sorely missed, many artists still pay homage to Sweet Jones through his music and dedication to his of their own music.
UGK.” class=”wp-image-687326″ srcset=”https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-71598869.jpg 1024w, https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-71598869-300×201.jpg 300w, https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-71598869-768×514.jpg 768w” sizes=”(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px” />
