The Collegiate Review: Bun B - Trill O.G.

Released: August 3, 2010

Label: Rap-a-Lot

Written By: Bernard "Dow Jones"

Beats: A

Lyrics: -A

Originality: A

"I came to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth I came to represent for the south In the streets and in the booth I came
from the bottom to the top And I'm out here doing my thang So if you're
trying to get it like I get it let the congregation sing!" - Chuuch!!!

UGK (short for Underground Kingz) was a hip-hop duo from Port Arthur, Texas formed in 1987 by the late Chad "Pimp C" Butler and Bernard "Bun B" Freeman who became his longtime
partner and friend. They released their first major label album, Too Hard to Swallow
in 1992, Thur-out their 23 Years of music production and the foundation
of UGK til today, both are noted for their ability to amplify the
others skills on the mic lyrically. With the Release of their 1st album
they were able to transform the meaning of underground music across the
south, causing a chain reaction of events which has inspired millions of
artist and fans across the globe, leading to several other albums
charting on the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts,
including the self-titled Gold Underground Kingz album which debuted at #1
on the Billboard 200 in 2007. From their underground success the group
has also been featured on hit singles by other artists, most notably
"Big Pimpin'" by Jay-Z and "Sippin' on Some Syrup" by Three 6 Mafia.

It's been 5 years since Bun B released his Gold debut solo album in 2005, Trill, and just 2 years since his 2008 release II Trill. Both albums charted very well on the Billboard 200, both charting in the Top 10. Bun B has put so many year of his life into music, and the
results have been truly fruitful, not only for him, but for fans as
well. Listeners have had the chance to see two people mature from young
street hustlers with a "Pocket Full of Stones", to creating the Grammy nominated "International Player's Anthem",
becoming two of Hip-Hop's most liked Icons, both earning their Stars
and Strips in the Industry and Streets. Bun B has been "around way
before the Interstate was on Fire, Before they hid it in the gas tank
or the Tire, Before a motherfucker even knew about a stash box, We
just put work in the back of the car, and then mashed out!" - Pushin',
and the multimillion dollar high tech recording studios of today. Pimp C
and Bun B are like uncles to many artist, fans, and listeners around
the country, demanding the respect of even the wealthiest and proclaimed
artist of any genre of music around the world, their story is LEGENDARY
in Texas.

With this album, Bun B put himself at the top of the Hottest Artist of 2010, creating one of the best Hip-Hop albums of the year, so far. Making History yet again, with his 3rd official
solo album Trill O.G., which received a 5 Mic "Classic" rating
in The Source Magazine - the first album in over five years to receive
the honor. This is truly an Honor, in the days of Lil Wayne, Drake,
Eminem, and Jay-Z dominating record sales in Hip-Hop. However, this
Honor goes beyond record sales, it's a message, it's a movement, it's a
Lifestyle. Many people who are fans of UGK will defiantly like the
album, it's the evolution of an artist into something great, historic,
and powerful, the story and tales of a true "Gladiator".

The album debuted at #4 on the Billboard 200, selling 39,838 copies in its first week. In its second week, it dropped 16 spots to #20, selling 16,100 copies. In its third week, it dropped 17 spots to #37, selling 10,400 copies. As of August 24, 2010, the album has sold 66,300 copies, independently. This is very well for an independent album, seeing how most artist are marketed by mega entertainment company's, who
invest millions into marketing the artist letting the world know thier
products are avilable; however, I have yet to see one tv ad promoting
this album or video on MTV or BET. The album was the 1st released under
Universal Music Group, after leaving Warner Music Group's Asylum
Records, bringing a new fresh sound to the album compared to his last.
It sounds like Bun was able to give fans what he wanted them to hear
from his heart, providing fans with a true testament to his story, not a
corporate studio album, but a real album for the fans and streets.

The album holds 16 original tracks, with 4 Deluxe Edition Bonus Tracks, meaning fans are getting their money's worth. Every song from start to
finish is truly a beautiful production, Bun B adds a spice and sound to
this album, that truly adds a sense of Royalty to his aura, adding
another ruby to his crown as, "King of the Trill". Producers for the
album range from Steve Below (8 out of 20 Tracks), Play-N-Skillz,
Boi-1da, DJ Premier, Drumma Boy, Big E, DJ B-Do & 40. Featured
artist on the album include some of the hottest artist out, even
Rap-a-Lot Founder J. Prince, T-Pain, Young Jeezy, Drake, Pimp C, 2Pac,
Trey Songz, Bluesman Ceddy St. Louis Aka Cedric: The Entertainer, Yo
Gotti, Gucci Mane, Twista, LeToya Luckett, Slim Thug, &
Play-N-Skillz. In the end, fans are left with a pleasant closing to a
respected series from "The King of the Trill", and one of Hip Hop's
most respected voices still outshines the vast majority of his peers,
including Drake and Gucci Mane in some areas.

Overall, we gave Trill O.G. by Bun B an "A",

If you haven't heard the album you're missing out possibly one of the best hip-hop album's this year, this album is a true step up from his past
two albums, even his Street Classic debut album Trill , which
is hard to top, including the singles "Draped Up", "Git It", and "Get
Throwed"! However, Bun brought everything to the table, filled up the
army tank, and took this album to the next level, bringing some of his
hardest lyrics and stories fit for tha house, car, club, party, where
ever, there's a track on this album for everyone. No song is left
unturned, untouched, or burnt, Bun B brought his "A" game for the fans
and listeners. The late Tupac Shakur and Pimp C, along with Trey Songz
bless the song, "Right Now", leaving listeners and fans wondering what
music would be like if Tupac and Pimp C were still alive, what type of
influence they would have on the world of music today? The track sounds
so authentic it feels like Pimp and Pac were both in the booth with Bun
layin down the track together. All tracks on the album have a mission
and purpose and each mission is met. Bun brings the Pain to Haters, and
Glory to all Gladiators. This is just the tip of the Iceberg, I know Bun
is goin to bless the people with another album for the streets, maybe
sooner than we think.

Fans will not be disappointed. R.I.P. PIMP C! UGK 4 LIFE!

"Y'all gon give me my respect, cause I earned that! Even though it's an expensive pound, we stil burnin' that! New Benz with the glass top;
yeah, we drove those! Know them things come out in glass pots! - Yeah,
we sold those! Just like that! ('EY!) Yeah, you know we 'bout that!
Just like that! (THAT!) Yeah, you know we 'bout that! (THAT!)" - Just
Like That

Buy It: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/trill-o-g/id383784955

5 Favorite Tracks

This Album is TRILL from start to finish!!!

1. "Chuuch!!!" (feat. J. Prince) (Produced By Steve Below)

2. "Just Like That" (feat. Young Jeezy) (Produced By Drumma Boy)

3. "Put It Down" (feat. Drake) (Produced By Boi-1da)

4. "Right Now" (feat. Pimp C, 2Pac & Trey Songz) (Produced By Steve Below)

5. "Countin' Money" (feat. Yo Gotti & Gucci Mane) (Produced By DJ B-Do)

+6. "Lights, Camera, Action" (Produced By Steve Below)

+7. "I Git Down 4 Mine" (Produced By Steve Below)

+8. "Snow Money" (Produced By Steve Below)

+9. "It's Been a Pleasure" (feat. Drake) (Produced By Boi-1da)