Bun B

Last updated

Bun B
Bun B 85 South Show Podcast 1.png
Bun B in 2024
Background information
Birth nameBernard James Freeman
Also known asBig Bun
Born (1973-03-19) March 19, 1973 (age 51)
Houston, Texas, U.S.
Origin Port Arthur, Texas, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
  • actor
  • entrepreneur
Discography
Years active1987–present
Labels
Formerly of UGK
Spouse
Angela Wells
​
(m. 2003)​

Bernard James Freeman (born March 19, 1973), [1] [2] known professionally as Bun B, is an American rapper. 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 five solo albums, including 2010's Trill OG , which received the rare 5-mic rating from The Source . [3]

Contents

He is also a guest lecturer at Rice University, located in Houston, Texas. [4] [5]

Life and career

UGK

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. [6] 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. [7] 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. [8]

Trill and beginning of solo career

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. [9] 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. Bun B also appeared in a documentary titled Screwed In Houston produced by VBS/ Vice that details the history of the Houston rap scene.

In October 2005, Bun B's debut solo album Trill was released. [10] Singles included "Draped Up", [10] "Git It", and "Get Throwed". [11] 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. [12]

II Trill

After Pimp C died in 2007, Bun B returned to a solo career. In 2008, he released his second album, II Trill . [9] 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. [13] 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.

Trill OG

Bun B performing in 2008 Bun B's Set @ The Loft, Atlanta (cropped).jpg
Bun B performing in 2008

Bun B's third album is Trill OG . In an interview with MTV Live, Bun B stated that 2Pac was set to feature on the album, claiming "It's a brand new verse." [14] The album was released under Universal Music Group [15] on August 3, 2010. [16]

Trill OG: The Epilogue

On October 28, 2011, a song titled "The Life" and produced by 14KT was leaked. On March 3, 2012, Bun B leaked a song featuring Royce da 5'9" and Redman titled "Stop Playin'" after he reached 400,000 followers on Twitter. He has not announced the song's appearance on his upcoming album [17]

Bun B performing in 2013 Bun B (2013) (cropped).jpg
Bun B performing in 2013

His fourth studio album was rumored to be titled, Trill 4 Life and scheduled for a 2013 release. [18] On August 22, 2013, Rap-A-Lot Records revealed that his Sony distributed fourth studio album will be released in October 2013. The album is to feature guest appearances from Rick Ross and 2 Chainz. [19] On October 4, 2013, the album was then officially announced to be titled Trill OG: The Epilogue and be released on November 12, 2013. The album was revealed to contain primarily leftover tracks from the Trill O.G. recording sessions. It was also confirmed to feature Pimp C, 2 Chainz, Rick Ross, Lil Boosie, Kirko Bangz, Big K.R.I.T., Raekwon, Z-Ro and Devin The Dude. [20] [21]

Bun B announced "The Trillest Tour" in January 2014. On January 30, the Houston native revealed the tour dates, where he was accompanied by fellow Houston native Kirko Bangz. The tour ran from March 6 until April 17, 2014. [22]

Other ventures

Awards

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.

Teaching

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 School of the Humanities on Hip hop and Religion. [23] Into 2013 Bun B continues to teach the course twice a week. [24]

Coloring book

On September 17, 2013, Freeman released a coloring book titled "Bun B's Rap Coloring Book" along with author Shea Serrano. Freeman and Serrano had previously talked about working together to make a book. At first they agreed on a "hip hop survival guide", but both agreed against the project. Later on, Serrano drew coloring pages of rappers that he posted on Tumblr. The pages quickly went viral. Freeman and Serrano then decided to make a whole coloring book. [25]

Trill Burgers

Bun B opened up Trill Burgers located on South Shepherd and Richmond Avenue in Houston, Texas. [26]

Personal life

Bun B has been married to Queenie since 2003 and has two stepchildren and seven step-grandchildren. [27] His stepson is American rapper Young-B, who is a member of the rap group Youngest N Charge, which is Bun B's opening act. [28]

On April 24, 2019, Bun B shot an armed intruder who was attempting to rob his Houston home. The intruder fled on foot. The suspect, DeMonte Jackson, was taken into custody by Houston police after arriving at the hospital. [29]

Discography

Studio albums

Collaborative albums

Filmography

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">UGK</span> American hip hop duo

UGK was an American hip hop duo from Houston, Texas, more specifically an outskirt called Port Arthur, Texas, formed in 1987, by Bernard "Bun B" Freeman and Chad "Pimp C" Butler. They released their first major-label album, Too Hard to Swallow, in 1992, followed by several other albums charting on the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts, including the self-titled Underground Kingz album, which contained their single "International Players Anthem " and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, in August 2007. The duo has also been featured on hit singles by several other artists, such as "Big Pimpin'" by Jay-Z and "Sippin' on Some Syrup" by Three 6 Mafia. Pimp C founded UGK Records in late 2005. On December 4, 2007, Pimp C died in his West Hollywood, California hotel room.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pimp C</span> American rapper (1973–2007)

Chad Lamont Butler, better known by his stage name Pimp C, was an American rapper and record producer. He was best known for his work with Bun B as one half of the hip-hop duo Underground Kingz (UGK).

<i>Pimpalation</i> 2006 studio album by Pimp C

Pimpalation is the second studio album by American rapper Pimp C from UGK. It was released on July 11, 2006, by Rap-A-Lot, Asylum, and Atlantic Records, making it the rapper's last solo album to be released during his lifetime. Recording sessions took place at Dean's List House of Hits, at M.A.D. Studios and Studio 7303 in Houston and at PatchWerk Recording Studios in Atlanta. Production was handled by several record producers, including Mr. Lee, Mike Dean, Jazze Pha and Mannie Fresh. The chopped and screwed version of the album was mixed by DJ Michael "5000" Watts. The album features a large number of guest performers, such as 8Ball & MJG, ABN, Ali & Gipp, Big Mike, Bun B, Chamillionaire, J. Prince, Lil' Boosie, Lil' Keke, Mike Jones, Scarface, Slim Thug, Tela, Webbie, and Willie D among others.

<i>Underground Kingz</i> 2007 studio album by UGK

Underground Kingz is the fifth studio album by American hip hop duo UGK. The album was released on August 7, 2007, by Jive Records. The production on the album was handled by multiple producers including Lil Jon, Jazze Pha, Swizz Beatz, DJ Paul and Pimp C himself. The album also features guest appearances from T.I., Talib Kweli, Rick Ross, Big Daddy Kane, Slim Thug, Too Short, Charlie Wilson, Outkast, Three 6 Mafia, and many more.

<i>Ridin Dirty</i> 1996 studio album by UGK

Ridin' Dirty is the third studio album by American hip hop duo UGK. It was released on July 30, 1996, by Jive Records. Despite no music videos or official singles being released, it is their best selling album with over 850,000 copies sold to date, with 70,000 copies sold in its first week.

"Get Throwed" is the third single from Bun B's debut album Trill. It features Pimp C, Z-Ro, Young Jeezy, and Jay-Z.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bun B discography</span>

The discography of Bun B, an American rapper, and one half of Southern hip hop group UGK, along with the late Pimp C.

Todd Angkasuwan is a Thai-American music video and documentary film director.

<i>II Trill</i> Album by Bun B

II Trill is the second solo studio album by American rapper Bun B. It was released on May 20, 2008, through Rap-A-Lot Records with distribution via Asylum Records and Atlantic Records, serving as a sequel to his successful debut 2005 album Trill.

<i>Trill OG</i> 2010 studio album by Bun B

Trill OG is the third studio album by American rapper Bun B. The album was released on August 3, 2010, by II Trill Enterprises, Rap-A-Lot Records and Fontana Distribution. On August 4, 2010, The Source magazine gave Trill OG its rare 5 mic rating.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DJ B-Do</span> Producer/Songwriter

Bradley Davis, professionally known by his stage name DJ B-Do, is an American Record producer affiliated with UGK. He is a member of hip hop duo Da Underdawgz with fellow rapper Young T.O.E., brought together by the late Pimp C.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Statik Selektah</span> American record producer and DJ

Patrick Owen Baril, professionally known as Statik Selektah, is an American record producer, disc jockey (DJ) and radio personality originally from the Boston, Massachusetts area. He is also the founder of Showoff Records. In 2010, he formed the hip hop group 1982, alongside American rapper Termanology. He has resided in New York City since 2004.

This is the discography of Pimp C, an American rapper, and one half of Southern hip hop group UGK, along with Bun B.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kirko Bangz</span> American rapper (born 1989)

Kirk Jerel Randle, better known by his stage name Kirko Bangz, is an American rapper known for his 2011 single "Drank in My Cup", which peaked at number 28 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). His guest appearance on Meek Mill's 2012 single, "Young & Gettin' It", peaked at number 86. As his following releases have failed to chart, he has been regarded as a one-hit wonder.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kirko Bangz discography</span>

This is the discography of Kirko Bangz, an American rapper, singer and record producer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keep It Trill</span> 2012 single by Kirko Bangz

Keep It Trill is a song by rapper and singer Kirko Bangz. It was the first single intended for his debut album Bigger Than Me, an album which never released. The song was released on November 30, 2012 by Warner Bros. Records. The music video was directed by Benny Boom and released on March 1, 2013.

<i>Extended Play</i> (Statik Selektah album) 2013 studio album by Statik Selektah

Extended Play is the fifth studio album by East Coast hip hop producer Statik Selektah. The album was released on June 18, 2013, by Duck Down Music Inc. and Showoff Records. The album features guest appearances from Action Bronson, Tony Touch, Raekwon, Joey Badass, Black Thought, N.O.R.E., Sean Price, Mac Miller, Mike Posner, Freddie Gibbs, Prodigy, Styles P, Bun B, Hit-Boy, Joell Ortiz, Evidence, Lecrae, Talib Kweli, and Flatbush Zombies among others.

<i>Trill OG: The Epilogue</i> 2013 studio album by Bun B

Trill OG: The Epilogue is the fourth studio album by American rapper Bun B. The album was released on November 11, 2013, by II Trill Enterprises, Rap-A-Lot Records and RED Music. The album features guest appearances from Big K.R.I.T., Lil' O, Pimp C, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, Raekwon, Kobe, Royce da 5'9", Z-Ro, Big Hawk, Lil Boosie, E.S.G., Redman, Kirko Bangz, Devin the Dude, Max Frost, Trae tha Truth, C-Note, Serani and Gator Main.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sound M.O.B.</span> Music production and songwriting duo

Sound M.O.B. is a music production and songwriting duo consisting of Brandon Tillman, better known as Pyro, and Raul Gonzalez, also known as DJ Ryu. They are best known for producing Kirko Bangz's "Drank In My Cup" & Meek Mill’s "Litty" featuring Tory Lanez.

<i>TrillStatik</i> 2019 studio album by Bun B & Statik Selektah

TrillStatik is a collaborative studio album by producer/DJ Statik Selektah and American rapper Bun B. The album features guest appearances from Method Man, Fat Joe, Smoke DZA, Westside Gunn, Uncle Murda, Big K.R.I.T., Talib Kweli and Paul Wall, among others. It was created entirely during an 11 hour livestream on YouTube, and was initially released exclusively through Tidal on April 20, 2019.

References

  1. ↑ "ACE Repertory". Ascap.com. Retrieved January 22, 2020.
  2. ↑ "Bun B | Biography, Albums, Streaming Links". AllMusic. Retrieved March 17, 2017.
  3. ↑ Lynch, Sean (August 3, 2010). "The Source Crowns Bun B's "Trill OG" a Hip-Hop Classic". Thesource.com . Archived from the original on March 7, 2012. Retrieved June 15, 2011.
  4. ↑ "Bun B, Rice University". Houston Press . 2011. Retrieved October 14, 2013.
  5. ↑ "Center for Engaged Research and Collaborative Learning (CERCL)". CERCL.
  6. ↑ "The 30 Greatest Hip Hop demos". Complex Networks . Retrieved December 28, 2012.
  7. ↑ "Songs No One Should Hear: UGK's Banned". Archived from the original on December 16, 2008. Retrieved November 2, 2012.
  8. ↑ Bush, John (May 20, 2008). "UGK > Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved April 13, 2012.
  9. 1 2 Jeffries, David (May 20, 2008). "Bun B > Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved July 19, 2008.
  10. 1 2 Orzeck, Kurt (October 17, 2005). "New Releases: Ashlee Simpson, Depeche Mode, Bun B, Stevie Wonder, Thrice, M.O.P. & More". MTV News. Archived from the original on December 17, 2005. Retrieved July 19, 2008.
  11. ↑ Reid, Shaheem (January 3, 2006). "25 Best Tracks of 2005". Mixtape Monday. MTV News. Archived from the original on January 7, 2006. Retrieved July 19, 2008.
  12. ↑ "Trill – Billboard Albums". Allmusic.
  13. ↑ Hasty, Katie (May 28, 2008). "3 Doors Down Cruisees To No. 1 On Album Chart". Billboard.
  14. ↑ "UGK: The Trill OG'z". WordofSouth.com. March 15, 2009. Retrieved July 1, 2009.[ permanent dead link ]
  15. ↑ Paine, Jake, "Bun B Moves From Asylum To Universal Music Group, Still With Rap-A-Lot," Feb. 27, 2010 Archived April 20, 2010, at the Wayback Machine , accessed December 20, 2010.
  16. ↑ Hanna, Mitchell, "Tuesday Rap Release Dates,"hiphopdx.com, May 18, 2010 Archived June 3, 2010, at the Wayback Machine , accessed December 20, 2010.
  17. ↑ Bun B "The Life [Prod. 14KT]" Archived May 10, 2015, at the Wayback Machine , accessed October 28, 2011.
  18. ↑ "Today In Hip-Hop: Bun B Celebrates His 40th Birthday – XXL". March 19, 2013.
  19. ↑ HipHopDX (August 23, 2013). "Rap-A-Lot Records Signs Distribution Deal With Sony RED, Plans Bun B Album". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on February 16, 2015. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  20. ↑ "Bun B Announces New Album – Rap Radar". Rap Radar. October 4, 2013. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  21. ↑ "Bun B Closes the 'Trill' Chapter". Rolling Stone. October 4, 2013. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  22. ↑ "Exclusive: Bun B & Kirko Bangz Announce The Trillest Tour". Revolt. Archived from the original on December 18, 2014. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
  23. ↑ Alexis, Nadeska, "Bun B to Teach Hip-Top and Religion Class at Rice University," 2010-06-22, Theboombox.com, accessed December 20, 2010.
  24. ↑ "Bun B Says The Elders May Have Not Raised Upcoming MCs Correctly – XXL". November 13, 2013.
  25. ↑ Bacher, Danielle (June 18, 2013). "Q&A: Bun B on the 'Incredible Journey' of Creating His Hip-Hop Coloring Book". Rolling Stone .
  26. ↑ Stewart, Kayla (July 10, 2023). "Trill Burgers Is as 'Houston' as a Restaurant Can Get". Texas Monthly. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
  27. ↑ "Bun B Talks Married pBliss! Peer Pressure, Family Values and More". UrbLife.com. July 8, 2010.
  28. ↑ Coleman II, C. Vernon (2010). Down With The King (September 2010 ed.). XXL (magazine). p. 62.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  29. ↑ Kreps, Daniel (April 24, 2019). "Bun B Shoots Armed Intruder During Robbery Attempt at Houston Home". Rolling Stone . Retrieved April 26, 2019.
  30. ↑ Horvath, Zachary (April 27, 2024). "Bun B Drops Off Feature-Packed Project "YOKOZUNA TRILL"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
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