Bun B
Trill O.G.
(Rap-A-Lot)

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Beats: XL
Lyrics: XL
Originality: L

Bun B understands that you have to give respect to get respect. As one-half of the legendary UGK, the Port Arthur, Texan unselfishly represents for the now-deceased Pimp C at every turn. Maybe that’s why he is so beloved by his peers. Now he gets plenty of assistance as he returns to round out his solo trilogy (2005’s Trill, 2008’s II Trill) with the cleverly titled Trill O.G.

Bun demands his props early. On the Drumma Boy–produced “Just Like That,” the star MC and his guest Jeezy prove their worth, with Bun putting his stripes on full display, barking, “I paid the cost to be the boss, I can show you the receipt for it/Trillest in the game, every nigga in the streets know it.” The high-powered collaborations don’t stop there. “Right Now,” which features unreleased verses from Pimp C and 2Pac, sounds hauntingly authentic, as Bun nestles his bars perfectly between the two posthumous performances, all accentuated by beatmaker Steve Below’s breezy horns. The Trillionaire then offers a contrasting sound and captures a New York edge when he hooks up with DJ Premier for “Let Em Know.” Still, the album remains distinctly Southern. Want proof? Check songs like the Yo Gotti– and Gucci Mane–assisted trunk rattler “Countin’ Money” and “Ridin’ Slow,” featuring Slim Thug.

“It’s Been a Pleasure,” the second of two collabs with Drake, closes the album and stands as its most heartfelt track. On it, the veteran Bun reflects on his time in the game. While the track sounds like a swan song, the seasoned MC isn’t exactly saying goodbye to rap. However, whenever he does decide to hang it up, Trill O.G. will surely go down as a testament to why Bun B is one of the trillest to ever do it. —Calvin Stovall

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