Bun B - 'Trill OG' (Rap-A-Lot/Asylum)

Older and wiser, Bun B returns with more words of counsel on Trill OG. The maturity seed he planted on II Trill blossoms into a full-grown theme here, nourished by 808 blasts and hardbody rhymes. Bun sounds like a wounded warrior out to prove himself to the masses. That's a strange stance for the Texas vet to assume. Bun B has been spewing stone-cold rhymes since the 80s. As one half of UGK, he helped concoct some of the most innovative and uncompromising songs Southern rap has ever witnessed. Bun B has nothing to prove. But if he wants to spazz out on tracks and pummel beats into submission, who are we to complain?

If you enjoyed the first two installments in the Trill trilogy, you're going to love Trill OG. It offers familiar themes here: slabbin', hustlin', slammin' foes, all delivered with a steady, workmanlike approach to emceeing. The album opens with "Chuuch!" which would definitely put a smile on Pimp C's face. Bun pays respect to his late partner and proceeds to tell us that he came to represent H-town like James Prince Sr.

Familiar themes notwithstanding, there are a few pleasant surprises here. DJ Premier's stellar production on "Let 'Em Know" gives Bun a new sandbox to play with. It's a reminder that Bun and Primo would make a sick duo. "Right Now" turns out to be a solid posthumous collaboration between Pimp C and 2Pac with Trey Songz riding shotgun.

Speaking of collaborations, Bun's co-conspirators Drake, Jeezy, Twista, and Slim Thug turn in solid guest verses throughout. Make no mistakes, though, this is still Bun's show. Unlike his past work where guests threatened to overshadow his presence, Bun reminds us that he's in charge here. "When it comes to trill, I’m the litmus test." No questions there.

Like most quality follow-ups, Trill OG takes some getting used to. It starts off slow and improves in quality as it progresses. This is that special one that pulls you in gradually and eventually grows on you.

Bun B has been around longer than most new jacks have been alive. He's walked plenty of miles in those ol' skool Jordans. He proves on Trill OG that he can still kick it with the best of 'em. Aside from a couple stinkers ("Trillionaire" and "Counting Money All Day" were blatantly aimed at radio), Trill OG is a great musical journey.

Release Date: August 3, 2010