Customer Reviews

II Trill

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I made my first UGK purchase in the year 2001 when I bought Dirty Money. I had previously heard the track "Wood Wheel" and when I saw that the song was on this particular CD, that is what finally made me decide to check out a UGK CD. After hearing songs such as "Choppin' Blades", "Look At Me" and "Ain't That A B____", I decided to pick up the rest of UGK's discography at the time. UGK had previously released Too Hard to Swallow, Super Tight..., and what ended up being my all time UGK favorite, Ridin' Dirty.

When Pimp C had to do some time, Bun B maintained the UGK name as he was featured on various guest appearances ranging from collaborations with Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Mike Jones, Lil Jon, David Banner, Young Jeezy, Juvenile, Webbie and others. In 2005, while Pimp C was still incarcerated, Bun B dropped his first solo CD entitled Trill. My favorite track was clearly "Get Throwed", which featured Bun B with Pimp C, Jay Z and Young Jeezy. My other favorites included "The Story", "Pushin'" w/Scarface & Young Jeezy, "Trill Recognize Trill" w/Ludacris and I'm Fresh" w/Mannie Fresh. Once Pimp C was freed from jail, he released the compilation CD entitled Pimpalation. Obviously, a new UGK CD was in the works and various release dates were being brought out. Finally, in August of '07 we were blessed with a double CD of all new UGK songs on Underground Kingz. The first 2 singles were "The Game Belongs To Me" and "International Players Anthem" w/Outkast. There were atleast 20 tracks that I enjoyed personally and I am sure that the majority of UGK's fans were pleased with the effort as well.

Big plans were in the works with another Bun B solo CD that was in the making and I was driving home from work one day and I heard all of these UGK tracks playing in succession. When they finally got to a commercial that's when it was announced that Chad "Pimp C" Butler had passed away on December 4, 2007. For a second, I had to remember that yeah I am a UGK fan so I will miss him on the microphone but this man also had a wife, children, and family who loved him very much and would miss him way more than I would've. I was also curious to see how Bun B was doing during this time. I would go on [...] often to listen to his interviews just to see where his head was at during this difficult time for him.

Eventually, Bun B, who was already shceduled to release his solo CD in 2008, would go back to the studio to add additional tracks to his CD which was already finished for the most part. "2 Trill" was released on May 20, 2008. The CD gets off to an excellent start with the title track that starts with a J Prince intro and also features Z-Ro on the hook. Mixtape DJ Clinton Sparks provides a nice beat on this track as well. "That's Gangsta" is the first single and also features Sean Kingston. JR Rotem, who produced Rick Ross' "Push It", produces this track, which was the right choice for the first single. "Damn I'm Cold" features Lil Wayne, who is finally set to release "Carter 3" on June 10, 2008. The song is pretty good and you will just be glad that Lil Wayne isn't using that ridiculous voice recorder on this track. "You're Everything", which features Rick Ross, David Banner and 8 Ball & MJG, samples one of my all time favorite 90s slow jams in Jodeci's "Cry For You". All of the rappers contribute nice verses and 8Ball even pays homage to the old and new school of the South during his verse. I definitely wasn't expecting to hear Lupe Fiasco on a Bun B CD, but the 2 rappers actually make things work on "Swang On Em". The track will remind you of "On Everything", which paired David Banner and Twista on David Banner's last CD Certified, because of the band like affect on the production. Jazze Pha produces "My Block", which should grow on you awhile after you the hook a couple of times. "Get Cha Issue" has Bun B taking issue with the dishonest preachers, poilce officers and politicians that are in the world today. He takes offense to the preachers who take advantage of the donations that are made by hard working people and then transformed into Cadillac Escalades, rims, and designer suits. He also takes offense to police officers who use their badge to walk on the wrong side of the law. "Underground Thang" features Pimp C and Chamillionaire on a Cory Mo production. Pimp C gives an energetic performance and Chamillionaire reminds us of why we thought that "The Sound Of Revenge" was a nice CD. "If I Die 2 Night" features Lyfe Jennings, who just released his 3rd disc "Lyfe Change" and Young Buck on a track. Bun B delivers 2 strong verses and Young Buck closes things out on a good note. Junior Reid comes through just as strong as he did on Game's "One Blood" on the track "If It Was Up To Me". The pace is slower this time around and Bun is able to spread some knowledge. Bun B's dedication to Pimp C is "Angel In The Sky". It will be obvious that it samples Stevie Wonder's "Ribbon In The Sky" but Bun B creates one of his best songs ever with this heartfelt tribute to Chad "Pimp C" Butler. "Keep It 100" ends the CD off a nice note as you will be bobbin' your head to the beat from "Chops".

The CD features 2 bonus tracks: "City Of The Swang" w/Slim Thug and Mike Jones and "Some H__s" w/Bulletproof, Chino XL and Killer Mike. The 2nd bonus track is the true definition of why some collaborations just don't work. Killer Mike has a nice verse but this track will not be missed by too many people who couldn't get the bonus tracks. When you listen to "City Of The Swang" you will understand why Mike Jones' 2nd official CD has yet to be released and why no one bought the "American Dream" DVD/CD.

There are a couple of tracks that you will want to use the skip button for: "I Luv That", which I know was made for the clubs but it just doesn't work, "Pop It 4 Pimp" which is basically Back That Azz Up 2008 and features terrible verses from Juvenile & Webbie and "Good II Me" which features Mya and a terrible use of the SOS Band sample "Just Be Good To Me".

Overall, Bun B definitely shows that he is capable once again of holding down a "solo" CD. The problem that occurs is that there are too many guest appearances on this CD just like there were on "Trill". Since, the majority of the material is quality many people will forgive that, you just find yourself wishing that he kept the guest appearances to a minimum of maybe 5 tracks. According to Bun B, there will still be another UGK CD released and I will definitely be looking forward to that moment. If you enjoyed "Trill", then you should also add "2 Trill" to your collection.

James' Top 5

1) 2 Trill w/Z-Ro & J Prince
2) Keep It 100
3) Angel In The Sky w/Razah
4) Swang On Em w/Lupe Fiasco
5) Get Cha Issue

Honorable Mention:

Underground Thang w/Pimp C & Chamillionaire
That's Gangsta w/Sean Kingston
If It Was Up To Me w/Junior Reid
You're Everything w/Rick Ross, David Banner and 8Ball & MJG
If I Die 2 Night w/Lyfe Jennings & Young Buck
Damn I'm Cold w/Lil Wayne

RIP Pimp C; UGK 4 Life

It been about 2 and a half years since his "Trill" was released (4.5 stars), and Bun B, the remaining member of UGK drops a classic here, and I'm gonna say that this will probably be one of the top 5 album of 2008. It starts a little slow but after track 6 it never looks back. With 16 songs, you get 1 classic, 4 almost classics, 2 ok songs, and the other 9 are good, with most being real good. Guests are a little heavy though, on all but 3 songs (only doing the hook on 6 and rapping on 7). After 16 years in the rap game, Bun B shows he still has one of the coldest and tightest flows that not many can match. Production is nice as well,a nd handled by many people. Chops and Bigg Tyme each do 2 songs, Clinton Sparks, J.R. Rotem, Mr. Lee, Enigma, Scott Storch, Jazze Pha, Mouse, J. Rock, Cory Mo, Blackout Movement, Cozmo, and DJ Khalil all do 1 song. A must have album form one of the realest and best rappers.

#1 - 8.5 (f/ Z-Ro)
#2 - 8.5 (f/ Sean Kingston)
#3 - 7 (f/ Lil Wayne -- be much better without him as I think he is the MOST OVERATED rapper out)
#4 - 8 (f/ Rick Ross, David Banner, Eightball, MJG)
#5 - 8
#6 - 7 (f/ Lupe Fiasco)
#7 - 8.5 (f/ Jazze Pha -- good beat)
#8 - 9.5 (tight beat)
#9 - 9 (f/ Juvenile & Webbie -- nice beat)
#10 - 9.5 (f/ Mya -- tight upbeat sample for the beat)
#11 - 8 (f/ Chamillionaire & Pimp C {R.I.P.})
#12 - 9.5 (f/ Young Buck & Lyfe Jennings -- tight beat)
#13 - 9 (f/ Mddl Fngz & Cobe)
#14 - 9 (f/ Junior Reid -- deeper song)
#16 - 10 (CLASSIC -- deep heart felt dedication to Pimp C)
#18 - 9.5 (tight beat)

Bernard Freeman -- b. 3/19/73 -- Port Arthur, TX
Check all my reviews

With his first solo release since UGKs (Underground Kingz double cd). While others may claim that they keep real, they dont even come close to Bun B. He's on his game on just every track on II Trill (sequel to 2006's Trill).

Whether he's talking about the war in Iraq, bringing our troops home, deficient school, political system and poverty in the US (taking care of our own, first instead of everyone else). Or just being Bun B talking about the hooked up rides, clubs and the women there. He's always doing it with a skill, fierce style of rap that will have folks taking notice and with II Trill. Bun B reps his home town, family and his partner in all things Pimp C.

Much respect to Bun B for putting out an album that balances between the political and wordly issues and just going out having fun, partying. It's a well done cd overall and should be on music listeners and industry heads as well.

It's II Trill.

Bun B relfects on the fact that he and Pimp C are the Underground Kings with an album that gives us a look at his southern heritage and smooth effortless flow. He compilates his album with some of the hottest rappers in the game but is not overshadowed. This album mirrors his wisdom and experience as an MC, and is a testament to his legacy as one of the most influencial rappers in the South. Some of the hottest joints on this album, for the readers are That's Gangsta, Damn I'm Cold, You're Everything, and If I Die II Night. These tracks are a contrast of his mainstream sound and Bun B's ability to go deeper into his craft. Hope you enjoy these tracks as much as I did.

Mark my words this whole CD will be in heavy rotation all summer long. There is not one track on this disk that makes you want to press skip. It goes from hard street beats to smooth funk grooves effortlessly. Bun has honed his craft to a fine art. All of the guests on this seem to fit perfectly. This is hot, an instant classic, and one of my favorte CD's of all time. Bun deserves all of the attention and respect he can get. LONG LIVE PIMP C!!!

All the hype for this cd and nothing delivered. I was toltally disapointed in Bun-B for this one.... I mean I figurred he had alot to rap about with loosing Pimp-C but I guess his train of thought was elsewere.... O well Im not loosing hope in one of the greatest but this albulm was defffiantly garbageee.

RIP PIMP C

First and foremost, I have to give Bun B mad props for keeping his head up during some of the toughest times in his life with the passing of Pimp C. I'm sure thats real hard thing to swallow loosing someone real close to you. And as you can tell Pimp C is heavily missed on this album.

Okay, now for the album. II Trill damn near pics up where the first Trill one left off. Bun B has always been great putting out some club bangers to keep his fans attention. "I'm A Gangsta" with Sean Kingston and "Swang On 'Em" with Lupe Fiasco. Another thing I've always admired about Bun B is that he always kept his rhymes tight while repping the south. "You're Everything" is a standout with Rick Ross, David Banner, and Eightball & MJG. "Underground Thang" is the only track where Pimp C appears on. That track also features Chamillionare as well. For some reason, the track "Good II Me" featuring Mya had me hit the repeat button a few times.

Then there are those introspective tracks that Bun has. "Get Cha Issue", Bun speaks to those who claim to be imporant in this world and not doing anything. "If It Was Up To Me" with Junior Reed is another track where Bun reflects on the life everyone is living. I'm sure we can all agree on "Angel In The Sky" as a good one, as Bun has a track dedicated to the late Pimp C. I really have to admit, that track was real deep, and if you haven't heard it, I recommend you check it out. Thats a nice interplotation of Steve Wonder's "Ribbon In The Sky" as well. Then Bun ends the album on a high note on "Keep It 100" as he manages to keep the party going.

Depending on where you purchased this, you get two bonus tracks. You have "City Of Swang" with Paul Wall and Mike Jones (who is below average as usual). Then you have "Some Hoes" with Bullet Proof, Killer Mike, and Chino XL which is a nice track.

Bun B did it up in '08, despite some major setbacks. His second solo is great to bump to in the car whenever you are going out. Despite a few tracks that failed to stand out (such as "Pop It 4 Pimp"), Bun B shows you why he is one of the greatest here in the south, and can't no one take that away. If you don't have this album, I recommend you make this you next purchase. Peace.

R.I.P. Pimp C ("Trill ****** neva die" -Bun B)

Lyrics: A-
Production: B+
Guest Appearances: B-
Musical Vibes: A

Top 5 Tracks:
1. Angel In The Sky (featuring Lil' Razah)
2. Swang On 'Em (featuring Lupe Fiasco)
3. Be Good II Me (featuring Mya)
4. That's Gangsta (featuring Sean Kingston)
5. Undeground Thang (featuring Pimp C and Chamillionare)

Honorable Mention:
1. Damn I'm Cold (featuring Lil Wayne)
2. Keep It 100
3. You're Everything (featuring Rick Ross, David Banner, and Eightball & MJG)
4. Some Hoes (featuring Bullet Proof, Chino XL, and Killer Mike)

It's Hot. PERIOD.
5 star Fave's are
If I Die Tonight
That's Gangsta
Keep It 100
You're Everything
Damn I'm Cold
Angel In The Skye (Real talk..RIP Chad Butler AKA Pimp C)
4 stars
My Block
Come See Me
II Trill
Wasn't expecting it to be THIS TIGHT.

Solid album but you can tell the late great Pimp C is missing from the production in that none of the music really has any solid instruments being played (bass guitar etc.) in it which was a hallmark signature of UGK's music production. Dont get it twisted, Im a UGK-Bun B fan all day long and lyrically Bun B cant be faded but that part of their music production is gone it seems and it shows in this album. Other than that its definately well worth the money spent buying this album.

I am a 39 year old woman who grew up on Eric B & Rakim, Run DMC, Big Daddy Kane- real lyricists. Later 2Pac was it fo me. This Bun B CD is reminicient of old school rap music- not hip hop. I love this CD. Bun is right on point with his lyrics and style. This is how it should be done. Bun B is not trying to emulate this weak music that is currently out there; this is music the way he wants to do. I love it and I'm not a big fan of rap music anymore. But I do love music. Listen to his lyrics, appreciate what he is saying. "Angel in the Sky" is the standout track. Dam I'm Cold with Lil Wayne, Get Cha Issue, Underground Thang, Keep It 100 are all good cuts. Check the lyrics; you'll get educated.