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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Southern classic., October 24, 2006
Long before Chamillionaire was "Ridin' Dirty"(which was questionably changed to simply "Ridin'" when it made radio waves) on the charts, the Underground Kingz were ridin' dirtier than anyone else in the game; and to this day, this is still one of the grimiest records to come from the Dirty South. This is arguably UGK's greatest album(although Dirty Money is also a classic album), and was quite a few years before UGK were first exposed to the mainstream with Hova's "Big Pimpin'."
Some people new to the game probably think that Bun B, who makes a guest appearance on seemingly every Southern rapper's album, is some new cat who's trying to make waves in the underground. While I can see why they'd think this(Bun B is always hungry when he raps, leading one to believe he's trying to make an impact on the industry - despite the fact he already has made a significant one), Bun B has been in the biz for well over a decade, alongside his partner in rhyme(although, 'in crime' maybe more appropriate for Pimp C than it is for most), Pimp C. Together, they're the Underground Kingz, who identify themselves by the acronym of UGK. When they first came into the game, the South was obscure; now that it's blown up(especially their native land of Texas), one would think that UGK would get better publicity. Unfortunately the Kingz' publicity still doesn't compare to their skills, and only true heads have been able to check out their undeniably dope music.
Hailing from Port Author, they may not be Houstonians, but they still possess the love of flossin', and grindin', as well as slow hypnotic beats, and equally entrancing flows. On Ridin' Dirty, UGK provide one of the most revered music to ever come from the South; and for good reason. While one may criticise them for their admittedly limited subject matter(whips, drips, chips, tips, and tricks), they deliver their raps with so much finesse, and style that you can't help but overlook these issues. No matter how much these things are rapped about, UGK always provide an interesting take on them, complete with captivating rhymes, and superb flows. Their production? Just as somber, yet hypnotic as their flows.
Highlights? I'd say this album has gems, but in all honesty, it's a complete gold mine. Every single track on this album is a five-star cut, and even the outro has a dope enough beat to warrant it that label, despite the fact it's all shout-outs. Whether it's the smoothed out, Isley-sampled "One Day," the gritty "Murder," the Southern anthem "Diamonds & Wood," or the impressive showing of wordplay on "Touched"(which Jay-Z lifted a verse from on "99 Problems"), this album has something for every hip-hop head. If you're a fan of Southern rap, then you need this album; if you're a detractor of Southern rap, you also need to this album to show you just how great it is. If you're a head who isn't prejudices to coasts or regions, this album will have constant rotation, and you too will be able to appreciate the dopeness that is UGK.
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