Houston’s own Bun B first launched his career in 1992 as half of the southern rap duo UGK, alongside Chad Butler, also known as “Pimp C.” Since then, he has played an important role in shaping the Southern hip-hop scene, as well as being a steward for the Houston community.
Bun B’s Music Career
In the early 90s, UGK took the rap world by storm releasing five chart topping albums and became pioneers in the Southern rap scene. Their self-titled double album “UnderGround Kingz” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and featured collaborations with influential rappers like Rick Ross, Outkast, Too Short, Three 6 Mafia and many others.
When Jay-Z wanted that distinct southern rap sound featured on his single “Big Pimpin’,” he called on UGK and they delivered, helping make the song an instant hit and being named on the Rolling Stones’ list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
After Pimp C’s untimely death, Bun B made a name for himself as a solo artist releasing five chart topping albums. He also continued collaborating as a solo artist with rap and hip-hop legends like Jay-Z, Beyonce, Lil Wayne and Drake.
Bun B in Houston
Bun B has been an integral member of the Houston community through his charitable work and his involvement in the Houston restaurant scene.
Bun B has been called the “unofficial Mayor of Houston,” and for good reason. Whether it is for music education in Houston or working to provide children in Houston’s underserved communities with healthy meals or building low-income housing for the community, you will find Bun B front and center for the cause.
When Hurricane Harvey devastated the region, Bun B began organizing rescue and relief efforts. Spear heading the Hand in Hand benefit with famed music manager Scooter Braun, the star-studded event featured musical performances by George Strait, Blake Shelton, Usher, Miranda Lambert and Demi Lovato, and raised more than $55 million in donations.
Bun B is not just a local legend, he also is a local business owner and educator.
He teamed up with restauranteur Andy Nguyen for the pop-up burger joint, Trill Burgers, named after Bun B himself, who is also known as the “Trill OG.” The pop-up restaurant is looking to have a permeant presence in the Houston restaurant scene later this year.
Bun B brings his knowledge of hip-hop to the classroom as a distinguished lecturer at Rice University. Co-lecturing with Rice University Professor Dr. Anthony Pinn, Bun B’s course, “Religion and Hip-Hop,” looks closely at the relationship between the two and how religion has played an important role within hip-hop’s history and culture.
Bun B is set to make history again as RODEOHOUSTON’s first Black male hip-hop headliner from Houston. He will take the stage Friday, March 11, for Black Heritage Day, presented by Kroger, along with some legendary special guests.
