Bun B is one of the pioneers of Southern rap in the US, especially concerning the city of Houston. After a long struggle, hip-hop has finally gained a new respect for the South. Now more than ever, rappers from what are colloquially known as ‘The Dixies’ are being uplifted and empowered, and Bun B could be described as the initial spark that lit the fire.
Historically, the South has always been an extremely toxic environment for African-Americans, and unlike cities such as New York and Philadelphia, there still exists a relatively segregated society. Many refer to Atlanta as the heart of the South, but as far as hip-hop goes, Houston was one of the leading cities of golden age Southern rap music.
Born and raised in the city, Bun B is a Houston legend. A thoroughbred Texan, he is primarily known for his work as one-half of the hip-hop duo UGK. One of the city’s most prided groups, UGK, was among the first wave of rappers from the South to start turning heads. Along with the Geto Boys, during the late 1980s and early 1990s, they were quite literally the only act from the South who were known outside of the region.
Bun B, along with Pimp C (the other member of UGK), are the forefathers of Texas rap, and although they were not record-breaking, platinum-selling artists, they were the first glimmer of hope that the South had and proved that it was possible to reach beyond the Dixies. One of UGK’s most ground-breaking tracks was ‘Pocket Full of Stones’, released in 1993 by Jive Records. It was their first track to receive regular radio play in the US.
As one of hip-hop’s many regional pioneers, Bun B has always been a respected voice in hip-hop and speaking with the legendary Sway Calloway of Shade 45’s Sway In The Morning radio show in 2013, the rapper (real name Bernard Freeman) was asked who he believes are the best Mcs in the game to which he replied, “Dizzee Rascal in the UK I think is one of the most underestimated MCs period on the the planet. His technical skills are, dare I say, almost unmatched by any other emcee.”
Freeman then proceeded to name “Yelawolf, I think is an incredible emcee I think his breath control, his ability to put together as many words together before he has to take in another breath is something that not a lot of people can do and he he has learned to construct songs based around that breath control which I think is impressive.”
He continued, “number three I’d probably have to say Kendrick Lamar. Having Dr Dre as an overseer definitely helps but he’s very tenacious, he’s very raw and very hyped all the time. Number four probably Royce 5 “9” probably the most underrated lyricist in the game right now. His catalogue when you go back and look at it verse for verse it’s gonna be very hard for any emcee to really stand up against.” His absolute favourite was himself. You can watch the interview with Sway in the video below.
Bun B’s five favourite rappers:
- Dizzee Rascal
- Yelawolf
- Kendrick Lamar
- Royce 5′ 9″
- Bun B
