UGK - Underground Kingz
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Free Music Notes for Underground Kingz
Free Music Review: Still got a pocket full of stones
Hit: 4 Stars
UGK just like the geto boys helped to form hip hop in the south. Spittin for well over a decade the underground kingz are back with an impressive release. This double album has some good tracks and lyrics to entertain even a newcomer to the group. Filled with guest appearances that range from dope (kweli and big daddy kane) to wack as hell (rick ross) the album has something for everyone to enjoy. As with any double album you are going to find some garbageg that is on the album due to the number of songs on the cd. Roughly 85% of the album is dope though. My biggest complaint is some of the songs have repetitive subject matter, for example there are a couple of songs that are dedicated to their cars (chrome plated woman and candy). Some of the songs that have the same topic sound like the same song with a different beat. Other than that this album is a good release and worth buying.Free Music Review: Bout Time- A Return To Form By The Kaaaangz
Hit: 5 Stars
Finally this long awaited album has been released, the first UGK collective since 2001's Dirty Money, and like that album, it was delayed for quite a while and pushed back. Dirty Money was hot, but I think this one may even be better, dare I say it. The whole 2 disc set features UGK stickin to the script lyrically, good rider anthems, fun pimpin joints(unlike the played out dry ones that plague the airways today), some good gangsta tracks, and some deeper tracks over high quality production (for the most part). The producers include, Pimp C on a big chunk, N.O. Joe, 3-6's Juicy J and DJ Paul, Scarface, Jazze Pha, Lil Jon, and a myriad of lesser knowns, and even though the album is in step with the times, for many of the songs have a mainstream crunk and bounce beats, others pay hommage to the old-school ways. There are some smooth funky joints that reminisce of the UGK of the 90's, many of which were produced by N.O. Joe, Pimp C and Scarface. There is more of a mainstream feel lyrically on many; guests include, Too Short, OutKast, Dizzee Rascal, Slim Thug and a few others. I will say, more mainstream or not, I love the vibe of this album. Too Short and UGK remake Short's Life Is...Too Short in "Life Is 2009," with a similar beat to the original, but with more twang and bounce. Marley Marl produces a funky beat with Big daddy Kane and Kool G Rap dropping some old school style rhymes on "Next Up." Juicy J and DJ Paul create a Crunk-soul atmosphere on the relaxed banger "Int'l Players Anthem (I Choose You)." UGK exclaim why they have the streets sowed on "The Game Belongs To Me" with a smooth Texas Swang N Bang beat. N.O. Joe creates a slow rollin and twangy beat on "Cocaine", and Pimp C discusses how he was maintaining until Cocaine entered his life; Bun B drops some knowledge and history about it, while Rick Ross hustles it. UGK and Willie D pump up the south and explain why it rules, and if you don't like it, tough; the South is on hit, and is here to stay. "Shattered Dreams" is another smooth joint by Pimp C with some deeper life philosophy, dropping serious knowledge. We have the obligatory funky fun rider anthems like "Candy," produced by Scarface, which are for the six-fo's. Some mediocre mainstream crunk joints like the Lil Jon produced "like That" and like "Hit The Block" with T.I. with a weaker Swizz Beatz beat are too mainstream for me. Even if they are not for you like it they are not for me, do not let joints like those deter you because the other joints are phat. Overall, the filler is not enough to overpower the good ones. This album is definitely a UGK album, and the beats and lyrics are vintage UGK, and remind you why THEY are the kings of Texas, the south, and the underground, and hopefully, they will rule the mainstream!!! Pimp C's and Bun B's flows aer in tact, and they never fell off in my opinion. I hope this album sells at least 5X platinum! This album is a fitting album and what the mainstream needs, some trillness! Let's hope we don't heve to wait until 2012 or 2013 for the next album. Maybe they will hook up with Rap-A-Lot, who won't screw them over, and release an album sooner with as much ambition and fire as this one.Free Music Review: Rap-A-Lot Mafia Life
Hit: 5 Stars
More classic Texas raps from the Underground Kingz. I've loved all there records from years passed...and this is def. a great addition to their discography. Smoke Somethin', B1tch! Comin Down...Hold Up! I gotta cup fulla candy, numtumbout? It's Really Goin' DOWN!!! .......no need to make a list of favorite tracks...i really liked everything on here...Top Drop Dyne when I'm Ridin Thru the Town!Free Music Review: ..
Hit: 5 Stars
This became a instant classic and I don't care what nobody says, definitely one of the hardest (double) albums of all time.
R.I.P. Pimp C
Free Music Review: J.R. (Pimp C) and Bobby (Bun-B) Ewing release a 2 CD set of more country rap tunes.
Hit: 5 Stars
UGK has been one of my favorite Down South rap groups for awhile along with Scarface & The Geto Boys, Outkast and 8Ball & MJG. The last CD that UGK released as a group was 2001's Dirty Money. The CD was a collection of 10 new tracks, "Wood Wheel" which was on J-Prince Presents: Realest Down South, "Take It Off" which was on the "Corruptor" soundtrack, "Pimpin' Ain't No Illusion" which was on a CD single with a track called "Belts To Match", which was out atleast a year before "Dirty Money" was released and "Money, H***, and Power" which was on JD's "Instructions" CD. My favorite tracks from "Dirty Money" ended up being "Choppin' Blades", "Look At Me", "Gold Grill" w/8Ball & MJG, "Holdin' Na" w/C-Note and the title track. Purchasing "Dirty Money" made me go back and buy the rest of the UGK CD catalog: Ridin' Dirty,Super Tight..., and Too Hard to Swallow were quickly added to my CD collection, with "Ridin' Dirty" being my favorite out of all 4 CDs with tracks like "Diamonds & Wood", "One Day", "Pinky Ring", "F____ My Car", "Murder" and the title track being my favorites.
UGK is definitely one of the pioneers of the Down South rap music scene. However, with Jive Records basically fumbling the way that "Dirty Money" was handled overall and Pimp C's troubles with the law, it was up to Bun B to keep the UGK name alive (not that it needed too much help with the other 4 CDs still on the shelves). Although he admitted on the track "The Story" from "Trill" that he struggled during this time, in the end he knew what he had to do. Bun-B started getting on the grind and doing numerous guest appearances. He was featured on CDs from Scarface, 8Ball & MJG, David Banner, TI, Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Mike Jones, Beanie Sigel, and Lil Jon & The Eastside Boyz. Bun B was also featured on a track called "I's A Playa" that was on Sweet James Jones Stories, a CD that Pimp C had been working on before he went to jail that Rap A Lot tried to patch together and create a full length CD from. Twista and Z-Ro were also featured on the track, but other than "Hogg In The Game", "Comin' Up" with Lil Flip and Z-Ro, "I's A Playa", "Swang Low/A Key" and a couple of other tracks there wasn't too much to talk about.
Bun-B released his solo CD Trill once he created enough of a buzz to keep the UGK name current with an assortment of talent from Down South. My favorite track hands down was "Get Throwed" which featured Bun-B with Pimp C, Jay-Z and Young Jeezy, "The Story", "Draped Up", "Trill Recognize Trill w/Ludacris, "Pushin'" with Scarface and Young Jeezy and the "Draped Up (Remix)". Once Pimp C was released from jail, Rap A Lot quickly released a DVD entitled "Pimpalation" to let you know what Pimp C had been up to and to let you know about some guest appearances that he had already worked on once he was released from jail such as E-40's "White Girl" which was a track that also featured Juelz Santana, Bun B and Pimp C and "Chunk Up The Deuce" which was a track that had UGK with Paul Wall and Lil Keke. Pimp C then released the CD Pimpalation which featured my favorite track "Knockin' Doors Down" with Lil Keke and P.O.P., as well as, "Pourin' Up" with Bun B and Mike Jones, "Bobby & Whitney" w/8Ball & MJG, "Free" and "Rock 4 Rock" w/Scarface, Bun B and Willie D.
Finally, I started hearing a buzz that UGK would be releasing a CD on Jive Records before they made anymore major moves as a group. As always, I was skeptical because Jive Records always finds a way to mess up something that a rap act on their label tries to do. However, I felt like it was finally time for them to finally do right by UGK. The first track that I actually heard from this project was "The Game Belongs To Me". This track was vintage UGK and after hearing the song and seeing the video on MTV Jams a couple of times I was ready to hear more. I was listening to Shade 45 one night and they said that they had a new UGK and Outkast track and I was fortunate to hear the "Internaional Players Anthem" which definitely gave me a sign of what I should expect from the new UGK project. Andre 3000 basically sets the pace from the beginning of the track just like he did on Rich Boy's "Throw Some D's" (Remix) and on Devin The Dude's "What A Job" from his latest disc "Waitin' To Inhale" and UGK and Big Boi finish things off strong. When I found out that UGK was releasing a double CD of new material it just made me more anxious to hear the project. However, as Jive Records is known to do, just ask Clipse, the project kept getting pushed back and back.
On August 7th, 2007, "Underground Kingz" was released by "Richard" Chaney and Tony Snow and if you have ever been a fan of UGK you will be impressed by the majority of the material.
Disc 1
Things couldn't get off to any better of a start with "Swisha & Dosha". As soon as you hear the track, you will be reminded of your favorite tracks from Pimp C and Bun B from the past. Pimp C shouts out people he considers to be "trill" that are in the rap game such as 8Ball & MJG, Devin The Dude and Too Short and Bun B compliments the verse well as he is always known to do. "Chrome Plated Woman" is a decent track but once you put together your favorite tracks from the CD this will just end up being an average track. However, things get better fast with UGK paying tribute to Too Short's "Life Is Too Short" on "Life Is 2009". Scarface produces a nice update on the original track and Short Dog himself even joins in on the track as this song is easily one of my favorites on Disc 1. "Like That" (Remix) is clearly better than the original track that was produced by Lil Jon on Disc 2 as reviewer "Enlightened" pointed out. In reality, UGK should have just made this version the original track and told Lil Jon that we're not going to put the actual original version on this double CD set. "Gravy" continues the trend of A+ country rap tunes on Disc 1 as you will see why you won't want to wait 6 years before there is another UGK release like we did since "Dirty Money" was released. The title track is nice as well. I just wish Pimp C wouldn't have been saying "Kaaaaaannggzzzz!!!!" all over the track. The verses work for me, as well as, the Pimp C beat. The Runners produce a certified banger with "Take Tha Hood Back" which features Slim Thug on the hook, along with Vicious and Bun B's crew, Middle Fingaz. The track basically addresses snitches and fake "trill" n***** and what they should be subject to if the boys in the neighborhood find out about them. "Quit Hatin' The South" is a smooth track that samples Lattimore's "Let's Straighten It Out". The track also features Charlie Wilson and Willie D, who even raps in a monotone style instead of screaming like he is known for doing in the majority of his tracks. "Heaven" is a change of pace as far as the lyrical content of the track. Pimp C and Bun B wonder if there is a place for the hustlers in the street after their life of doing dirt is over. The first CD ends off on a good note with "Trill N***** Don't Die". The track takes the chorus from NWA's "Real N***** Don't Die" from their "EFIL 4 ZAGGIN" CD. Z-Ro gives a nice assist to UGK on the track and the song has you looking forward to popping in the second disc.
Disc 2
"How Long Can It Last", which features Charlie Wilson, easily became one of my favorite tracks because I instantly noticed the sample of one of my favorite old school slow jams in One Way's "Something From The Past". UGK wonders how long they can live and survive in the streets based on the life that they are living. Scarface produces another banger in "Still Ridin' Dirty". The track puts you in the mode of a track that would have been on Face's "Untouchable" or "The Diary" CD. UGK's lyrics are on point as usual and you will have yourself wishing that Scarface would have blessesd us with a fresh 16 bars on the track. Jazze Pha produces one of the few commercial tracks that are on this CD in "Stop-N-Go". However, Bun B's and Pimp C's lyrics will quickly help you forget that aspect of the track. The only thing that will have you not wanting to listen to the track is Jazze Pha trying to rap at the end of the track. He shoould just stick to saying this is a Jazzephizzleproductshizzle and saying "Ladies and Gentlemen!!!!!!". "Cocaine" is a track that has Pimp C talking about one of his favorite topics of choice. Rick Ross is also featured on the track and who better to make a guest appearance than the guy who was "Pushin' It To The Limit" all last year. "Real Women" basically ends up being a remix to Raheem DeVaughn's "Guess Who Loves You More" that was featured on The Love Experience. Talib Kweli also blends in very well on the track. Talib Kweli also has UGK and Raheem DeVaughn on a track entitled "Country Cousins" that is supposed to be featured on his upcoming CD Ear Drum that is scheduled to be released on August 21, 2007. "Candy" ends up being a smooth track that has Bun B taking a ride by himself with singer Kai Hicks. Scarface definitely impressed me with his production on this track as well. Jazze Pha shows up once again on "Tell Me How Ya Feel", eventhough, I originally thought that Mannie Fresh produced the track. You'll be glad that Jazze Pha stayed off of the microphone this time around. Now for a track that you would have never expected on a UGK CD: Marley Marl produces a track that has UGK, Big Daddy Kane and Kool G. Rap on one song. This track is definitely nice, however, as much as I like UGK, I never thought that I would hear Bun B out rap Big Daddy Kane. I was thoroughly impressed with UGK's performance on the track, as Kool G. Rap gives them a run for their money on "Next Up". It's basically a 2007 version of "The Symphony". "Living This Life" ends this double CD set perfectly. N.O. Joe produces the track just as nice as the work that he did on early Scarface CDs and on my favorite UGK CD, "Ridin' Dirty".
As a bonus, you get a version of "International Player's Anthem" with Three 6 Mafia, a chopped and screwed version of the same track, "Top Drop Dyne" with Cory Mo and a track entitled "Hit The Block" which features TI and is produced by Swizz Beatz. "Hit The Block" may grow on you after awhile but you will clearly see why it was a bonus track. There are some songs that you may not want to listen to on this double CD set such as "Like That" (the original version), "Grind Hard" and "2 Types Of B______" but when you have 29 tracks and an Outro on a CD and there are only 3 songs that I don't like, it's hard to go wrong. There are times when the CD gets repetitive, especially when Pimp C and Bun B start to rhyme similar lines in different songs, but there aren't enough faults on this 2 CD set to not give "Underground Kingz" a solid 4 to 5 star rating. My personal rating would be a 4.5 out of 5.
Overall, I have to applaud Jive Records for once for finally doing right by UGK. I don't know what UGK had to do to get Jive to step their game up but the final product gives you over 20 tracks from UGK that are vintage "Ridin' Dirty" UGK and that's all I can ask for as a consumer with the rap game the way it is now. UGK and Jive Records deserves alot of credit for this release. If you like any of UGK's previous releases you should pick up this double CD set.
James' Top 8
1) Still Ridin' Dirty w/Scarface (on the hook)
2) Swisha & Dosha
3) Life Is.... 2009 w/Too Short
4) Gravy
5) Living This Life
6) Like That (Remix)
7) How Long Will It Last w/Charlie Wilson
8) International Players Anthem w/Outkast
Honorable Mention:
The Game Belongs To Me
Trill N______ Don't Die w/Z-Ro
Real Women w/Talib Kweli & Raheem DeVaughn
Next Up w/Big Daddy Kane & Kool G. Rap
Candy