The past two years have been great for Bun B. Almost as great as the UGK guest spot on “Big Pimpin’” that launched them into the homes of millions of MTV viewers around the globe, all wondering in unison, “Who are the hell are they?” Unfortunately, because of label and legal woes, UGK never got the chance to tell the rest of the world who they were. Now that the industry has a magnifying glass on the great state of Texas, it’s the perfect time for Bun to change all that. And with his first solo opus, Trill, the whole world will know who he is, and oh yeah, that Pimp C should be freed.

    As perhaps one of the most prolific artists of the past year, Bun has been featured on chart topping tracks from a number of artists including, Slim Thug, Young Jeezy, and Paul Wall. So it’s no surprise the track listing reads like a who’s who of Southern rap. Pimp C transcends incarceration for a few to deliver a superb 16 over the droopy guitar stabs of “Get Throwed,” alongside Z-Ro, Young Jeezy and President Carter himself.

    Now that America knows that Houstonians have a certain affinity for candy paint coated and wood grain laced rides, flamboyant diamond studded jewelry, and bass; lots and lots of bass, it’s safe to say that “Draped Up” can serve as the Houston hip-hop anthem. Especially the H-Town Mix which features the H-Town all-stars (Slim Thug, Mike Jones, Paul Wall, Lil Flip, Aztec, and Chamillionaire) all paying tribute to the things that make their state so damn great.

    Three of the most trill individuals in the country, Lil Jon, Ludacris and, of course, Bun, come together on “Trill Recognize Trill.” With Lil Jon’s signature razor sharp synths in the background, Ludacris boasts: “Since I was born, I’ve been the shit/ and money speaks for it self, so I ain’t never said shit.” 

    “Pushin’” finds Bun again sharing track time with a veteran, Scarface, as they entrancingly reminisce on the days they had to clock on the block and push weight across state lines. Young Jeezy also pops up again to share his trap tales, nicely holding his own among his elders. 

    But Trill isn’t all about freshly manicured automobiles and drug pushing. Bun finds time for the ladies, spiting sentimental on the Trey Songz produced and crooned, “Hold U Down,” and then, later on in the album, intimate club (or what ever Mr. Collipark calls his “movement”) with “Git It.” Those unfamiliar with UGK’s story, i.e. why they never blew up after “Big Pimpin’” Bun put everything on the table on “The Story.” Starting from “Too Hard to Swallow” all the way to the making of this album.

    While the album moves along smoothly, it does trip once or twice over some unneeded songs. The chaotic “Bun,” while good for reminding people whose album it is, becomes annoying after a minute and thirty seconds. “Retaliation is a Must” is definitely a track to overlook due to its ho-hum production and matching lyrics.

    Regardless of the imperfections, Buns patented flow and solid lyrics allows him to put out one of 05′s strongest albums. Pimp C would be proud.