Published: Tuesday - March 11, 2008
Words by Gritz
Bun B's II Trill album coverart Photo: Rap-A-Lot Records
If hip-hop were the United Nations, Bun B would certainly be the front-runner for Ban-Ki Moon's job. Think about it -- is there any better ambassador of the genre than Bernard Freeman? Within hip-hop, he is a living legend with almost two decades in the game; he's one half of UGK and one-third of one of the greatest summer jams ever created. To outsiders, he has never been anything less than gracious in person and thoughtful in the media.
With this in mind, I wasn't surprised when I walked into a New York listening party for his second solo album, II Trill, and looked at the track list to see that he draws on a diverse range of producers and guest artists. I also wasn't surprised to see that the likes of Talib Kweli, DJ Premier, and Crooked I had come through to show their support (apparently Dizzee Rascal was there as well -- check some pics here). Like no one else in hip-hop, Bun B brings people together. He could be a great label CEO (way better than Jay) or politician. But thankfully, he is also incredible at rapping.
Clearly, Bun is bringing the same approach on this album as he and his late partner Pimp C took on the excellent Underground Kingz -- they've got the swag and credibility to hang with anyone in the industry, so why not let everyone get down? Somehow the duo never felt drowned out on that album, but I wondered if Bun could feel present throughout a solo effort with all of the guests.
I don't think it's fair to judge an album based on one listen in a noisy room with an open bar, but let's just say this: 1) Bun pulls his weight (and then some) on every track, and 2) II Trill will definitely be worth checking when it drops. Below are just a few thoughts on a couple of songs, as well as a full track list (subject to change).
"That's Gangsta": When I first saw this, I thought a lead single with Sean Kingston and JR Rotem called "That's Gangsta" pretty much defined status quo. If I didn't know who Sean Kingston was, I might be led to believe that he is an adequate Akon knockoff, but unfortunately, I couldn't get his chubby, baby-faced smile out of my head, and that is not gangsta. All that said, the joint is pretty hot, and Bun runs through his own unique version of gangsterdom, which to him is about having convictions and standing up for what you believe in, not toting guns and bodying people.
"Damn I'm Cold" (feat. Weezy): Somewhere in 2007, Weezy probably surpassed Bun B for career guest verses, but I'm sure they've both stopped counting. What happens when two of the most sure things in rap collaboration get together? By the sounds of it, not the usual throwaway (if still better than most) verse from both of them. I was straining hard to make out Wayne's lyrics, but it was tough to get around the enormous Zach Randolph and three bonafide hoochies (I had previously only seen these at All-Star weekend in Vegas) to find a spot with better acoustics. Anyway, what's cool is that he and Bun go back and forth throughout the song, so it's way more than another phoned-in 16. Plus, it's produced by CHOPS! Word to Mountain Brothers.
"Swang On Em" (feat. Lupe): This joint sounded really dope, and it's definitely a slightly unexpected (and welcome) collabo. Lupe rips it over some cool horns; can't wait to hear again.
"I Luv That," "My Block," "Get Cha Issue": Three tracks in a row with no guests. Result? Probably my favorite part of the album upon first listen. What I like is that when Bun raps about politics, he comes off like a concerned voter rather than a angry soap-boxer or conspiracy theorist. He calls out the "liars, stealers, and philanderers," vividly describing the problems he actually sees at a local level, which is ultimately a lot more effective and sincere than the usual "F--- Bush" schtick. As I said, Bun B would make a great city mayor. I would definitely vote for him.
"Pop It 4 Pimp" (feat. Phatz & Webbie): This is a straight-up strip club joint with 808s banging out and a chorus loop that sounds like it borrowed liberally (sampled?) from "Back That Ass Up." Needless to say, it is awesome.
Note on Production: It goes without saying that Pimp C is sorely missed on this album, though he does pop up on "Underground Thang" and receive countless shoutouts from his grieving partner, including the candid dedication track "Angel In The Sky." However, it's clear that a lot of the guest producers tried to evoke the stripped down funk and twangy guitars of Pimp C's sound (aside from the Rotem / Scott Storch /Jazze Pha beats that sounded pretty much like you'd expect them to). For the most part, it works okay, though not nearly as well as it did when Chad himself put it down on Underground Kingz. Anyway, just something I noticed -- I'm sure someone with a better ear for production will down the influence when the album drops.
Bun B's II Trill tracklist
1. II Trill (prod. by Clinton Sparks) 2. That's Gangsta feat. Sean Kingston (prod. by J.R. Rotem) 3. Damn I'm Cold feat Lil Wayne (prod by Chops) 4. You're Everything (ft. Rick Ross, David Banner, 8 Ball & MJG) (Prod. by Mr. Lee) 5. Swang on Em feat Lupe (prod by Enigma) 6. I Luv That (Produced by Scott Storch) 7. My Block (prod by Jazze Pha) 8. Get Cha Issue (Produced by Bigg Tyme & Qwest) 9. Good II Me feat. Mya (prod by Bigg Tyme, co-produced by Intl Red, & Bun B) 10. Pop It 4 Pimp feat Phatz & Webbie (prod by Mouse) 11. Underground Thang feat Chamillionaire & Pimp C (prod by Cory MO) 12. If I Die 2Nite feat. Lyfe Jennings & Young Buck (Produced by J-Rock) 13. Another Soldier feat. Mddl Fngz (prod. by DJ Khalil) 14. If It Was Up II Me feat. Junior Reid (produced by Blackout Movement) 15. Angel in the Sky (Produced by Cozmo) 16. Keep It 100 (produced by Chops)
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