UGK was a highly respected American hip-hop duo from Port Arthur, Texas, formed in 1987 by long-time friends Chad “Pimp C” Butler and Bernard “Bun B” Freeman. Their significant influence in hip-hop’s underground scene stemmed from their longevity and deep entrenchment in the genre. The duo’s music, characterized by its Southern rap style, has left a lasting legacy in the world of hip-hop.
In 1992, UGK released their debut EP, The Southern Way, through local record label Bigtyme Recordz. This initial release, available only as an audio cassette, quickly caught the attention of Jive Records, leading to a five-album contract. Later that year, UGK’s major-label debut album, Too Hard to Swallow, was released on November 10. The album featured new recordings as well as songs from The Southern Way. However, due to their explicit content, several tracks were excised from the final album but were later released on an EP titled Banned.
Their sophomore album, Super Tight…, released in 1994, marked UGK’s first appearance on the Billboard 200, peaking at #95. This was followed by their third album, Ridin’ Dirty, in 1996, which performed even better, reaching #15 on the Billboard 200. Despite the growing success, UGK went on a five-year hiatus after Ridin’ Dirty.
During their hiatus, UGK’s reputation soared through high-profile collaborations. In 2000, they featured on Jay-Z’s smash hit “Big Pimpin'” and Three 6 Mafia’s “Sippin’ on Some Sizzurp”. These appearances significantly boosted their popularity and fueled anticipation for their next project. However, Jive Records did not capitalize on this momentum, and their 2001 album Dirty Money received little promotion.
In 2002, further challenges emerged when Pimp C was incarcerated for an aggravated gun assault charge. During his incarceration, Bun B kept the UGK name alive through numerous guest appearances, often chanting “Free Pimp C!” Many peers in the industry also mentioned Pimp C in their songs. During this period, Jive Records released a Best of UGK album and a Chopped & Screwed remix album.
The necessity of solo careers became evident as Bun B released his solo album, Trill, in October 2005, which opened at #6 on the Billboard 200 and was certified gold by the RIAA. Pimp C was released from prison on December 30, 2005, and released his post-incarceration album, Pimpalation, in July 2006.
UGK made a triumphant return in August 2007 with their double album, Underground Kingz. This 26-track album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, bolstered by the hit single “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)”, featuring OutKast. The album featured a wide array of guest artists, including Talib Kweli, Too Short, Rick Ross, Z-RO, and others, with production by notable producers like DJ Paul & Juicy J and Lil Jon.
Tragically, on December 4, 2007, Pimp C was found dead in his hotel room in Los Angeles, California, due to an accidental overdose of promethazine/codeine syrup and a preexisting sleep apnea condition. His untimely death marked the end of UGK as a duo but solidified their status as legends in the hip-hop community. Their contributions to the genre, marked by their authentic Southern sound and influential collaborations, continue to be celebrated and remembered by fans and artists alike.
