UGK 4 Life

Of all the great duos in rap history, none can equal the mutual respect and creative equality shown by UGK. They were a perfectly balanced partnership. Bun B’s masterful rhymes merged with Pimp C’s earthy Southern attitude, and both took seriously the grand traditions of black Southern music: soul, blues, and gospel. Completed and overseen by Bun B in the wake of Pimp C.’s unexpected death in late 2007, UGK 4 Life forms a capstone to their formidable legacy. Though one can’t overstate Bun B’s importance to UGK’s final album, 4 Life belongs wholeheartedly to Pimp C. Just as “Nuthin’ But a G Thang” and “Dre Day” were the culmination of Dr. Dre’s vision of a new West Coast funk, “Swishas & Erb,” “Purse Come First,” and “Da Game Been Good To Me” formulate Pimp’s vision of Texas funk. As far as fundamental rap songs go, you won’t find anything more fearsome and resolute than “Harry A*****e,” “Used To Be” and “Steal Your Mind.” Bolstered by a company of lifelong friends and associates, UGK 4 Life is all about the duo’s shared conviction: in Southern soul music, in hip-hop history, and in each other.