With his partner
Pimp C struggling with legal problems and eventually incarceration, fellow UGK member
Bun B was forced to go it alone. His Mddl Fngz project was satisfying and his guest appearances are always welcome, but with
Trill he establishes himself as an exciting solo artist benefiting from both experience and the hunger of someone just joining the game. There's a ridiculously star-studded guest list to come, but before thrilling the listener with
Jay-Z,
Ludacris,
Ying Yang Twins,
Mannie Fresh, and even
Too Short,
Bun B takes the first highlight for his own, delivering "Bun" like an up-and-comer on his first big mixtape. Beating
Mike Jones and
Paul Wall at their own game,
B follows up his new anthem with two hooky hanging-out tracks, the celebrity-packed "Get Throwed" with
Z-Ro and
Jay-Z and the magnificent "Draped Up" featuring
Lil' Keke and referencing
DJ Screw for Southern hood authenticity. As the album progresses with one inspired guest appearance after another and 31 flavors of hip-hop for the tasting,
Trill becomes the more street-level alternative to its guest star
Lil Jon's grand Crunk Juice. The big difference is
Trill is born out of necessity, a need to keep the UGK spirit alive and
Bun B in the spotlight by proving he still has it. On all counts, it succeeds. [
Trill was also made available in a clean version, with all explicit material removed.] ~ David Jeffries