Bernard Freeman, also known as Bun B has, seen and been through a lot in hip-hop, as one half of the legendary southern rap group UGK. He's battled adversary, witnessed both disappointment and success, repped for his hometown (before the South was running hip-hop), become one of the most influential southern rappers ever, and remained loyal to his group while also becoming a force on his own as a solo artist. Recently though, Bun B has been dealing with some issues that are on an entirely different and more personal level.
On December 4, 2007, Chad "Pimp C" Smith, the other half of UGK and rhyme partner of Bun B for nearly 20 years, passed during the height of the group's commercial success. Bun B has had to deal with the stress of handling the loss in the public's eye, while also keeping his and the group's career afloat. Before his untimely death, Pimp C and Bun B were working on the follow up to their commercially successful 2007 self-titled album, Underground Kingz. The loss put the unfinished album in limbo and left fans uncertain of the next move by the surviving member.
Throughout the loss and the hardships that followed right along with it, surviving UGK member Bun B has kept focused. He's found solace in his music and that's evident from the release of II Trill in 2007, the follow up to his successful solo debut. He has also been in the studio prepping the last and highly anticipated UGK album, 4 Life. The anticipation for the album has been creating a buzz in the hip-hop community since Pimp C's release from jail nearly two years, with loyal UGK fans eager to hear some new material from their favorite duo. Although Pimp C's untimely and tragic passing has put a somber note on the upcoming release date, fans are more than ready to listen to the underground legends once again.
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