Video: UGK, “Da Game Been Good to Me”
- story THE FADER
Limp Club Med Akon single aside, UGK’s final studio album UGK 4 Life is remarkably solid. From nearly anyone else, something as plodding and introspective as “Da Game Been Good to Me” would be an interesting choice for a new single, but it’s also the kind of song that UGK excels at making, and it comes at the tail end of an album full of those moments: from the Society of Soul remake “Swishas and Erb” to “Used to Be,” the rap veteran meditation on going from nothing to legend to even the interludes. Mainly though, the album is full of moments that ooze love for pretty much all music ever. Not any specific genre, but a love of crafting an album, fitting tracks together and creating something cohesive that demands more than a brief skim through or casual listen. Ideally we’d be able to spend months with this album in the cars we don’t own, but even without all that we recommend spending actual dollars on this one. UGK 4 Life is out today.
Freeload: Method Man & Redman f. UGK, “City Lights”
- story THE FADER
Following Pimp C’s untimely passing we could’ve foreseen the influx of chorus samples, but Red and Meth, actual UGK contemporaries, are two of the last artists we’d have pegged to hop on the trend. For “City Lights,” the pair don full Dickies suits with Redman sounding kind of like Weezy and Method Man like Vincent Price with gold fronts on his canines. But Bun B is still the “The Bun,” even more limber over a molasses-thick bassline than when he was wrecking in The Fort.
Download: Method Man & Redman f. UGK, “City Lights”
FADER TV: Bun B, “Let Me See It” (Live at The Levi’s®/FADER Fort)
- story THE FADER
There are pros and there are bros and there certain individuals who are both. Bun B wasn’t even scheduled to perform at The Levi’s®/FADER Fort on Saturday—he was just hanging out in the VIP doing interviews and enjoying his birthday. But when Rick Ross was a no show, Bun came through and delivered a performance of solo and UGK classics that got the crowd going like few other artists did the whole week. We, in gratitude, delivered a big yellow birthday cake. Happy Birthday, Bun! Thanks for everything. Watch Bun receive birthday wishes from his fans and perform UGK’s “Let Me See It” live from The Fort.
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posted on Mar 23, 2009 in EVENTS LEVI'S/FADER FORT SHOW tags Bun B, EVENTS-LEVI'S/FADER FORT, Levi's FADER Fort, UGK
FADER TV: Where in the World Is… Bun B
- story THE FADER
Little known fact: the FADER conference room is actually the world’s first and only luxury teleportation device. It can transport up to 37 people across the farthest reaches of space and time, with full wet bar service and wi-fi. And it goes everywhere, whether the deepest ocean blue or the remotest of faraway hinterlands, at any point in history you so choose. So when the venerable Bun B came through our office the other day to play us the spectacular yet final UGK album (RIP Pimp C), we decided to be hospitable and offer Bun a free ride to the heart of the Astrodome, in his home turf of Houston. Bun was so satisfied with our little crack time-traveling operation he was compelled to do an exclusive freestyle. After he was through, we had a comfortable ride back to the safety of our block in Chelsea, sure as little chocolate Charlie balled around town in the VIP of the Glass Elevator. Take that, Swedes!
Video: Dizzee Rascal f. Bun B, “Where Da G’s?”
- story THE FADER
This was filmed in May of 2007, so it’s weird that it’s coming out now, sans Pimp’s verse, which is probably the best of the three on the original but whatever. People make strange decisions. Like flying all the way from London to Houston to buy Gangstavision glasses with money dug out of Paddington’s ass or signing with Def Jux when you have records with UGK called “Where Da G’s?”
Download the original over at AO “Sounds like: Spank Rock” L. Hater Thursdays!
FADER 40: Unpublished Pimp C Interview
- story THE FADER
Big, Texas-size oil-wells of ink have been spilled over the late great Chad Butler aka Pimp C since his passing last month, and more than a little by us. But in these days of heavy weather a little C can be the thing that keeps your head above water, so in that spirit we present this unpublished interview with the man himself, commissioned for the 40th issue of The FADER and never published because C, like Count Chocula, doesn’t show up in photographs. It contains some rare insight into the musical development of UGK and early TX rap, as well as some choice words for the current state of rap radio, rap magazines and C’s own status as “legend,”—exactly the kind of candor that made him a favorite target of radio call-in beef when he was alive. As we keep a lighter up for the Pimp, it’s only right that we remember him not just for his often-under-rated musical contribution but also for his indomitable, smack-talking spirit.
Audio: Three 6 Mafia f. UGK, “On Sum Chrome”
- story THE FADER
This beat is a total return to form for Triple 6, dark and all over the place. It also includes a totally charismatic verse from Pimp C about the support (and stuff) he got after he was released from jail. Funny and touching at the same time.
Audio: Pimp C Tribute on Damage Control Radio
- story THE FADER
Matt Sonzala of Houston So Real posted the audio from the December 4th edition of his Damage Control Radio, done in honor of Pimp C. The show features numerous underrated and unreleased Pimp C cuts as well as conversations about the man himself. You can download the show below, or at Matt’s blog where you can also get the tracklist and read his amazing interview with Bun B from yesterday. After the jump, read our never-before-seen story on Pimp C from Issue 40.
Download: Damage Control Pimp C Tribute
Audio: Pimp C
- story THE FADER
FADER contributor and UGK historian Andrew Noz has collected much of the music of Pimp C; UGK remixes, demo tracks, Pimp C productions, and a plethora of various musics. We learned the words to Ridin’ Dirty from that clean vinyl 12-inch! Listen to his music and celebrate his legacy here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here. You can and should also read Noz’s interview with Pimp C over at his site, Cocaine Blunts.
RIP Pimp C
- story THE FADER
We’re really hoping TMZ is full of shit, but more trustworthy sources seem to confirm it’s true. Check back for updates.
Update:
From Pimp C’s publicist:
It is with great regret that I must confirm that Chad Butler aka Pimp C, one half of the legendary UGK, was in fact discovered dead this morning.
Manager Rick Martin is asking that everyone please respect his family and those close to him at this time and refrain from rumors and innuendo.
Update: Pimp C’s manager’s statement regarding his death after the jump.
