UGK

Southern rap pioneers UGK aren't out to change the world on their first album in six years, but the release's lush southern soul and emphasis on lyricism conjures the best aspects of a bygone era in southern hip-hop. Pimp C's rattling, nasal flow contrasts perfectly with Bun B's more austere baritone, and the rappers' themes are equally balanced, with the usual meditations on the drug trade ("Grind Hard") tempered by an underlying sorrow and ambivalence ("Cocaine"). It's the abiding dedication to realism that makes this album one of the best hip-hop offerings from 2007.

UGK are as Houston as oil rigs, having helped originate the slow-rolling drawl-and-brawl
sound that defines H-town hip-hop, but they were sidelined while their city blew up --
Pimp C, one half of UGK, recently spent four years behind bars for aggravated assault. UGK
is one monster comeback album: twenty-six tracks with guest spots from OutKast, Rick
Ross and T.I. Pimp C produces most cuts, going heavy on narcotic synth-funk tha... More >