Bun B and The Roots performing Int’l Player’s Anthem live in Houston.

Like Matt I was hoping to see Bun in the No.1 column this week, but he did fine landing at No.2. It’s not like I really expected II Trill to outtrill 3 Doors Down. Besides, 98,000 copies ain’t no joke these days.

[Photo of Bun B and El-P © virexmachina]

Picking up right where we left off, I give you the 2nd part of my chat with Bun B where I ask him about the new UGK album and the possibility of collaborating with the legendary DJ Premier. Plus, you won’t believe who he picked to win the 2008 NBA championship. (User-submitted questions are in italics.)

Peep game. (more…)

What began as a regular interview translated into a protracted back-and-forth with Bun B when the topic drifted to Pimp C’s legacy. I made the mistake of asking Bun what measures he would take to keep his friend’s music from being exploited a la B.I.G. and Pac. I don’t know if it was his diplomatic tact at play or the hectic schedule he was working with that day (he was on a flight back to Houston for a Louis Vuitton/II Trill listening session), but for whatever reason Bun took issue with one question and passionately defended Pimp’s family over a crime they haven’t even committed.

Here’s a transcript of my conversation with Bun, raw and unfiltered. (more…)

King Koopa and King of the Trill at II Trill listening session yesterday.
Check back later for my interview with Bun and much more.

In the meantime, feel free to drop your $.02 on II Trill.

[Photo © Rizoh]

What do you want me to ask the King of Trill tomorrow?

Bun B - “Swing on ‘Em” (Feat. Lupe Fiasco)
Lupe does his best “Look, mom, I can rock a southern beat!” expression on this one.
You gotta love it though. II Trill hits shelves on May 13th.

See also:
My II Trill Review
Bun B Keeps It Gangsta

…or so he says

Bun B + Lil Wayne - “Damn I’m Cold”
For some reason, this sounds slightly better than it did at the listening.

See also:
My II Trill Review (VIBE)

II Trill drops May 20. Chopped & Screwed version arrives June 3rd.

Can’t wait to hear what this sounds like. We haven’t seen a decent C & S album in a while. The last good one was probably Tha Carter II. Michael “5000″ Watts killed that.

Bun B’s II Trill Snippets (Runtime: 14 mins.)

From the latest issue of VIBE:

Bun B is discovering more sides to his story. The rap elder statesman’s second solo album shows growth and maturity, positioning him as a multifaceted stylist. While his solo debut, Trill (Rap-A-Lot, 2005), showcased collaborative clout, II Trill affirms his versatility. Hungry for Street Bun? See Another Soldier,” where he fires off a warning shot to suckers. Happy Bun? Try the syrupy “Good II Me” with R&B songbird Mya. For a mournful dose, there’s “Angel in the Sky,” a warm paean to his UGK partner, the late Pimp C. “Get Cha Issue” will satisfy conscious fans, as he rails against a corrupt justice system and proselytizes about religious responsibility. “Pay your tithes, put rings on your fingers and rims on your ride,” he raps.

(more…)