UGK
| Company type | Hip hop duo |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1987 in Port Arthur, Texas, United States |
| Founder | Mitchell "Big Mitch" Queen, Chad "Pimp C" Butler |
| Defunct | 2007 |
| Headquarters | Port Arthur , United States |
| Products | Hip hop music, albums |
| Owner | Mitchell "Big Mitch" Queen, Chad "Pimp C" Butler, Bernard "Bun B" Freeman |
UGK—an abbreviation for Underground Kingz—was a hip-hop duo hailing from Port Arthur, Texas, established in 1987 by Mitchell "Big Mitch" Queen alongside Chad "Pimp C" Butler. After Big Mitch departed to focus on a football career, he was succeeded by Bernard "Bun B" Freeman, although Big Mitch continued to contribute to some UGK tracks.
Their initial major-label release, Too Hard to Swallow, came out in 1992, followed by multiple albums that charted on both the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. Among these was the eponymous Underground Kingz, which debuted atop the Billboard 200 in August 2007 and included the popular single "International Players Anthem (I Choose You)". UGK also featured prominently on influential songs such as "Big Pimpin'" by Jay-Z and "Sippin' on Some Syrup" by Three 6 Mafia. In 2005, Pimp C established UGK Records. The group ceased activity following Pimp C's passing on December 4, 2007.
Background
Emerging from Port Arthur, Texas—a city with a significant African American community but little rap recognition—UGK adopted the moniker "Underground Kingz" to reflect their distinctive country rap infused with local vernacular. Their musical style blended deep blues influences, gospel organ sounds, robust funk rhythms, and soulful melodies.
Bun B was known for his swift lyrical flow and refined wordplay; his stage name originated from a childhood nickname, "Bunny." Chad "Pimp C" Butler, whose father was a trumpet player, brought a background steeped in classical music and proficiency in multiple instruments. His vocal delivery was characterized by a high-pitched, provocative tone. Drawing inspiration from Run-DMC, Pimp C pushed beyond conventional boom bap beats by integrating the Roland TR-808 drum machine and emphasizing intricate hi-hat patterns, enhancing the complexity of their sound production.
Career and recordings
In 1992, UGK secured a five-album deal with Jive Records, releasing their major-label debut Too Hard to Swallow. This album combined fresh material with selections from their earlier work The Southern Way, although several explicit tracks were omitted and later surfaced on the Banned EP issued by Bigtyme Recordz. The song "Pocket Full of Stones" appeared on the soundtrack for Menace II Society in 1993.
Their sophomore effort, Super Tight, arrived in 1994 and entered the Billboard 200, peaking at number 95; their third studio album, Ridin' Dirty, climbed higher to number 15. Subsequently, UGK took a five-year break from recording.
In 2000, UGK's profile rose significantly due to guest appearances on Jay-Z's "Big Pimpin'" and Three 6 Mafia's "Sippin' on Some Syrup". Despite this exposure, Jive Records failed to leverage their momentum effectively; their fourth album, Dirty Money (2001), achieved only modest success.
Challenges emerged when Pimp C was incarcerated in 2002 for aggravated gun assault. During his imprisonment, Bun B sustained UGK's visibility through numerous guest features that referenced Pimp C. In this period, Jive Records released both a Best of UGK compilation and a Chopped & Screwed remix album. Both members embarked on solo ventures: Pimp C's solo debut Sweet James Jones Stories was released via Rap-A-Lot Records in 2005, while Bun B's Trill debuted at number six on the Billboard 200 and secured the top spot on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
Upon his parole release in December 2005, Pimp C launched his comeback album Pimpalation in July 2006.
UGK's fifth studio project, a self-titled double album Underground Kingz, was unveiled on August 7, 2007. Comprising 26 tracks and featuring collaborations with artists including Talib Kweli, Too Short, Rick Ross, Three 6 Mafia, OutKast, and British rapper Dizzee Rascal, the album showcased production credits from DJ Paul & Juicy J, Jazze Pha, Swizz Beatz, Lil Jon, Scarface, as well as Pimp C himself. The single "International Player's Anthem (I Choose You)" notably benefited from production by DJ Paul and Juicy J.
This release garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success, earning a four-star rating from AllMusic and reaching number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The track "International Player's Anthem (I Choose You)" became UGK’s sole entry on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number seventy.
2007–2009: Passing of Pimp C and UGK's dissolution
On December 4, 2007, Pimp C was discovered deceased in his room at the Mondrian Hotel located in West Hollywood, California, just three days subsequent to his performance alongside Too Short at Los Angeles' House of Blues. The Los Angeles County Fire Department arrived following a 9-1-1 emergency call and confirmed his death within the hotel.
In the wake of Pimp C’s passing, Bun B announced intentions to complete a final UGK album before dedicating himself fully to his solo endeavors. He stated in 2008, "We are still assembling this last UGK project since there is a substantial amount of recorded material." This final album, titled UGK 4 Life, was eventually released in 2009.
Musical style and inspirations
Bun B has acknowledged the impact of groups such as the Geto Boys, Eric B and Rakim, N.W.A, and A Tribe Called Quest on his artistry. UGK, especially through Pimp C’s contributions, has served as an influential force for musicians including Big Boi of Outkast, Boosie Badazz, and Paul Wall.
Discography
Studio albums
- Too Hard to Swallow (1992)
- Super Tight (1994)
- Ridin' Dirty (1996)
- Dirty Money (2001)
- Underground Kingz (2007)
- UGK 4 Life (2009)
Awards
|- | colspan="4" align="center" style="background:#FAEB86" | BET Awards |- | rowspan="2" style="background:#FAEB86" | 2008 || "International Players Anthem" || Video of the Year || |- | UGK || Best Group || |- | colspan="4" align="center" style="background:#FAEB86" | BET Hip Hop Awards |- | rowspan="2" style="background:#FAEB86" | 2007 || rowspan="2" | "International Players Anthem" || Best Collabo, Duo or Group || |- | Best Hip Hop Video || |- | colspan="4" align="center" style="background:#FAEB86" | Grammy Awards |- | style="background:#FAEB86" | 2001 || "Big Pimpin'" || rowspan="2" | Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group || |- | style="background:#FAEB86" | 2008 || "International Players Anthem" || |- | colspan="4" align="center" style="background:#FAEB86" | Ozone Awards |- | style="background:#FAEB86" | 2006 || rowspan="2" | UGK || Legend Award || |- | rowspan="3" style="background:#FAEB86" | 2008 || Best Group || |- | "International Players Anthem" || Best Video || |- | Underground Kingz || Best Album || |}