Underground Kingz (UGK) Banned (Big Tyme Records, 1992)

I first became aware of this release as a child when I spotted it in the cd college that my uncle kept in his car. The cd was in its jewel case, but it had no inlet or cover. All I saw was the giant “BANNED.” Naturally, my interest was sparked, but I wasn’t able to hear the actual record until many years later.

Banned is essentially an ep full of songs that Jive refused to release on UGK’s 1992 debut album Too Hard To Swallow, which was the “cleaned up” version of their underground EP The Southern Way. The songs on Banned contain some of the sickest (in a bad way) lyrics I have ever heard. This is essentially a glimpse into the bottoms of Black society, with a hit (huge hit) of shock value. On to the breakdown…

“INTRO”

Tame compared to the next two songs. Riding a hard beat, Bun B pumps Texas testosterone over the course of 2 and a half minutes. I love it when MCs rhyme on intros.

“PREGNANT PU**Y”

Pimp C and Bun B’s ode to maiesiophilia is the release’s strongest, strangest, and sickest’s track. The rappers discuss their desire for pregnant women because you get “2 for the price of 1.” There is no use of metaphors or figurative language here. Pimp and Bun make their intent pretty clear in the opening line, “I guess you can call me a family man/Cause I care for bitches’ babies every chance that I can.” Disgusting? Yes. However, the beat is cold and UGK rip it hard. DJ Screw’s mix is even harder

“Mutha Ain’t Mine”

UGK’s tribute to deadbeat dad’s/dad’s to be. On the track, Pimp and Bun have two different reasons for not claiming their unborn fetuses. Bun says that he couldn’t have gotten his hypothetical women pregnant because he doesn’t make love, he f*cks. Apparently the latter cannot produce a baby. Pimp’s perspective is a little more reasonable as he denies responsibility because he always uses protection. The artists make references to physical violence, sexual deviancy, and unconventional abortion methods (coat hanger, punch in the stomach) throughout the track. I actually find this song more disgusting than the previous because I feel that it is somewhat based in reality. I’m not saying that Pimp and Bun were bad fathers. I’ve heard quite the contrary. I do feel like they are touching on attitudes that were/are very present among men in the Black community.

I must say that these songs should not be taken too seriously, if seriously at all. This was 1992, post Niggaz4Life (N.W.A.) and Grip It On That Other Level (Geto Boys). Many gangsta artists felt that the way to sell records was to be as shocking as possible. Commoditization played a big part in releases like this, even though these songs were banned by Jive. Notorious B.I.G.’s Ready to Die has a similar story as Puffy changed a couple of tracks because of overly offensive lyrics.

Peace.

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Peace

Bushwick Bill “Ever So Clear.” From his 1992 album Little Big Man. One of the illest narratives in hip hop history. The track presents Bushwick’s state of mind leading up to the1991 suicide attempt that left him without an eye. His description of the actually shooting is particularly chilling. This nihilistic song, however, has a hopeful and redemptive ending. Great music.

Peace

UGK - UGK For Life

I have no specifics on this release, but its UGK, so its gonna be pure heat!

I’m currently in the process of moving, but I will be back soon with some fire material.

Peace

Bun B’s new video “You’re Everything” featuring Rick Ross, David Banner, Eightball & M.J.G. Second video from Bun B’s II Trill album.

This video is cold. I love the nostalgic feel of it. You don’t get that from too many Southern videos. It offers hip hop fans a peak into the legacy of Texas and southern hip hop. This video has so many of my favorite things: Rap-A-Lot Records, UGK, Astros fitteds, and more! Check it out!

R.I.P. Pimp C

Peace