UGK (Under Ground Kingz) – “UGK 4 Life”

Rating: 7.5/10

Some might consider UGK member Pimp C’s 2007 death from the twin dangers of sleep apnea and codeine cough medicine to be a tragic bit of poetic justice.

Sippin’ the syrup has always been a sticking point of the Texas rap duo’s lyrics. Really though, it meant the loss of one of the greatest and most enduring Southern hip-hop acts directly after one of their best and most commercially successful albums, “Under Ground Kingz.”

“UGK 4 Life,” the duo’s final album, might worry those fans weary of posthumously released hip-hop records, typically slapped together from rough studio outtakes, fresh beats and a number of post-facto guest appearances. However, work had already been started on “UGK 4 Life” prior to Pimp C’s death, and it feels completely natural, never like another shameless cash-in on a marketable name.

This is just like any another UGK album, and at the same time, a farewell to a hip-hop veteran. Yet, the tone is never grim but nostalgic and celebratory. The album is comprised of the same classic R&B samples, wet drums and features plenty of Pimp C’s characteristic Texas twang. Bun B might be the more technically proficient rapper, but Pimp C’s always had plenty of style, and “Everybody Wanna Ball” is a great solo showcase for him.

“The Pimp & the Bun,” featuring R&B legend Ron Isley on the hook, is a classic UGK tale of runnin’ the game and evading the cops. One can’t help feel a little wistful considering tracks such as this will no longer exist.

“Used To Be” is a great anthemic posse cut featuring E-40, B-Legit, 8Ball & MJG that features a number of great verses. There are quite a few other guest appearances, but it always remains UGK’s show first and foremost.

Quite unlike other posthumous released cash-in rap albums, “UGK 4 Life” is fantastic throughout and a fitting tribute to not just Pimp C, but the magic that happened whenever the two were together in the studio.