Bun Bs II Trill Review

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.

The most arresting manifestation though, is Hopeful Bun, which shows up on “If It Was Up II Me.” Accompanied by slow-rolling church organs and a powerful Junior Reid chorus, the Port Arthur veteran dreams of a world where “everybody’s gettin’ money and everybody’s smiling.” II Trill draws its cohesion from its production, a sonic stew of juicy grooves, synth patches, and gumbo-thick basslines. But what makes the album tick is an emotional complexity: Like an old sage, Bun B gracefully vacillates between raw fury and weathered wisdom.