Trill O.G.

Photographers: Antonio D. Weatherly; Kalele Thumbutu.
Back with the 808 boom, the stone-cold rhymes, and that sturdy, warrior soul, Bun B is officially crowned consistent with his third solo effort, the satisfying Trill O.G. Anyone familiar with his first two efforts will find the same mix of radio-friendly singles (check the radiant T-Pain feature "Trillionaire" or the ultra-smooth Drake team-up "Put It Down"), and the kind of Houston-styled street music made popular by the rapper's original crew, UGK (check the opening "Chuuch!" for that classic church organ swang). As far as surprises, there are few, but DJ Premier's scratching and production on "Let `Em Know" gives Bun a new, funky flavor to bounce off and when "Right Now" utilizes a verse each from the late Pimp C and 2Pac, the results aren't tacky, but are instead shockingly good. Speaking of the Pimp, Bun's old partner still haunts the man and gets much love on the opening and closing cuts here, but there's a new union struck with rapper Drake as the Drizzy one gets two guest shots and a shout-out from J. Prince on a third cut. While it borders on distracting for the listener, boss Bun isn't fazed in the least, and rightfully drops "When it comes to trill, I'm the litmus test," just so everyone is on the same page. ~ David Jeffries