UGK has always been a staple in Southern hip-hop. Bun B and Pimp C have, with the help of artists like DJ Screw, Fat Pat and others, carried the state of Texas on their backs to the forefront of the genre. Widely considered forefathers of the Texas hip-hop movement, Pimp C and Bun B began their journey in the early 90s perfecting the laid-back, screwed-up sound that the state is now known for. However, heavy is the head that wears the crown, or in this case, heads.

The partners from Port Arthur, Texas, have had their fair share of bumps along the road to success. Pimp C’s incarceration in 2002 had Bun carrying the UGK name until his release and the eventual release of their next project, “Underground Kingz.” In December of 2007, Bun was once again forced to take the reigns of one of hip-hop’s most beloved groups, this time for good as his partner of over a decade passed away.

Now, two years after the death of Pimp C, we see the release of UGK’s final album, “UGK 4 Life.” This record is undoubtedly everything Houston hip-hop was and should be. Fluid, laid-back productions from big names such as Mannie Fresh and Akon, as well as some Houston greats like Cory Mo. The album also boasts a list of impressive guest vocals from Dungeon Family alumnus Sleepy Brown and Big Gipp, as well as the legendary Too $hort and uncle Snoop Dogg among others.

The album starts out hard with “Still On The Grind,” which features fellow Texan Raheem Devaughn and a beat with pulsating drums and bass, stabbing horns and a soulful hook, everything and more you’d expect from three of the Lone Star States most dangerous acts. The standout track from this album is the summertime nostalgic-inducing banger “Swishas & Erb,” with Sleepy Brown on the hook and a killer verse from Bun Bido, this song captures the essence of UGK in roughly four minutes of pure southern funk.

In a perfect world, this wouldn’t be the final UGK album and Pimp C would have never left this earth. But, unfortunately, like the seasons, things change and the world keeps turning. But the book will never be closed on UGK, as “UGK 4 Life” is the perfect reminder that the rap game was never ready for the problem the Lone Star State presented in the form of two seasoned rhyme artists with plenty of business savvy and the soul to match it.

Landon Antonetti is a journalism junior and production manager of WRFL.