Underground Kingz Minden LA

Underground Kingz

UGK

Jive, 2007

REVIEW BY: Ben Ehrenreich

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 09/06/2007

For all those music fans that only recognize UGK for their popular guest appearance on Jay-Z’s megahit “Big Pimpin,’” this is the album that could potentially place them in “Big Pimpin’” territory from a popularity standpoint.

Underground Kingz has more commercial appeal than Paris Hilton, and with the right marketing UGK may no longer be able to call itself underground. Look no further than the first track, “Swisha And Dosha,” that is comprised of a painfully addictive guitar riff melded with smooth crooning that is sure to receive radio play if released.

UGK has figured out that big beats mixed with big hooks equals big anthems and Underground Kingz is filled with them. Whether it’s lessons in braggadocio on “The Game Belongs To Me,” the Southern drawl infested hook of “Underground Kingz,” or the Scarface assisted Houston reunion on “Still Ridin’ Dirty,” you will definitely be equipped with car music for the next two months.

While Underground Kingz has a plethora of gangsta tracks, I actually prefer the ones that are a bit more introspective. With 29 tracks, there are plenty here. “Heaven” is a heartfelt moment where we see UGK uncharacteristically vulnerable; Bun B talks about the unfair suffering through which a child born in the ghetto goes. “How Long Can It Last” is another excellent commentary on how the wealthy often have a very unfair view of the poor.