Bun B

Bun B, born Bernard James Freeman, is an American rapper and hip-hop icon known for his influential contributions to the Southern rap scene. He was born on March 19, 1973, in Port Arthur, Texas. Bun B gained fame as one half of the legendary rap duo UGK (Underground Kingz) alongside the late rapper Pimp C (Chad Butler). UGK was instrumental in shaping the Dirty South rap movement. Bun B and Pimp C released their debut album, "Too Hard to Swallow," in 1992, and it was followed by a string of successful albums, including "Ridin' Dirty" (1996) and "Dirty Money" (2001). "Ridin' Dirty" is often considered a classic in Southern hip-hop and solidified UGK's status as influential pioneers in the genre.

Tragically, Pimp C passed away in 2007, but Bun B continued to carry the UGK legacy forward. He embarked on a successful solo career, releasing albums like "Trill" (2005), "II Trill" (2008), and "Trill OG" (2010), which showcased his lyrical prowess and ability to adapt to changing trends in hip-hop. Beyond his career in music, Bun B has been involved in teaching hip-hop culture and lectures at Rice University in Houston, Texas since 2011.