Trill O.G., Bun B’s cleverly titled third installment in the Trill series, is the first album in five years (Naked Truth, Lil Kim) to receive five microphones, the highest rating, from the Source. Trill O.G. joins the likes of Jay-Z’s The Blueprint, Outkast’s Aquemini and Nas’ classic Stillmatic. But does it stack up?
Yes and no. Trill O.G. is definitely an album for B’s lifelong fans, the ones who were following when UGK was one of the biggest names in the rap game. If Bun B is looking to regain or maintain his street cred and respect in the hip- hop industry, he’s done just that. Trill O.G. is certainly one of the most raw and uncut albums out today. The collaborations (Drake, Trey Songz and Tupac—yes, Tupac), the beats and the lyrical talent mixed with the experience Bun has makes for one “trill” record.
Maybe it’s even too trill—so much so that it feels contrived. Songs such as “Right Now” and “I Get Down for Mine” remind us that Bun is, in fact, a ‘90s-era Dirty South rapper. This downfall, although it’s the album’s only misstep, makes us wonder if Bun is trying too hard. Trill O.G. will certainly be a hit this year, but it might lack the staying power of the other top-rated Source albums that are now its peers.
