Bun B and Kirko Bangz
Sunday, March 30
It’ll be a show for hip-hop and rap devotees old and new when these Southern rappers roll into town tonight for their “The Trillest Tour.” Bun is known as half of the Houston-based duo UGK (UnderGround Kingz), which came to prominence in the ’90s and is known by mainstream audiences for its cameo in singles like Jay-Z’s “Big Pimpin’” and its own track “International Players Anthem (I Choose You).” Bun’s also the sole surviving member; his partner, Pimp C, was found dead in his hotel room in 2007 from an overdose of promethazine/codeine syrup that fatally combined with his sleep apnea. Prescription-grade syrup mixed with soda came to be known as “Sizzurp” and “purple drank,” among other names, and the affinity for the “cocktail,” which some say originated in Houston, is referenced on plenty of rap tracks, from Lil Wayne’s single “Me and My Drank” to Chamillionaire’s “2 MPH.”
So it’s no surprise that Bun’s 24 year-old tour mate, also from H-Town, first came to prominence with his 2011 platinum hit single “Drank in My Cup.” The young rapper has released seven mixtapes, and his first studio album, Bigger Than Me, is set for release later this year. As for Bun, he released Trill OG: The Epilogue last November, on which the two collaborated on the track “Triller.” “Trill,” a term combining “true” and “real,” is a favorite word of Bun’s, included in every title of every solo album he’s made. The word is bound to be referenced a number of times tonight; it would be fun to make a drinking game out of it. (Although you’ll be out of luck if you try to order shots of Robitussin.) With Jarv Dee, Louis V. Neumos, 925 E. Pike St., 709-9442, neumos.com. 8 p.m. $20 adv./$50 meet & greet. 21 and up.