Bun B keeps it trill in Houston

“My name is Bun B. I’m from Port Arthur, Texas. The crew is UGK for life.”

It was a simple statement during a show full of big boasts, showy beats and fierce rhymes. But Bun B’s words summed up the entirety of a complex, enduring connection between performer and fans. They’ve seen him journey from local hero to rap star, from sudden solo act to <a href="http://blogs.chron.com/peep/2010/08/bun_b_completes_his_trill_og.html"mentor and icon.

He showcased all sides of that persona during a late-night set Wednesday at the House of Blues. (It was billed as a release party for third solo effort <a href="http://blogs.chron.com/peep/2010/08/bun_b_completes_his_trill_og.html"Trill OG.) The event featured a few opening acts, giveaways and popular DJ Brandi Garcia, recently ousted from KBXX (97.9 The Box).

Bun’s hourlong set included the usual rap show trappings: a hype man, snippets of songs that bled into each other, a huge assortment of random folks assembled on each side of the stage. But he never let any of it become distacting. He remained the focus — and was backed by a full band, giving each song new, dynamic life.

He veered effortlessly from solo tunes to UGK anthems and featured tracks. Pushin’ flowed directly into Let Me See It, Draped Up gave way to Get Throwed. And breakout Big Pimpin’ (from Jay-Z’s Vol. 3… Life and Times of S. Carter) remains a highlight.

Bun’s alternately easygoing/commanding presence, both on and offstage, is his charm. It makes you want to root for him and pay close attention to everything he says. (That will likely come in handy when he co-teaches a religion and hip-hop course in spring 2011 at Rice University.)

Michael Paulsen: Chronicle

Fans packed into the House of Blues for Bun B’s “Trillionaire Affair.”

Fans, both male and female, were at fever pitch throughout the show, singing along with every line of Pocket Full of Stones, Sippin’ On Some Syrup and new single Trillionaire. Couples gyrated. H’s were in the air. Camera phones caught every moment.

It felt, in many ways, triumphant. But bittersweet memories lingered.

“This is my 18th year in the game. I love y’all, man. Y’all are everything to me,” Bun told the crowd.

Bun’s definately the best rapper in the game in my opinion. He’s got it all, rhymes, voice and heart. He’s always repped for his best friend pimp c from prison to death. Well it’s my turn to give Bun’s his due dilligence… Keep making us proud Bun. Keep rapping with a style and grace that only you can bring to the mic. We love you in Baytown and all over the world! I’m a Marine so I know people from all over America. We voted and it’s official, he’s the #1 Underground King hands down. May God forever bless you Bun and R.I.P. Chad Lamont Butler… Long Live UGK!