UGK, short for Underground Kingz, redefined Southern Hip Hop with their unapologetic blend of country twang, soulful production, and streetwise lyricism. Formed in Port Arthur, Texas, in 1987 by Chad “Pimp C” Butler and Bernard “Bun B” Freeman, the duo brought the Gulf Coast’s gritty realities to the forefront, influencing generations of rappers with their raw storytelling and infectious hooks. In this Top 15 UGK Songs list, we honor their legacy, diving into the tracks that cemented their status as Southern rap pioneers and shaped the genre’s evolution. We view UGK as architects of a sound that balanced funky, gospel-infused beats with tales of struggle, triumph, and excess, all delivered with Pimp C’s charismatic flair and Bun B’s commanding baritone. However, their journey wasn’t without challenges. Pimp C’s 2002 incarceration, label disputes, and his untimely death in 2007 disrupted their momentum, and their later work—while impactful—sometimes leaned too heavily on guest features, diluting their core chemistry. Albums like UGK 4 Life carry emotional weight but lack the cohesive brilliance of their ‘90s run. Here, we aim to focus on their music’s peak, not the obstacles, spotlighting the songs that made them icons, not the circumstances that tested them.
UGK’s golden era, spanning 1992 to 2001, captures them at their most potent. From their debut Too Hard to Swallow to the critically acclaimed Ridin’ Dirty, they crafted a blueprint for Southern rap that was both regionally specific and universally resonant. Tracks like “Pocket Full of Stones” and “One Day” delve into the harsh realities of street life, while “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” flexes their knack for anthemic celebration. Their 1999 feature on Jay-Z’s “Big Pimpin’” catapulted them to mainstream fame, but their underground roots remained their heart. Despite their influence, UGK often gets overshadowed by peers like OutKast in broader Hip Hop conversations, a point of contention for fans who argue their impact is underappreciated. This list prioritizes their early-to-mid career, when their synergy was unmatched, and their music felt like a direct line to Port Arthur’s soul. These songs capture UGK at their rawest: two Texas kids who turned local slang into global anthems, proving the South had something to say. Let’s revisit the tracks that built their throne, and don’t hesitate to drop your opinion in the comments.
15. Use Me Up (1992)
On Too Hard to Swallow (1992), UGK’s “Use Me Up” flips Bill Withers’ soulful classic into a raw Hip Hop confessional. Pimp C and Bun B trade verses about love’s draining pull, their rhymes spilling with vulnerability over a funky bassline and smooth guitar licks. The track’s warmth, driven by Pimp C’s production, contrasts their usual bravado, revealing a tender side as they wrestle with devotion’s cost. Bun’s introspective lines hit hardest, while Pimp’s playful outro nods to Withers. A departure from their street anthems, it resonates for its honesty, capturing universal relationship struggles. The song’s soulful vibe and emotional depth make it a standout, proving UGK’s range in blending heartache with Southern swagger.
14. I Left It Wet For You (1994)
“I Left It Wet for You,” from 1994’s Super Tight, is a sultry, slow-burning gem that dives into raw intimacy with Southern flair. Pimp C’s production lays down a slinky bassline and soft keys, creating a late-night vibe that’s both seductive and street. Bun B’s verses ooze charm, his smooth flow painting vivid, playful scenes of romance, while Pimp C’s laid-back drawl adds cheeky swagger. The track’s explicit edge doesn’t overshadow its warmth, making it a standout for its balance of lust and soul. This understated classic captures the duo’s chemistry, turning a risqué narrative into a timeless slice of Texas Hip Hop.
13. Short Texas (1992)
“Short Texas” from Too Hard to Swallow is a fiery declaration of Southern pride that crackles with raw energy. Pimp C’s production builds a lean, menacing beat—booming bass, sharp snares, and eerie synths—evoking the heat of Port Arthur’s streets. Bun B’s flow commands attention, his rhymes weaving tales of hustle and defiance with vivid precision, while Pimp C’s drawl adds a taunting edge, grounding the track in Texas bravado.
The lyrics paint a gritty portrait of their world—fast cash, loyalty, and survival—delivered with unrelenting conviction. This track is an early blueprint for UGK’s sound, blending stark storytelling with infectious rhythm. Its unpolished intensity captures the duo’s knack for channeling regional identity into universal Hip Hop fire. “Short Texas” burns bright in UGK’s catalog, a vivid, uncompromising slice of Southern grit that pulses with authenticity and power.
12. Life Is 2009 (feat. Too $hort) (2007)
“Life Is 2009,” from UGK’s 2009 album UGK 4 Life, is a soul-stirring meditation on mortality, built on Too Short‘s classic “Life Is… Too Short, and elevated by a guest verse from the Oakland legend. Scarface’s production weaves mellow keys and crisp drums into a reflective, Southern-tinged beat. Bun B opens with a measured flow, his rhymes tracing life’s fragility with vivid clarity, while Pimp C’s heartfelt hook, steeped in his iconic drawl, carries raw grief. Too Short’s verse adds a West Coast edge, his laid-back delivery musing on loss and legacy with introspective weight, complementing UGK’s emotional depth.
The track’s poignant lyrics, a departure from their street bangers, explore universal truths through a personal lens. Released after Pimp C’s passing, this cut channels the duo’s enduring bond into a timeless narrative. “Life Is 2009” is a luminous, heartfelt gem in UGK’s catalog, its sincerity and collaborative spirit resonating deeply.
11. Let Me See It (2001)
“Let Me See It,” from 2001’s Dirty Money, is a slick, seductive anthem that vibes with Southern swagger. Pimp C’s production lays down a buttery beat—smooth bass, twinkling keys, and tight snares—crafting a vibe that’s equal parts club banger and late-night cruise. Bun B’s flow glides with charismatic finesse, his rhymes playful yet commanding as he spins a tale of desire and dominance. Pimp C’s verses, delivered in his signature drawl, add a cheeky, streetwise charm, amplifying the track’s laid-back bravado.
The lyrics weave lust with UGK’s trademark wit, turning a risqué premise into a hypnotic groove. This track captures the duo’s knack for blending raw lyricism with infectious rhythms, embodying their Texas-bred charisma. “Let Me See It” glows as a vibrant standout in UGK’s catalog, its sultry energy and clever wordplay delivering a timeless dose of Dirty South finesse.
10. Feds In Town (1994)
“Feds in Town,” from 1994’s Super Tight, is a tense, cinematic narrative that captures the paranoia of street life. Pimp C’s production crafts a moody soundscape—haunting synths, deep bass, and slow-rolling drums—that mirrors the track’s high-stakes vibe. Bun B’s verses paint a vivid picture of dodging law enforcement, his flow deliberate and evocative, weaving tales of evasion with sharp detail. Pimp C’s drawl adds a defiant edge, his rhymes grounding the song in Port Arthur’s gritty reality.
The song pulses with urgency, reflecting UGK’s knack for turning lived experience into gripping storytelling. This track stands out for its atmospheric depth, blending raw emotion with Southern Hip Hop’s signature swagger. “Feds in Town” burns bright in UGK’s catalog, its evocative production and unflinching narrative delivering a powerful snapshot of hustle under pressure, etched with the duo’s authentic Texas voice.
9. Murder (1996)
Pimp C’s ominous production on “Murder,” from 1996’s Ridin’ Dirty, sets a chilling tone, with brooding bass, eerie keys, and sparse drums evoking a late-night menace. The track dives into the grim realities of street violence, Bun B’s flow weaving vivid, unflinching tales of retribution and survival, his rhymes sharp and deliberate. Pimp C’s verses, laced with his signature drawl, add a cold, reflective edge, grounding the narrative in Port Arthur’s harsh truths.
The lyrics capture the duo’s ability to confront dark themes with raw honesty, blending stark imagery with Southern Hip Hop’s rhythmic pulse. This song is a haunting highlight in UGK’s catalog, its atmospheric depth and lyrical precision painting a stark portrait of a world where violence looms large. “Murder” resonates for its fearless storytelling, offering a gripping, unvarnished glimpse into the consequences of the hustle, delivered with UGK’s unmatched authenticity and emotional weight. Its power lies in transforming grim reality into a compelling, timeless narrative.
8. Take It Off (2001)
Bun B’s commanding presence drives “Take It Off,” a standout from UGK’s 2001 album Dirty Money, blending seductive swagger with Southern heat. Pimp C lays down a slick, bass-heavy groove with shimmering keys and crisp snares, crafting a beat that’s primed for late-night vibes. Pimp C’s verses drip with playful charisma, his drawl weaving cheeky come-ons with streetwise flair, while Bun’s deeper tone grounds the track in raw confidence.
The rhymes, pulsing with lust and wit, demonstrate UGK’s knack for turning risqué themes into infectious anthems without losing their Texas edge. This track captures the duo’s chemistry at its peak, balancing smooth delivery with gritty authenticity. Its hypnotic rhythm and vivid wordplay make “Take It Off” a luminous gem in UGK’s catalog, embodying their ability to craft music that’s both provocative and universally engaging. The song’s sultry energy lingers, a testament to UGK’s enduring skill in merging street narratives with polished, danceable grooves that resonate across eras.
7. Something Good (1992)
On UGK’s 1992 debut Too Hard to Swallow, “Something Good” emerges as a soulful outlier, channeling Southern warmth through Pimp C’s deft production. Sampling Rufus $ Chaka Khan’s “Tell Me Something Good,” the beat blends mournful guitar riffs with steady drums, creating a heartfelt backdrop. Bun B’s verses reflect on love’s pull, his flow smooth and introspective, weaving tales of devotion with vivid sincerity. Pimp C’s drawl adds a tender edge, his rhymes balancing vulnerability with street swagger.
The track’s emotional depth, rare for UGK’s early gangsta leanings, highlights their versatility, turning personal longing into a universal narrative. Its lush sound and honest lyricism capture the duo’s ability to transcend typical Hip Hop bravado, offering a glimpse into their Port Arthur roots. “Something Good” resonates as a timeless piece in UGK’s catalog, its soul-drenched groove and poignant storytelling delivering a striking contrast to their harder cuts. The song’s sincerity shines, proving Pimp C and Bun B could craft music that’s as moving as it is authentic, leaving a lasting echo of Texas heart and hustle that speaks across generations.
6. Diamonds & Wood (1996)
The hypnotic pulse of “Diamonds & Wood,” from UGK’s 1996 album Ridin’ Dirty, captures the duo’s Southern ethos with vivid clarity. N.O. Joe and Pimp C’s production crafts a laid-back groove—sliding bass, soft guitar licks, and crisp drums—that evokes a slow cruise through Port Arthur. Bun B’s flow paints a cinematic picture of street life, his rhymes detailing the allure of wealth and the grind behind it, delivered with measured gravitas. Pimp C’s verses blend boastful swagger with reflective undertones, grounding the track in raw authenticity. The lyrics weave luxury with struggle, showcasing UGK’s knack for balancing aspiration and reality.
This track shines for its atmospheric depth, embodying the Dirty South’s sound and spirit. “Diamonds & Wood” remains a pivotal moment in UGK’s catalog, its smooth rhythm and evocative storytelling etching a timeless portrait of Texas hustle. The song’s understated power lies in its ability to merge vivid imagery with universal themes, delivering a slice of Southern Hip Hop that lingers with emotional resonance and regional pride.
5. The Game Belongs To Me (2007)
Bun B and Pimp C stake their claim on “The Game Belongs to Me,” a late career triumph from their 2007 album Underground Kingz. A regal beat—swirling synths, booming bass, and tight snares—evokes Southern royalty. Pimp C’s verses lead with slick charisma, his drawl weaving tales of dominance and hustle with playful wit, while Bun B’s deeper flow grounds the track in resolute authority, his rhymes sharp with lived wisdom. The lyrics assert UGK’s legacy in Hip Hop, blending bravado with a nod to their Port Arthur roots.
This anthem captures the duo’s unyielding presence.. “The Game Belongs to Me” is another standout in UGK’s catalog, its polished production and vivid lyricism crafting a declaration of supremacy. Its seamless fusion of confidence and craft delivers a timeless slice of Dirty South pride that underscores UGK’s influence. Its infectious energy and regional flavor linger, affirming the duo’s enduring command of the game they helped define.
4. Front, Back & Side to Side (1994)
In 1994, UGK dropped “Front, Back & Side to Side” on Super Tight, a track that became a definitive anthem of Southern car culture. Pimp C’s production is a masterstroke—low-slung bass, funky guitar riffs, and crisp snares create a groove that begs for lowriders and open roads. Bun B’s verses glide with effortless swagger, his rhymes painting vivid scenes of cruising Port Arthur, rims spinning, and heads turning. Pimp C’s drawl weaves in sly humor, his lines celebrating the lifestyle with infectious charm. The track’s hypnotic hook, paired with its laid-back yet commanding energy, captures UGK’s knack for turning regional pride into universal Hip Hop fire.
“Front, Back & Side to Side” is a luminous pillar in UGK’s catalog, its smooth rhythm and evocative lyricism embodying the Dirty South’s soul. The track’s cultural weight lies in its celebration of Texas aesthetics—cars, community, and hustle—delivered with a finesse that transcends eras. Its influence ripples through Southern Hip Hop, from trap to modern bass-heavy anthems, affirming UGK’s role as pioneers. This song’s enduring allure is its ability to make every listener feel the motion of a slow ride, etching Pimp C and Bun B’s vision into the genre’s fabric with timeless swagger.
3. Pocket Full Of Stones (1992)
The stark realism of UGK’s “Pocket Full of Stones,” from 1992’s Too Hard to Swallow, paints a vivid portrait of the drug trade’s grind. Pimp C’s production lays down a lean, ominous beat—haunting keys, deep bass, and crisp drums—that mirrors the tension of Port Arthur’s streets. Bun B’s flow is deliberate, his rhymes detailing the hustle’s highs and lows with unflinching clarity, each line heavy with lived experience. Pimp C’s verses add a reflective edge, his drawl weaving regret into the narrative of chasing cash. The track’s raw lyricism captures UGK’s early hunger, blending gritty storytelling with Southern Hip Hop’s rhythmic pulse.
Featured on the Menace II Society soundtrack, it gained wider reach, embedding its stark imagery in ’90s culture. “Pocket Full of Stones” shines as a pivotal cut in UGK’s catalog, its atmospheric depth and honest narrative delivering a gut-punch of authenticity. The song’s strength lies in its refusal to glamorize the life, instead offering a sobering look at its toll, etched with the duo’s Texas-bred perspective. Its influence echoes in countless street anthems, leaving a lasting mark on the genre’s evolution. This track remains a raw, evocative testament to Bun B and Pimp C’s ability to transform harsh realities into timeless art.
2. One Day (feat. Mr. 3-2 & Ronnie Spencer) (1996)
Bun B’s introspective verses anchor “One Day,” a haunting standout from the duo’s 1996 album Ridin’ Dirty. Pimp C’s production crafts a somber, soulful beat—mournful keys, steady drums, and a sampled wail from The Isley Brothers—evoking the weight of mortality. Bun B reflects on life’s fragility, his flow vivid and measured, painting scenes of loss and resilience with stark honesty. Pimp C’s hook, raw and plaintive, adds emotional depth, while guest Mr. 3-2’s verse grounds the track in Port Arthur’s struggles. The lyrics confront death and systemic traps, blending personal grief with universal truths, making it one of UGK’s most poignant cuts. Its inclusion in Ridin’ Dirty’s narrative arc amplifies its impact, offering a sobering counterpoint to the album’s bravado.
“One Day” is a gem in UGK’s catalog, its lyrical sincerity and atmospheric production capturing the duo’s ability to navigate heavy themes with Southern authenticity. The track’s influence ripples through Hip Hop, inspiring introspective anthems that grapple with existence, while its Texas-rooted voice keeps it timeless. This song stands as a moving meditation, etching UGK’s legacy with emotional clarity and raw power that speaks across generations.
1. Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You) (feat. OutKast) (2007)
A triumphant collaboration, UGK’s “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” from 2007’s Underground Kingz unites Pimp C, Bun B, and OutKast over a soulful masterpiece. DJ Paul and Juicy J’s production samples Willie Hutch’s “I Choose You,” weaving lush strings, funky bass, and crisp drums into a celebratory groove that feels like a Southern wedding march. Pimp C’s opening verse, delivered with his sly drawl, sets a playful tone, musing on love and loyalty with vivid charm. Bun B follows, his flow commanding yet reflective, grounding the track in Port Arthur’s hustle. André 3000 and Big Boi of OutKast add their Atlanta flair, their verses blending witty wordplay with heartfelt sincerity, creating a seamless four-way dialogue.
The lyrics navigate the tension between player life and commitment, each MC bringing a distinct perspective to the table. This track is a high-water mark in UGK’s catalog, its infectious rhythm and lyrical depth capturing the duo’s ability to elevate Southern Hip Hop to universal heights. The song is part party anthem, part soulful meditation, delivered with a chemistry that makes every bar sparkle. Its cultural impact is undeniable, becoming a staple in clubs, car systems, and even TV syncs, reflecting UGK’s crossover prowess.
“Int’l Players Anthem” shines for its collaborative brilliance, merging Texas grit with Atlanta’s polish. The track’s enduring appeal stems from its ability to capture life’s contradictions—love, hustle, and celebration—through a timeless lens, leaving an indelible mark on Hip Hop’s evolution. Bun B, Pimp C, and OutKast crafted a classic that resonates with joy and authenticity, affirming UGK’s legacy as Southern giants.