Contrary to popular belief: Jay-Z was not the first New York rapper to work with legendary Port Arthur duo, UGK, two of the best rappers to come out of Texas.
Even though Hov’s 2000 hit single, “Big Pimpin'”, which featured Bun B and Pimp C, was a hugely influential record that helped expose them to a wider audience, it was actually 50 Cent who was the first to work with them.
Bun B appeared on “As the World Turns”, off the Queens rapper’s unreleased debut album, Power of the Dollar, which was recording during 1998 to 2000. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at it), Power of the Dollar was shelved by Columbia Records after 50 was shot 9 times in 2000. Still, the Red Spyda-produced track lives on.
Bun B: 50 was the first artist that called like “We want you on a project.” The first artist to embrace UGK is either going to be, like, Keith Murray or Lord Jamar, probably gonna be the first two people that we rocked with. That’s how we all ended up on the Don’t Be A Menace soundtrack, because those were all our friends in New York.
Bun B Recalls Jay Z’s “Big Pimpin'” & 50 Cent Seeking UGK Collaboration | HipHopDX
