On this day in Hip Hop history, legendary Texas duo UGK, Bun B and the late, great Pimp C, released their monumental double album Underground Kingz on August 7, 2007, via Jive Records.
As UGK’s fifth studio project and their first release since Pimp C’s return from prison, Underground Kingz was more than just an album. It was a triumphant comeback and a victory lap for two Southern pioneers who had long earned their stripes in the game. The double-disc set featured 26 tracks that showcased UGK’s uncompromising street narratives, funk-infused Southern beats, and the undeniable chemistry that made them legends.
The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, marking a career high for the Port Arthur duo. The standout single “International Players Anthem (I Choose You),” produced by Three 6 Mafia and featuring OutKast, became an instant classic; an iconic collaboration that bridged regions and generations while embodying the soul of Southern Hip Hop.
Underground Kingz featured appearances from some of the game’s heaviest hitters, including Too $hort, Rick Ross, Talib Kweli, T.I., Big Daddy Kane, and Jazze Pha. From trunk-rattling anthems like “Quit Hatin’ the South” to introspective tracks like “Real Women,” the album reflected UGK’s depth, diversity, and undying commitment to keeping it real.
Tragically, Underground Kingz would be Pimp C’s final album with Bun B before his untimely passing later that year. That fact alone adds a layer of legacy to the record, making it not just a comeback, but a final masterpiece in UGK’s legendary catalog.
Eighteen years after their debut and nearly two decades deep in the game, Underground Kingz proved that UGK never lost a step. Salute to Bun B, long live Pimp C and to one of the greatest duos in Hip Hop history, the South still has something to say.
The legacy continues. UGK for life.