With his classic rating verified for his new Trill OG album, Bun B is addressing both supporters and critics alike regarding the LP’s quality.
In a statement released today, Bun B reflected on how sought after the 5 mic rating was when he first began his career in the early 90s. The Houston rapper also alluded to the fact that even in The Source’s heyday debates raged about albums that didn’t receive the perfect score.
“When I started rapping, the highest honor a real MC could aspire to was the coveted 5 mics from The Source,” Bun B said “Those that received the honor were sometimes but not always contested, but what was always contested were those that DIDN’t receive the honor. If you’ve ever argued about your favorite MC on a corner, in a barbershop or on the comment section of a blog, then you know what I’m talking about.”
Several albums now universally considered classics had to have the scores amended by magazine. Biggie’s Ready to Die (4.5 mics), Raekwon’s Only Built for Cuban Linx (4.5 mics), Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle (4 mics) and Dr. Dre’s The Chronic (4.5 mics) are among the albums that were anointed classic status by the magazine several years later.
In recent years the Source’s mic rating has been damaged by accusations of payola and personal favoritism. Former editor Joshua Ratcliffe quit after he was forced to reduce a 4.5 rating for Little Brother’s Minstrel Show. And the last 5 mic rated album, Lil Kim’s 2005 Naked Truth, was summarily lampooned by the press and fans after rumors circulated about then owner Dave Mays being romantically involved with Kim’s manager.
Bun B expects his classic ranking to get much more scrutiny due to an unprecedented amount of music blogs and social networking sites. While stopping short of saying his album deserves the classic score, Bun stands by his album and believes it can handle any criticism.
“For every album labeled a classic, there are dozens of others that people feel deserve the honor. With social networking being as prevalent as it is in our society, these arguments now take place in a very public arena,” he explained. “Having been in the music industry almost 20 years, I have learned to receive my accolades with honor and respect, and hold my head high when the hate rains down. For those that feel they need to shit on me to argue for another artist or album, don’t worry. The Trill OG can take it! UGK for life!”
At press time, Bun B’s Trill OG is expected to secure a Top 10 spot on next week’s Billboard chart with an estimated 35,000 copies sold. The latest promo single is the DJ Premier-produced “Let Em Know.”
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