Dirty Money
UGK were wildly popular down South and on the West Coast, but little more than a blip on the screen to East Coast heads untilJay-Zinvited Pimp C and Bun B to beat him at his own flow on 1999's "Big Pimpin'." Just because a certain demographic has slept doesn't mean that UGK ain't 'bout it--the Kingz have been laying down their own particular brand of G-crunk for almost 10 years now. Akin to fellow Texans theGeto Boys, UGK's sound is more spare and noirish than your average Southern Bounce crew. Featuring the laid-back flow and gangsta lean production fans have come to expect,Dirty Moneyis their best release to date. Contentwise, it's the same old "money, macks, andmamis," but UGK do it better than most. "Holdin Na," featuring C-Note, utilizes an unexpectedBeastie Boyssample, "Ain't That a Bitch," with rapper Devin (The Dude), and Big Gip's incendiary vocals help make "Don't Say S--t" the album's standout track.--Rebecca Levine