On this day in Hip-Hop history, UGK released their final studio album, UGK 4 Life, marking the end of an era for one of the most influential duos in Southern rap. Dropped on March 31, 2009, nearly two years after the untimely passing of Pimp C, the album served as both a farewell and a testament to the legacy of Underground Kingz.
With Bun B carrying the torch for his late partner, UGK 4 Life stayed true to the group’s signature sound—soulful, bass-heavy production mixed with raw, unapologetic lyricism. The album featured beats from longtime collaborators like N.O. Joe and Steve Below, ensuring the classic UGK vibe remained intact. Tracks like “Da Game Been Good to Me” and “Int’l Players Anthem(I Choose You)” featuring Outkast captured the essence of UGK’s deep storytelling and unfiltered perspective on life in the South.
Despite the absence of Pimp C during its recording, UGK 4 Life didn’t feel like a forced sendoff. Instead, it played like a proper UGK project, filled with the same grit and authenticity that made the duo legends. The album boasted features from familiar names like Too $hort, E-40, and 8Ball & MJG, reinforcing UGK’s influence across the entire Southern rap scene.
The album debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200, moving over 76,000 copies in its first week. More importantly, it solidified UGK’s place as pioneers who helped put Texas rap on the map. While UGK 4 Life marked the official end of the group’s recorded catalog, the impact of Pimp C and Bun B continues to echo through Hip-Hop today.
Even after the curtains closed, UGK’s music remains timeless—forever reppin’ Port Arthur, TX, and the trill lifestyle they helped define.