With the demise of his long-time rapping partner, Pimp C, II Trill appeared to be a platform for Bun B as a solo artist. Instead, Bun proves to be selfless, giving spots to other artists and highlighting dark parts of society. On “Damn I’m Cold,” Lil Wayne supplies two solid verses and Lupe Fiasco’s flow adjusts perfectly to the dragged-out beat on “Swang on ’Em.” Young Buck tops all collaborators on the heartfelt “If I Die Tonight”: “We survived, but most of us die for some bullshit / Go to church but the devil’s standing on the pulpit.”

On his own, Bun doesn’t disappoint, either. On “Getcha Issue,” he calls out corrupt police, pastors and politicians. On “If It Was Up to Me,” he addresses failing public schools, and shady urban development plans. At times, though, Bun’s flow can be off. He has been known to deliver some simple raps, but also bring heat like on Jay-Z’s “Big Pimpin” and UGK’s “International Player’s Anthem.” This album misses that excitement, but he and his supporting cast crafted a solid album that should keep him among the most respected emcees in the South.