BUN B
Bun B, House of Blues, Houston, TX 10/18/2025
Bun B Celebrates 20 Years of Trill With an Unplugged Experience
Houston legend Bun B celebrated the 20th anniversary of his debut solo album Trill with an unplugged performance that felt less like a concert and more like an intimate conversation among friends. Held in a cozy, familiar space, the night gave fans a rare opportunity to see the man behind the music reflect on the making of one of Southern rap’s most defining albums.
DJ Big Reeks kicked off the evening by spinning a mix of Houston classics that immediately set the tone and created the perfect vibe. The energy in the room was warm and electric before Bun even took the stage. When he did, he was calm, confident, and completely in his element. Backed by a live band that included background vocalists and his hype man, Bun walked the audience through Trill track by track, sharing the stories, emotions, and experiences that shaped each song. It felt less like a performance and more like a moment of reflection shared with family.
The first major surprise came when Mannie Fresh joined him on stage for “I’m Fresh.” The chemistry between the two Southern icons was undeniable as they performed the track together, their connection reminding everyone why their collaborations have stood the test of time. The crowd was all in, rapping along and cheering them on as the stage turned into a celebration of classic Southern hip-hop energy.
The night continued with one highlight after another, but nothing topped the performance of “Draped Up.” As soon as the song began, the venue erupted. One by one, Houston heavyweights Lil Keke, Slim Thug, Z-Ro, Chamillionaire, and Paul Wall joined Bun on stage to perform the anthem that represents the city’s unity and pride. The moment felt historic, with the crowd feeding off the genuine brotherhood and mutual respect between these Houston legends.
Z-Ro later delivered a flawless rendition of “Mo City Don Freestyle,” leaving the audience in awe of his lyrical stamina and precision. Lil Keke followed with “Southside,” which had everyone on their feet doing the Southside dance, shouting every word in unison.
Midway through the set, Bun took things in a more personal direction. He sat down on a barstool, dimmed the energy, and introduced “The Story,” a song that he said was not only difficult to write but even harder to perform. He explained that the lyrics came from a deep, honest place and that performing it took real courage. As the band played softly behind him, Bun delivered the song with raw emotion, visibly proud of himself for getting through it. It was one of the most vulnerable moments of the night and a reminder of his depth as both an artist and a man.
Later, he performed “Hold U Down,” a song he dedicated to his wife and gave her a shoutout. Before performing it, he told the crowd that it was written to show men how to properly treat women. The audience responded with admiration and applause, touched by his honesty and respect.
To close out the night, Bun performed “International Players Anthem,” honoring his late UGK partner, Pimp C. The entire crowd sang along, filling the venue with love, nostalgia, and pride. Throughout the evening, Bun never missed a moment to acknowledge his fans, responding to their shoutouts with gratitude and humor.
Twenty years after Trill, Bun B remains one of Houston’s most respected voices. He has shown what it means to be a true leader and mogul. Not only is he a legendary rapper, but also a businessman, husband, and mentor who takes each role seriously. He continues to serve as a role model and pillar in the community, proving that longevity comes from staying authentic and evolving with purpose. With his Trill Burgers expanding to different cities and his influence continuing to inspire new generations, this unplugged celebration was more than just a milestone. It was a living testament to legacy, leadership, and what it truly means to stay trill.
Shot and Written by Loreal Curtis.
