Too Hard To Swallow

Truth in advertising, Too Hard to Swallow is UGK before they got funked up, grinding over some minimal, hard beats that aren't as complementary to their delivery as the smoother production they would later favor. Still, thanks to members Bun B and Pimp C's ability to write memorable rhymes, the album -- which repeats some tracks from their impossible to find indie release The Southern Way -- is a winner with three mammoth singles so important to the UGK story. "Something Good" puts a crooked beat under Rufus' most popular number, "Use Me Up" tells its pissed-off tale over a Bill Withers sample, and "Pocket Full of Stones" is a classic tale of crack rocks, Cadillacs, and making bail. The mucho macho "Cramping My Style" is a fan favorite with "hump and dump" lyrics that didn't really play nice with radio, and the snide "I'm So Bad" is a great example of how well Pimp C can offend and amuse at the same time. While most will prefer the Kingz' later sound, this is some fans' favorite album thanks to its unforgiving punch and visceral, controversial, cop-killer lyrics. ~ David Jeffries