In an emotionally charged episode of Hip-Hop Wired’s I Got Questions, Bun B opened up about a significant conversation he had with RZA following the tragic death of his UGK partner, Pimp C. This heartfelt dialogue, which took place in December 2007, provided Bun B with much-needed solace during a profoundly challenging time.
Reflecting on the moment, Bun B shared, “When I lost Pimp, a lot of people called and offered their condolences. One of the people that called me was RZA. Y’all had just lost [Ol’ Dirty Bastard]. He reached out to me and he was like, ‘I just wanted to call you and offer my condolences and just talk with you because we recently went through something like that.’ And we just talked about grief and loss.” This conversation marked the beginning of a meaningful connection between the two influential artists, grounded in shared experiences of loss.
Bun B described the conversation as “such a blessing,” noting how RZA’s words gave him the strength to process his grief. “It was words like that from him that really gave me a strength in the moment to know like okay, maybe not today, but eventually I’m gonna find a way to deal with this and move forward but still honor him.” This sentiment underscores the profound impact that shared experiences can have in the journey of healing.
The conversation comes on the heels of another loss in the hip-hop community. Recently, the Houston rap scene mourned the passing of BeatKing, a talented rapper and producer who passed away at the age of 39. His death, confirmed by his manager Tasha Felder, was attributed to a pulmonary embolism. Bun B, among many of BeatKing’s peers, expressed his sorrow on social media, writing, “It’s always the good ones. Damn this shit hurt. Just a great spirited person. We lost a talented artist and father. Prayer for @talameshia and his loved ones. RIP @clubgodzilla.”
Tributes for BeatKing, whose real name was Justin Riley, poured in from numerous artists who had collaborated with him throughout his career. T.I., who worked with BeatKing on the track “Pop Music,” also shared his condolences, stating, “God Bless your soul and family.” The outpouring of love and respect for BeatKing highlights the impact he had on the Southern hip-hop scene and the connections he formed with fellow artists.
As Bun B navigates the landscape of grief and celebration of life, his reflections serve as a reminder of the importance of community and the bonds formed through shared experiences in hip-hop. The conversations with RZA and the tributes to BeatKing illustrate how music serves as both a refuge and a source of strength in times of loss.
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