BBU is an American hip hop group from Chicago, Illinois.[1] It consists of Jasson Perez, Richard "Epic" Wallace, and Michael "Illekt" Milam.[2] The group's name is an acronym for "Bin Laden Blowin' Up" and "Black, Brown and Ugly".[3]

BBU
OriginChicago, Illinois, U.S.
GenresHip hop
Years active2007–present
LabelsRuby Hornet, Mishka, Mad Decent
MembersJasson Perez
Richard "Epic" Wallace
Michael "Illekt" Milam

Career

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BBU's 2009 song, "Chi Don't Dance", was listed by Pitchfork as "Best New Track".[4] In 2010, the group released a mixtape, Fear of a Clear Channel Planet.[5]

In 2012, BBU released a mixtape, Bell Hooks, on Mishka and Mad Decent.[6] It featured guest appearances from GLC, Mic Terror, and Das Racist.[7] It received favorable reviews from Pitchfork,[8] Chicago Reader,[9] PopMatters,[10] and Chicago Tribune.[11] In 2012, the group was featured on The Hood Internet's "Won't Fuck Us Over" off of their album, FEAT.[12]

PopMatters included the group on the "Best Hopes to Break Out in 2013" list,[13] as well as the "Best Hopes to Break Out in 2015" list.[14]

Style and influences

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According to Chicago Reader, BBU's most obvious inspirations are Outkast and Dead Prez.[15]

Discography

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Mixtapes

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  • Fear of a Clear Channel Planet (2010)
  • Bell Hooks (2012)

Guest appearances

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References

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  1. ^ Downing, Andy (May 21, 2010). "Rappers BBU putting muscle behind message from streets". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
  2. ^ Galil, Leor (November 7, 2012). "Saying good-bye to great activist local hip-hop group BBU". Chicago Reader. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
  3. ^ Hopper, Jessica (November 26, 2010). "BBU makes politics irresistible through dance". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
  4. ^ Kelly, Zach (May 22, 2009). "BBU: "Chi Don't Dance"". Pitchfork. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
  5. ^ Bosman, Chris (February 12, 2010). "BBU: "BB Who?"". Pitchfork. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
  6. ^ Almack, Willie (February 22, 2012). "BBU Release 'bell hooks' Mixtape, Track With Das Racist". CMJ. Archived from the original on February 26, 2012. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
  7. ^ Breihan, Tom (February 21, 2012). "Download BBU bell hooks Mixtape". Stereogum. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
  8. ^ Hogan, Marc (March 5, 2012). "BBU: bell hooks". Pitchfork. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
  9. ^ Raymer, Miles (March 7, 2012). "Local release roundup: cerebral grooves from beat maker Radius". Chicago Reader. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
  10. ^ Tryneski, John M. (August 23, 2012). "BBU: bell hooks". PopMatters. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
  11. ^ Kot, Greg (December 13, 2012). "Top Chicago indie albums: BBU, Willis Earl Beal, Hood Internet". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
  12. ^ Weiss, Sam (August 21, 2012). "Video Premiere: The Hood Internet f/ BBU & Annie Hart "Won't F*ck Us Over"". Complex. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
  13. ^ Ezell, Brice (January 1, 2013). "The Best Hopes to Break Out in 2013". PopMatters. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
  14. ^ Tryneski, John M. (January 4, 2015). "The Best Hopes to Break Out in 2015". PopMatters. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
  15. ^ Raymer, Miles (October 8, 2009). "Political Party Rap". Chicago Reader. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
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