Following hit collaborations with Jay-Z (“Big Pimpin’”) and Three 6 Mafia (“Sippin’ On Some Syrup”), UGK were poised to have the biggest success of their career with their fourth album Dirty Money. Unfortunately, the buzz they had worked so hard to build was squandered when conflicts with Jive pushed the album’s release date back almost two years. Following the overwhelming response to “Big Pimpin’” Jive wanted to steer the duo in a more radio-friendly direction, but in the end UGK stuck to what they knew best. All the beats were created by Pimp C. and longtime Houston producer N.O. Joe, and songs like “Look At Me,” “Pimpin’ Ain’t No Illusion,” and “Like A Pimp” exude the patented slow-motion soul atmosphere that UGK essentially invented. And while censored lyrics threaten to derail the song, “Ain’t That A Bitch” remains an unparalleled merger of blues and hip-hop. Though label politics stole some of the fire and focus from under Dirty Money, the album escaped with more enough to make it essential listening.