The Trill Legacy Lives On: How Bun B and Drake Reinvigorated a Southern Rap Classic

For nearly two decades, the name Bun B has been synonymous with the soul of Houston hip-hop. As one half of the legendary UGK, his influence on Southern rap is foundational. However, in recent months, the Port Arthur-born icon has found himself at the center of a contemporary cultural moment, thanks to a serendipitous convergence of legacy, friendship, and the chart-topping instincts of global superstar Drake.

The release of "Solar Eclipse," a standout track on the deluxe edition of the Habibti album, has brought the haunting, signature bassline of Bun B’s 2005 solo classic "Get Throwed" back into the mainstream spotlight. For Bun B, the resurgence of his work is more than just a royalty check; it is a testament to the enduring power of Texas hip-hop culture.

The Midnight Surprise: A Full-Circle Moment

The story of the "Solar Eclipse" placement began on a quiet night about a month ago. Bun B, like millions of others, tuned into the midnight livestream of Drake’s short film, Fear of Missing Out.

"I fell asleep, and then my phone started going off," Bun B recalls with a laugh. "It’s my nieces calling me: ‘Uncle Bun, the song is on! The song is on!’"

The song in question was a collaborative reimagining of Ella Langley’s viral hit "Choosin’ Texas," featuring Houston’s own Don Toliver. As the track played, Bun B immediately recognized the unmistakable, heavy-hitting production of his own 2005 anthem "Get Throwed."

This marks the second time Drake has tapped into the Bun B vault, following the 2021 track "N 2 Deep." For the veteran rapper, these inclusions are deeply personal. "I’m absolutely thankful and grateful," he says. "Not only is there revenue from having your song attached to a Drake song, but people rediscover the original record. The numbers on ‘Get Throwed’ started to go up again. That’s a big deal for us."

Chronology: From the Trill Era to the Modern Mainstream

To understand the significance of "Get Throwed," one must revisit the mid-2000s, a period often cited as the "Golden Age" of Houston rap.

• 2005: Bun B releases his debut solo album, Trill, featuring the single "Get Throwed." Produced by the visionary Mr. Lee, the track featured a star-studded lineup including Pimp C, Jay-Z, Jeezy, and Z-Ro.
• 2005–2007: Houston hip-hop experiences a seismic shift, with the city’s sound dominating national airwaves. "Get Throwed" serves as an anchor for this movement, cementing its place in the Southern rap canon.
• 2021: Drake samples "Get Throwed" on "N 2 Deep," introducing a new generation of listeners to the gritty, chopped-and-screwed-adjacent sensibilities of UGK and Bun B.
• 2024/2025: Following a turbulent period in his career, Drake leans into Texas culture—highlighted by his purchase of a $15 million ranch in the state—and enlists Don Toliver to help rework Ella Langley’s "Choosin’ Texas."
• Late 2025: "Solar Eclipse" is released as part of the Habibti deluxe edition, featuring the prominent sample of "Get Throwed," effectively bridging the gap between 2005’s rap scene and today’s genre-fluid landscape.

Supporting Data: Why "Get Throwed" Remains Relevant

The enduring appeal of "Get Throwed" lies in its architecture. Produced by Mr. Lee, the beat captures the specific, swampy, and bass-heavy atmosphere that defined Houston in the mid-2000s.

"It just immediately brings you back to where Houston was last most impactful," Bun B explains. "It’s not like UGK and the Geto Boys and 3-2 and Big Mike didn’t have impact before, but that 2005–2007 run brought a lot more notoriety and shine on the city for the younger base."

The song’s success was not an accident of the era; it was a "murderer’s row" of talent. By bringing together regional legends and mainstream titans like Jay-Z, the track exemplified the collaborative spirit that eventually allowed Houston to break into the global consciousness. Today, as streaming numbers for the original track rise, it proves that quality production has a timeless shelf life.

Official Responses and Perspectives

Bun B’s relationship with Drake spans nearly 20 years, dating back to when the latter was a burgeoning actor signed to Young Money. He views Drake not merely as a business partner, but as a student of the game who holds a genuine reverence for Texas culture.

"I would argue that Texas would be considered Drake’s second home at this point," Bun B notes. "It’s a full-circle thing, because Texas has inspired him and influenced him on so many different levels. I think the stars really aligned."

Regarding the public scrutiny Drake faced in 2024 and 2025, Bun B remains a staunch supporter. He credits Drake’s resilience for his recent resurgence. "As many people as there were that tried to count him out, there were just as many people who still believed in him," he says. "I think the most important aspect is that he never stopped believing in himself. I take my hat off to a guy who can persevere through a very public feud and come out as popular as he’s ever been."

Implications: A Broader Cultural Shift

The collaboration on "Solar Eclipse" is symptomatic of a larger trend in the music industry: the "legacy-meets-modernity" model. By sampling regional classics, modern superstars like Drake provide a blueprint for younger listeners to explore the historical foundations of the genre.

Furthermore, Bun B’s influence extends far beyond the recording studio. His current fall tour with 8Ball and MJG, backed by the Renaissance Orchestra, showcases a deliberate effort to elevate hip-hop into the realm of high art and orchestral performance. "It’s a different musical interpretation of their legacy and our legacy," Bun B explains, "but it still feels as natural as it did when we released the hip-hop version."

Beyond music, Bun B is carving out a massive lane in the culinary world. His Trill Burgers chain continues to expand, with new locations at Rice University and NRG Stadium. This diversification reflects the mindset of a veteran who understands that the "Trill" brand is about more than just music; it is about community identity and economic empowerment.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Trill

As the industry prepares for the 2026 and 2027 cycle, Bun B is already looking toward his next chapter. He confirms that new music is in the works for 2027, promising a continuation of the high-quality, authentic storytelling that has defined his career.

He is also deeply engaged in the political discourse of his home state. Having recently endorsed Senate candidate James Talarico, alongside heavyweights like Willie Nelson and Kacey Musgraves, Bun B is part of a growing movement of Texas artists who are using their platforms to push for ideological shifts in the state’s governance.

"There’s a shift happening right now," he says. "People are looking to go in different directions, not just politically, but ideologically. I’m a part of that growing trend."

Whether he is in the recording studio, the kitchen of a Trill Burgers location, or the halls of political advocacy, Bun B remains a constant, steadying force. His involvement in "Solar Eclipse" is just one facet of a multi-dimensional career that continues to prove that while trends in hip-hop may come and go, the foundation laid by Houston’s pioneers is built to last.

As fans continue to stream "Solar Eclipse" and rediscover the raw energy of "Get Throwed," one thing is clear: the respect for the craft remains the ultimate currency. And for Bun B, that is a legacy he is proud to carry into the future.