Breaking Bread: A Conversation hosted by Chris Shepherd with Bun B

About Bun B

A true Houston icon, Bun B (Bernard Freeman) made his debut on the rap scene in 1992 as part of the rap duo UGK (Underground Kingz). Along with the late Chad Butler AKA Pimp C, the two Port Arthur, Texas, natives pioneered a sound that has become synonymous with Southern rap music. Bun B also has been successful as a solo artist, releasing five solo albums throughout his career. His debut solo album, “Trill,” reached the No. 6 spot on the Billboard 200 charts. His four following albums, “II Trill,” “Trill O.G.,” “Trill O.G.: The Epilogue,” and “Return of the Trill,” all charted on Billboard’s prestigious list, as well. Most recently, he released five installments of Trillstatik, a live-recorded joint venture with producer Statik Selektah. The rap legend also has worked with stars including Jay-Z, Outkast, Beyoncé, Lil Wayne and Drake.

Bun B has expanded his reach beyond the music industry. He created “Bun B’s Rap Coloring and Activity Book” with author Shea Serrano and, along with Professor Anthony Pinn, taught a course about Religion and Hip Hop at the prestigious Rice University in Houston. His food blog “You Gotta Eat This!” anticipated his next step into the Houston restaurant scene with his new burger concept, Trill Burgers. He appeared on the Netflix series “Mo” in 2022 and became one of the first rap artists ever to play at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo with his headlining performance in 2022. He followed that up with headlining Rodeo performances in 2023 and 2024, curating star-studded lineups of artists from across the United States. He also is an active member of the Houston community, dedicating his time to various philanthropic endeavors.

Trill Burgers was named “Best Burger in America” on Good Morning America in 2022. The signature OG Trill Burger has been featured at music festivals from Coachella to Rolling Loud and food festivals from Southern Smoke Festival to ComplexCon, and earned the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo’s Gold Buckle Foodie Award for Best Classic Fair Food in 2023. Since opening its first brick-and-mortar location in June 2023, the restaurant has added three new locations in Houston and expanded into sports and entertainment venues.

ABOUT THE BREAKING BREAD SERIES 

Back when Chris Shepherd was running restaurants, he would place uncut loaves of bread on the table for guests to tear apart together, a way to get people talking. He’s always believed the table is one of the last places where community happens naturally. That idea is the heartbeat of this series.