Legendary rapper Bun B has been making music out of Texas for more than three decades.

He started out as one half of the duo UGK, Underground Kings, a group he formed in 1987

with Pimpsi in their hometown of Port Arthur, writing lyrics about the streets and equality,

and what it's like struggling to survive.

So when George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer, Houston, the city where Floyd

spent most of his life mourned.

And Bun B stepped up to lead the city he now calls home.

Bun B helped organize a march in Houston to honor Floyd on June 2nd, and tens of thousands

of people came out to show their support.

But Bun's activism and work in the community began long before this moment.

Once you're in a position to actually escape those circumstances, you feel compelled

to reach back.

You feel compelled to try to show people a way out.

I'm Tremaine Lee, and this is Into America.

Today a conversation with Bun B recorded in partnership with the Texas Tribune Festival.

Bun B has worn a lot of hats over the years, rapper, lecturer at Rice University, political

correspondent for Vice News, and proud Texan.

We talked politics how a small hometown influenced his activism and how he's approaching his

art in this time.

I'm not going to talk with you.

I said it's when I first heard we were doing this, and they said it's going to be Texas,

and they said who do you want to talk to?

...