UGK, Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You) | Bangerz N Bopz

In the 16^th edition of Bangerz N Bopz , we highlight “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” performed by UGK. 

Bring on the bold, fierce songs! Bangerz N Bopz serves up background info and insight into songs of various styles, especially songs that raise eyebrows and/or stir the pot.  Featured records can be classic or brand new. In the 16^th edition of Bangerz N Bopz (2023), we break down “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” performed by UGK.

“Oh, oh, I choose you girl.” In 2007, rap duo UGK – Bun B and the late, Pimp C – accomplished something special. Their first album in more than five years, UGK (Underground Kingz), debuted at no. 1 on the Billboard 200.  This project marked their sole no. 1 album, and one of two top-10 albums.  Furthermore, Underground Kings featured their only charting single on the pop charts (attributed to them as the lead artist), “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You),” which reached no. 70 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Assisting UGK is the iconic Atlantic rap duo, OutKast.  DEFINITELY A BIG DEAL! Fueling the fire of all four rappers is production by DJ Paul and Juicy J (go on and gag some mo’), who sample the popular, 1973 Willie Hutch classic, “I Choose You”.

All rappers deliver kick ass bars.  It kicks off with André 3000, who is true to self, in all his glory: “When I shoot the moon, high jump the broom / Like a preemie out the womb, my partner yelling, ‘Too soon! / Don’t do it! Reconsider, read some liter- / Ature on the subject; you sure? Fuck it.” Next, Pimp C takes the reins, unapologetically spitting, “My bitch a choosy lover, never fuck without a rubber / Never in the sheets, like it on top of the cover.” Well, shee-it! Bun B takes the third verse, telling her, “I’ll show you shit you never seen, the Seven Wonders of the World / And I can make you the eighth if you wanna be my girl.” Now that’s some fuckin’ game right there! Of course, last but not least, Big Boi playfully kicks off his verse with “Eeny meeny decisions, with precision I pick, or / Make my selection on who I choose to be wit’, girl.” WOO! There’s also the memorable pitch-shifted lyrics, including a personal favorite, “Ask-ask Paul McCartney, the lawyers couldn’t stop it / Slaughter-slaughter of them pockets, had to tie her to a rocket.” Blast off! An entire essay could be written about “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)”, among the best rap songs of the aughts, period.  This Grammy-nominated banger speaks for itself.  R.I.P., Pimp C!

UGK • UGK (Underground Kingz) • Zomba Recording LLC • 2007

UGK, Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You): Bangerz N Bopz No. 16 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Zomba Recording LLC; cottonbro studio, Harry Shelton, Kool Shooters, Lucas Pazeta, Mavluda Tashbaeva, Teddy Yang, Wesley Souza from Pexels]