UGK (short for Underground Kingz) is a hip-hop duo from Port Arthur, Texas. Formed in 1987 by long-time friends Chad "Pimp C" Butler and Bernard "Bun B" Freeman, they are highly respected by many of their peers, due in part to their longevity and their entrenchment in hip-hop's underground. UGK, from Port Arthur, TX, the neighboring city to Beaumont, TX, released their first album in 1988. Titled The Southern Way, it was distributed by local record label Bigtyme Recordz and only available as an audio cassette. In 1992, they had caught the attention of Jive Records, and were signed to a five album record contract.