Bun B — real name Bernard James Freeman — is a 53-year-old Grammy-nominated rapper, educator, and entrepreneur from Port Arthur, Texas, best known as one half of the legendary Southern rap duo UGK alongside the late Pimp C.
Born on March 19, 1973, he stands 6 feet 3 inches tall and has built a career spanning over 35 years.
He married Angela "Queenie" Wells in 2003, renewed their vows in 2023, and in early 2026 celebrated her victory over breast cancer.
Beyond music, he is a Distinguished Lecturer at Rice University and the co-founder of Trill Burgers, a fast-growing Houston burger empire now expanding toward a fourth location in 2026.
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Bun B Quick Facts (2026)
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Bernard James Freeman |
| Stage Name | Bun B |
| Date of Birth | March 19, 1973 |
| Age (2026) | 53 years old |
| Birthplace | Port Arthur, Texas, USA |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight | ~85 kg (187 lbs) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Religion | Baptist |
| High School | Thomas Jefferson High School, Port Arthur (graduated 1991) |
| Occupation | Rapper, Educator, Entrepreneur |
| Net Worth (2026 est.) | ~$4 million |
| Wife | Angela "Queenie" Wells (married 2003) |
| Children | 2 stepchildren, 7 step-grandchildren |
| Famous For | UGK, Trill OG, Trill Burgers, Rice University |
Who Is Bun B? The Bottom Line
Bernard James Freeman, known professionally as Bun B, is an American rapper best known as one half of the Southern rap duo UGK (Underground Kingz), which he formed in 1987 alongside Pimp C. Wikipedia But if you only know him as a rapper, you're missing the full picture.
By 2026, Bun B is three things at once:
- A hip-hop legend with 35+ years of recorded history
- A university educator who teaches at one of America's top research schools
- A restaurant mogul whose burger brand is rewriting how Houston eats
That triple threat is exactly why fans, researchers, and food writers keep searching his name. Let's break it all down.
Bun B Early Life and Family Background
Bun B was born in Houston, Texas, and raised in Port Arthur, a city known for its rich musical heritage. His mother, Alice Freeman, was a schoolteacher, and his father, James Freeman, worked in the oil industry. Mabumbe
Growing up in a household where education and hard work were core values shaped everything Bun B became. Port Arthur — the same city that produced Janis Joplin and later became a Southern rap hotbed — gave him both a creative hunger and street credibility few can fake.
He graduated from Port Arthur's Thomas Jefferson High School in 1991 but never took a formal college class. That makes his later role as a university lecturer even more remarkable. Sometimes life experience is the best degree.
How did he get his name? He got his nickname when his family used to call him "Bunny," and then it changed to "Bunny B," and eventually "Bun B." World-Celebs
Bun B and UGK: The Making of a Southern Rap Legend
He and his childhood friend, the late Chad "Pimp C" Butler, formed the rap duo Underground Kingz, or UGK, in 1987, and the pair went on to record six studio albums and two extended plays, winning two BET Awards, a BET Hip Hop Award, and three Ozone Awards. UGK was also nominated for two Grammy Awards. Port Arthur News
UGK Discography at a Glance
| Year | Album | Chart Peak |
| 1992 | Too Hard to Swallow | — |
| 1994 | Super Tight… | Billboard 200 |
| 1996 | Ridin' Dirty | #2 R&B, #15 Billboard 200 |
| 2001 | Dirty Money | — |
| 2007 | Underground Kingz | #1 Billboard 200 |
UGK's self-titled album Underground Kingz debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 in August 2007. Guest artists included Talib Kweli, Too Short, Rick Ross, Z-Ro, Three 6 Mafia, Slim Thug, OutKast, Kool G Rap, and Big Daddy Kane. mogc
Their collaboration game was equally legendary. Bun B holds an MTV Music Award for Best R&B Video for Beyoncé's "Check On It" featuring himself and Slim Thug, and won an ASCAP Award for Top R&B/Hip Hop Song for his writing and performance on "Give Me That." All American Speakers
You've probably heard "Big Pimpin'" by Jay-Z — that's Bun B on the track. That one guest verse alone introduced millions of mainstream fans to Southern rap.
Bun B Solo Career: Five Albums, One Perfect Score
When Pimp C passed away on December 4, 2007, Bun B faced a choice: retire the UGK legacy or carry it forward solo. He chose to carry it.
Solo Discography
| Year | Album | Highlight |
| 2005 | Trill | #6 Billboard 200, #1 R&B/Hip-Hop |
| 2008 | II Trill | #2 Billboard 200 |
| 2010 | Trill OG | 5-mic rating from The Source |
| 2013 | Trill OG: The Epilogue | — |
| 2018 | Return of the Trill | — |
Bun B has released five solo albums, including 2010's Trill OG, which received the rare 5-mic rating from The Source. Wikipedia In hip-hop journalism, a 5-mic rating is equivalent to a perfect score — only a handful of albums in history have earned it. The list includes Illmatic, Ready to Die, and Enter the Wu-Tang. Bun B belongs in that company.
In 2025, Freeman provided skits on JackBoys and Travis Scott's second compilation album JackBoys 2, Wikipedia showing he remains an active part of the next generation's music ecosystem.
Bun B Net Worth 2026: How He Makes His Money
Estimated Net Worth: ~$4 million (2026)
Bun B rose to fame in the 1990s as one-half of the Southern hip hop duo UGK, alongside Pimp C. He went on to embark on a solo career in the 21st century, beginning with his hit debut album "Trill" in 2005. Celebrity Net Worth
But his net worth is no longer just about record sales. Here's how the money actually flows:
Income Streams Breakdown
| Source | Details |
| Music royalties | UGK catalog, 5 solo albums, 100+ guest appearances |
| Trill Burgers | 3 locations (2026), stadium deals, DoorDash partnership |
| Speaking fees | Professional booking agent; university lectures |
| Rice University | Distinguished Lecturer role |
| Endorsements & appearances | Coachella, Rolling Loud, Rock the Bells, Something in the Water |
| Books | Bun B's Rap Coloring Book, Religion in Hip Hop (co-authored) |
Bun B won $10,000 from the burger contest of Good Morning America. Networth Rant That contest win in 2022 was the spark that lit the Trill Burgers fire commercially. Not a bad ROI on a burger recipe.
Trill Burgers: Bun B's Fastest-Growing Business (2026 Update)
This is the part most bio pages completely miss. Trill Burgers isn't a side project — it's a full-scale food empire in the making.
Trill Burgers launched in 2021 with a series of pop-ups, including one at City Hall in September 2022 that drew 2,000 customers. Trill Burgers is co-founded by Bun B, Andy Nguyen, and Nick Scurfield with executive chefs Mike Pham and Fernando Valladares. Buildithouston
Expansion Timeline
| Date | Milestone |
| 2021 | Pop-up series launched |
| 2022 | Won "Best Burger in America" — Good Morning America |
| June 2023 | First brick-and-mortar opens, Montrose neighborhood, Houston |
| April 2025 | Second location opens in Spring, TX (Louetta Road) |
| December 2025 | Third location opens in Missouri City (Fort Bend Town Center) |
| January 7, 2026 | Grand Opening celebration, Missouri City |
| 2026 (planned) | Fourth location: 7616 Westheimer Rd, Houston |
Since debuting its first brick-and-mortar in Houston's Montrose neighborhood in June 2023, Trill Burgers has quickly evolved from a pop-up favorite into a growing regional presence. A second location opened in Spring in April 2025, and the brand is already looking ahead to a fourth restaurant planned for 7616 Westheimer Rd. in 2026. TheGrio
Bun B said the plan is to have four Trill Burgers stores in Greater Houston by the end of 2025, then expand into other Texas cities and potentially nationwide — but the goal is to grow the right way, not franchise quickly and walk away. Rolling Out
The menu stars the OG Burger — a classic smash burger with Trill sauce, cheese, pickles, and onions — available as beef or vegan. Trill Burgers also has participated in festivals such as Coachella, Rolling Loud, Rock the Bells, and Something in the Water, as well as concession stands at NRG Stadium, Shell Energy Stadium, and TDECU Stadium at the University of Houston. Buildithouston
Bun B Wife: Who Is Angela "Queenie" Wells?
This is the most under-covered part of Bun B's story — and it might also be the most inspiring.
He has been married once, to Angela "Queenie" Wells (sometimes spelled Walls), since 2003. The couple met in 1996, began dating shortly after, and celebrated 20 years of marriage with a vow renewal in 2023. TheCityCeleb
The vow renewal ceremony took place at the Contemporary Arts Museum of Houston, officiated by Pastor Keion Robinson. After exchanging rings and kisses in front of a small group of guests, they walked into a huge surprise birthday bash upstairs celebrating Bun B's 50th birthday. Essence
2026 Update: Queenie's Breast Cancer Victory
This is big news that most bio pages haven't covered yet.
Bun B and his family celebrated after his wife beat breast cancer. The UGK rapper shared a video of his wife Angela "Queenie" Wells ringing the cancer bell after her doctor confirmed she was cancer-free. He explained that Queenie was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer following her annual check-up last June. She started her chemotherapy treatment the following month and finished in December. iHeartRadio
Bun B wrote: "She's been my best friend, wife, partner, lover, business partner and more. But today, she's my hero." WBLS
He urged everyone: "I implore everyone to please get your health checked yearly and consistently, because in cases of cancer and other illnesses, early detection can be the difference between life and death." WBLS
Queenie is more than a supportive spouse. When Bun and his wife walk into Trill Burgers business meetings, they have different assignments — he talks, she listens; he watches numbers and paperwork, she watches mannerisms and body language. Rolling Out That partnership structure is part of why the business works.
Queenie Wells Key Facts
- Full name: Angela "Queenie" Wells (also spelled Walls)
- Relationship start: 1996
- Marriage: 2003
- Vow renewal: 2023 (20th anniversary)
- Children: Two children from a previous relationship — including rapper Young-B
- Step-grandchildren: Seven
- Health (2026): Cancer-free after stage 2 breast cancer diagnosis and treatment
Bun B: Memorable Moments Beyond Music
| Event | Details |
| 2019 Home Invasion | Shot an armed intruder attempting to rob his Houston home. Intruder was arrested at a hospital. |
| 2020 Racist Incident | Bun B and Queenie were subjected to racial slurs at a Whataburger; Queenie's response went viral. |
| 2022 GMA Win | "OG Burger" named "Best Burger in America" by Good Morning America. |
| 2023 Vow Renewal | Celebrated 20-year marriage and 50th birthday at the Contemporary Arts Museum of Houston. |
| 2025 Travis Scott | Provided skits on Travis Scott's JackBoys 2 compilation. |
| 2026 Queenie Cancer-Free | Publicly celebrated wife's victory over stage 2 breast cancer. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Bun B
How old is Bun B in 2026?
Born March 19, 1973, Bun B is 53 years old as of 2026.
How tall is Bun B?
Bun B stands at an estimated 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters) tall. TheCityCeleb
Who is Bun B's wife?
Bun B has been married to Angela "Queenie" Wells since 2003 and has two stepchildren and seven step-grandchildren. Wikipedia
What is Bun B's net worth?
Bun B is an American rapper who has a net worth of $4 million. Celebrity Net Worth This figure reflects his music career, Trill Burgers revenue, speaking fees, and licensing income.
What is Trill Burgers?
Trill Burgers is Bun B's Houston-based smash burger restaurant chain. The Missouri City opening marks the brand's third Houston-area location, with a fourth site already planned for 7616 Westheimer Rd. in 2026. The Source
Does Bun B still teach at Rice University?
Yes. Since 2013, he has been a guest lecturer at Houston's Rice University, continuing to teach his course on hip-hop and religion alongside Professor Anthony Pinn.
What is Bun B's real name?
Bernard James Freeman.