Wow.. this is a huge shock. Our condolences to everyone that knew Pimp C in any way. RIP Pimp C.
Per HipHopDx:
Another tragic loss has hit the Hip Hop community today as Pimp C, one half of UGK, was found dead in his hotel room this morning. He was 33 years old.
According to TMZ, a 911 call was answered by LA County Fire which led them to the Mondrian Hotel in California. When police arrived they found the Houston rapper dead in his bed.
No word yet as to the cause of his death as this story is still developing.
HipHopDX would like to send condolences to the family and friends of Pimp C during this trying time.
UPDATE: Representatives from Jive Records, UGK‘s longtime label have confirmed the death to be true.
We will keep you updated as information continues to come in.
Edit: Jive Records Statement:
It is with great sadness that Jive Records announces the passing of Chad “Pimp C” Butler, a member of the celebrated rap duo UGK (Underground Kingz). Jive Records’ President and CEO Barry Weiss states: “We mourn the unexpected loss of Chad. He was truly a thoughtful and kind-hearted person. He will be remembered for his talent and profound influence as a pioneer in bringing southern rap to the forefront. He will be missed and our prayers remain with his family and Bun B. I’ve known Chad since he was 18, and we loved him dearly and he was a cherished member of the Jive family.”
Born in Port Arthur, Texas, Butler’s father was a trumpet player who played professionally with Solomon Burke. Outside of his father, the 33-year old rapper’s influences varied, ranging from Bobby Bland, Jimmy McGriff, the 1960’s Motown artists to Run DMC. Butler met his inseparable partner Bernard “Bun B” Freeman in high school where they formed UGK. In 1992, the duo signed to Jive Records and went on release a total of eight albums for the label. They earned their highest achievement earlier this year when their most recent album, UGK (Underground Kingz), debuted in the number one position on the album pop chart. According to the New York Times, UGK “helped inspire a generation of Southern hip-hop stars, from OutKast to Lil Wayne.”
Bun B is not available for comment at this time.
Photo: NYTimes
An addendum from AaronM: I’m busy studying for exams and haven’t had much time to contribute but when Dj01 sent me the news, I had to add this.
Hip Hop Is Read just posted two UGK tracks that show Chad’s more spiritual side. Listening to them is a good way to pay tribute to the Underground King on this sad day.
Rest in Peace Pimp C – UGk are the real Kings of the South.
Maaan….. shit i’m still shakin in disbelief of chad not being here because they was on their way to the top but uh there is one thang i can remember is from back in the day when they asked my grand father to shoot a video in his home in port arthur, texas on procter street & he turned’em down
MAN THATS FUCKE UP, I USE TO LISTEN TO THA NIGGA ALL THE TIME:PIMP-C AND BUN-B WAS HARDER THAN HALF OF THESE CATS RIGHT NOW THATS OUT….KEEP YOU HEAD UP BUN-B ITS GO BE COOL!!!! RIP PIMP-C
-LOKSTA FROM LAS VEGAS NV
My boy texted me the news, I was studying on campus at the time and the internet was down, so I had no clue on the details. Considering all the shit popping he had been doing in recent time — saying Atlanta wasn’t the South, and the “Mr. 17.5” comments — I was afraid someone may have took his life. I’m glad that wasn’t the case, and I hope he went without any pain.
I was a late bloomer on UGK. I probably heard Ridin’ Dirty for the first time about 2 years ago. But I definitely appreciated it more because of that fact. Rappers don’t make records like that anymore.
Pimp was definitely unique. His voice and his flair were one of a kind. He was definitely a free spirit. I remember him in the video for “Sippin’ On Some Syrup” talking about his hands-free phone… while holding a cell phone to his ear with his hand. Pimp didn’t take himself so seriously that he couldn’t have fun with what he was doing.
When I left campus today, I hooked the iPod up in the car and threw Ridin’ Dirty on on random. First words that come out the speakers — “One day you’re here, and then you’re gone…”
R.I.P. Chad Butler
I don’t want to edit the post so I’ll put my thoughts here: I won’t lie and say that I was listening to UGK since day one. Big Pimpin really put me on to them, I was intrigued about Bun B’s rapid fire and Pimp C smoothness. Needless to say I copped Dirty Money that same year on the strength of that single alone. As the years went on I caught up with more and more of their catalog. I’m not an expert on UGK/Pimp C/Bun B but I’d like to think I was a fan & well aware of their music. To put it in perspective..How many Southern acts have released 8 albums on the same major label since the early 90s? That alone spells out the quality/respect UGK has. I can’t imagine what Bun B is feeling.
I’m with DJ on this one. I was never on UGK’s jock even though I knew about them back in the day. But they deserve the respect from the hip-hop community bc how they affected the game in the south. god bless and keep ya head up, bun!
iknowtheledge – you already know!
R.I.P.2 MY NIGGA”PIMPIN-CHAD” UWILL BE MISSED.DA WESTCOAST GOT MUCH LOVE 4U BIG HOMIE FROM DA VEG2CALI I GOT A POCKET FULL OF STONES&PIMPIN AINT EAZY/ U TOLD US THAT