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Rapper Pimp C Died of Cough Syrup Overdose

by Jarrett Martineau | February 4, 2008 at 04:43 pm

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It is small consolation that rapper Pimp C's death was found to be accidental, as it also casts a strange light over the cough syrup combinations popularized in Southern hip-hop song lyrics that both celebrate and advocate the consumption of 'sizzurp' and 'purple drank'.

In 2005, DJ Screw died from a similar overdose on prescription cough syrup and alcohol. Will Pimp C's death serve as a wake up call to other artists?

Los Angeles coroners have determined that sleep apnea and an overdose on an over-the-counter cough syrup are responsible for the death of UGK’s Pimp C, who was found dead in an LA hotel in December. The coroners also ruled that the death was accidental. Sleep apnea is a condition where one often pauses breathes while sleeping, while the OTC drug in question, Promethazine/Codeine, is a cough syrup combination that often appears in rap song lyrics. Pimp C was 33.

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Swan

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 17:50 on February 4th, 2008

Hey Jarrett,

I don't think many realize just how dangerous sleep apnea can be for people. It's mostly found in the obese - in fact one of the first courses of action patients are told to take is - lose weight - which of course is good advice for anyone that is chronically overweight.

May Pimp C rest in peace.
~ Swan