RIP: Pimp C is Dead

Pimp was one of the greatest producers in rap history. His slow, murmuring organic funk beats left a sonic template for many of the greatest albums of the last fifteen years; it's hard to imagine how stuff like the classic run of Dungeon Family albums or, say, T.I.'s Trap Muzik would've sounded without him. He was also an indelible vocal presence. He always held his own with Bun B even though he had nothing like his partner's unreal technical command. He sang some gorgeous hooks. He gave some riveting interviews. With UGK, he released six albums, and every last one of them is worthy. The best of them, Ridin' Dirty, is one of my favorite rap albums of all time. He did some amazing things, and he will be missed. I can't believe he's really dead.

UGK group member Chad "Pimp C" Butler was found dead in room at the Mondrian Hotel today around 9am PST, after members of the rapper’s family contacted the Sunset Strip property to report the artist missing.

In a statement released by the Mondrian, the hotel received several
calls this morning from concerned family members inquiring about
Butler’s whereabouts.

"Security personnel went to Mr. Butler’s room and found him in bed,
apparently expired," Gerald McKelvy, a spokesman for the hotel told
AllHipHop.com.

RIP Pimp C

We're really hoping TMZ is full of shit, but more trustworthy sources seem to confirm it's true. Check back for updates.

L.A. County Fire responded to a 911 call at the Mondrian Hotel, located on trendy Sunset Strip in Hollywood. They arrived to his sixth floor hotel room to find him dead in bed. [...] 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."

UGK rapper Pimp C was found dead this morning (Dec. 4) in his room at the Mondrian Hotel on Los Angeles' Sunset Strip. He was 33. Police found the rapper, whose real name was Chad Butler, dead in his bed after responding to a 911 call.

Pimp C, who was a pioneer of southern rap as half of the veteran Houston rap group UGK, was found dead in a Los Angeles hotel on Tuesday.

Pimp C , one half of Texas rap group UGK (along with Bun B) was found dead today in a hotel room in Los Angeles.

"At this time there's no signs of foul play," Winter said. "It appears to be possibly natural, but pending autopsy and toxicology we can't say the cause."

Manager Rick Martin identified Butler and his death was announced by publicist Nancy Byron.

"This morning saw the loss of a man that was not only a client, but a very dear friend at a time when he had the most to live for," Martin said in a statement. "He was my best friend and I will always love him."

Pimp C, one of the trailblazers in the world of Southern hip hop, was found dead today at age 33.  The cause of death is not yet known.

“It is with great regret that I must confirm that Chad Butler aka Pimp C, one half of the legendary UGK, was in fact discovered dead this morning,” said Nancy Byron, his publicist.

Rapper Pimp C was found dead this morning (December 4) in a Los Angeles hotel room.

Formed some 20 years ago by longtime friends Butler and Bernard "Bun B" Freeman, UGK are largely responsible for the deliberate, loping Houston sound further pioneered by the duo's good friend, the late Robert "DJ Screw" Davis. Pimp C spent from 2002 to 2005 incarcerated in a Texas prison on an aggravated assault charge, leading to the ubiquitous "Free Pimp C" rallying cry throughout the hip-hop industry.

UGK spent much of the '00s away from the studio, but were enjoying a banner 2007 with the release of the stellar, sprawling Underground Kingz LP and its triumphant, Outkast-boosted single "International Player's Anthem".

Less than two months ago, the UGK’s (Underground Kingz) Pimp C and Bun B, along with OutKast’s Big Boi, were called to the stage at the BET Awards by Kanye West after West announced the UGK’s “International Players Anthem” was more worthy of the Best Hip-Hop Video award than his own “Stronger,” which won.