Rapper Pimp C, one half of hip hop duo UGK, was found dead in his room at the Mondrian Hotel in LA yesterday morning. Details of the death remain sketchy, though it seems he was discovered by hotel staff who checked his room after family members of the rapper called to say they were having trouble contacting him. Pimp C, real name Chad Butler, was last seen in public on Saturday night when he performed at the LA House Of Blues just next door to the Mondrian.
Butler, and his UGK partner Bernard 'Bun B' Freeman, have been making acclaimed hip hop for fifteen years. The duo went on hiatus between 2002 and 2005 when Butler was jailed over an aggravated gun assault charge, but they regrouped last year after Butler's release from jail and released a comeback album earlier this year which included the hit single 'International Player's Anthem (I Choose You)', a collaboration with Outkast. With UGK back on the hip hop radar, word had it Butler was also starting work on a solo project prior to his death.
Paying tribute to Butler yesterday, his manager Rick Martin told AllHipHop.com: "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. Right now, my number one concern is the well being and livelihood of his family who are the ones most deeply affected by this loss. All efforts will be made to ensure that they are properly cared for in this tragic time and beyond".
Meanwhile, Barry Weiss, boss of Butler's label, SonyBMG's Jive, said in a statement: "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".