Rapper Pimp C found dead

Texas rapper Chad "Pimp C" Butler, a member of the chart-topping duo UGK (Underground Kingz), died in a Los Angeles hotel room on Tuesday, officials said. He was 33.

A spokesman for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said detectives were investigating the death of a "male black adult" at the Mondrian Hotel in West Hollywood. The cause of death was unknown.

Butler’s Jive Records label issued a statement mourning "the unexpected loss." It did not indicate what had happened leading up to his death. A spokeswoman said no one had any details.

Jive Records Statement Regarding UGK’s Pimp C

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.

UPDATE :
Coroner : Pimp C May Have Died of Natural Causes

Capt. Ed Winter of the L.A. County Coroner’s office tells TMZ that it appears as though rapper Pimp C died of natural causes in a Hollywood hotel room today.

We’re told no drug paraphernalia or other drugs were found in the room. The rapper, we’ve learned, was found fully clothed on top of the bed. He did not seem to have fallen or injured himself and he was positioned on his side.

Winter said it did not appear that there was anyone else in the room at the time of his death. An autopsy will be performed and toxicology test results will be available in six to eight weeks.

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by pimp daddy c rizzle [2009-05-13 10:16:48]

probably some fake ass mutha fucker trying to get some attention some 2pac poser

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by Jalem Butler [2009-02-25 11:46:46]

Pimp C was and still is my cousin !! i was upset because of the fact that my cousin died at a young age. he was a good family member...and was always there for me, when he wasnt busy. but now that he is gone R.I.P Cousin Chad !! We all miss you and me and my dad was at your mom house and we was all talkin about the old days together...and how you made so much music... but i mean it was your time...but our day is comin to... see ya in heaven R.I.P Cuz...much love

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by [2008-06-05 15:59:05]

pimp was an influence to alot of people showing a person with major talent. A victim of iressposiblity. His probation was violated for not completing his community service. I personally spoke of waiting for his return from prison. When he was released I felt like I was freed. Alot of hip hop/rappers have died. Forget biggie forget pac., RIP PIMP C

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by BIG FLIMZ [2007-12-15 10:17:22]

Shit when is this going to end,da few dat are left to save hip hop are now dieing wit it,pimp c and UGK brougth da south out,when he was lock up we said free pimp c and we saw da pimp free,now it heart my heart to say rest in peace,

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by Delilah [2007-12-15 02:54:12]

you will always be missed but never forgotten Love Alway Delilah from "chicago"

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by JOSE AKA SLIMM [2007-12-14 15:53:14]

DAM ITS SAD TO SEE PIMP C GONE MAY U REST IN PEACE AND BUN KEEP UR HEAD UP. I BEEN LISTINING TO UGK SINC I WAS A LITTLE BOY BUT I STILL WONT STOP HAVIN MUCH LOVE FOR ONE OF THE MOST REALEST RAPPERS AND ILL STILL KEEP BUYIN UGK. PIMP C INSPIRED ME TO START RAPPEN N I WAS HOPEING THAT ONE DAY IF I BECAME BIG THAT I WOULD GET TO RAPP WIT PIMP C AND BUN B

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by Nick [2007-12-07 17:50:11]

R.I.P Pimp C..you’ll always be remembered !Keep ya head up Ppl...Much Love x

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by T-Bizz [2007-12-07 13:09:47]

R.I.P Fareal man much love. I send prayers dog. H-town, keep yall head up. From Tha NAP

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by *$outh $ide*Hou$ton* [2007-12-07 09:35:00]

shit ma bad am late for saying R.I.P 6ut is all good Cuz i got much love to pimp c and am very sorry 6out what happen when i first heard tha news i was like what tha fukk a nother rapper from houston what tha fukk tha 6est rappers are gone mayne ma 6rother was talking to 6un b yesterday and he was very sad i could hear him i just want to say to say to bun b to keep ur head up Cuz and am very sorry wat happen to your kinfo Pimp C it hurts me that all this niggas dying i just want to show much love to S.U.C,A.B.N,UGK, AND R.I.P to :FAT PAT,HAWK,DJ SCREW,BIG MELLO,BIG MOE,and PIMP C :AND WHAT UP TO TRAE,Z-RO,DOUGIE D,JAY’TON,AND ALL THA FOLLING SOLDIERS : HOUSTON TEXAS to tha fulest (aka) Screwston Tx

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by Charlisha [2007-12-06 15:27:59]

Rest .... sorry

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by Charlisha [2007-12-06 15:26:52]

You are gone and most definitely not forgotten. May You Be At Pest and you family at Peace. Be strong for us Bun B. Muah.

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by tracey [2007-12-06 08:55:40]

rip pimp may you be at peace in paradise .. bun b hold your head up your fans have your back my nigga...

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by tati [2007-12-06 08:52:27]

rip to one of the most outspoken, realest rappers out today....pimpc will be be missed greatly

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by HURIKKANNE [2007-12-06 08:41:29]

INTL PLAYERS ANTHEM.PIMP C ILL BUY 10 OF EACH UGK ALBUMS.LURV U MY DOG.

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by Chyne [2007-12-06 04:01:26]

Sending Prayers and Condolences out to the Family of Pimp C . Bun B may you B Strong my Brother ! Much Luv

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by Kip K [2007-12-06 03:53:43]

I would just like to say how sad i was to hear about Pimp C’s untimely death.. He was a pioneer of the rap industry, i grew up listening to UGK. He will truly be missed !!!!

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by cj [2007-12-06 03:51:59]

rip

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by ASHANTI [2007-12-05 21:23:44]

He was nice to meet i really like him a great raper and a crazy friend he will be missed by me aka Ashanti

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by TYPHENI [2007-12-05 20:34:20]

MY CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY OF PIMP C. BUM B HOLD YOUR HEAD UP HIGH AND REMEMBER THAT HE IS FLYING HIGHER WITH A GREATER POWER !!! GOD WILL HEAL YOUR HEART AND CATCH YOUR TEARS. DO YOUR MUSIC IN THE MEMORY OF HIM AND UGK WILL NEVER DIE, TIFFANY BALTIMORE MD !!! ONE LOVE !!!!

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by [2007-12-05 19:48:51]

R.I.P BRUTHA !!

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by Wonderboy [2007-12-05 17:26:47]

R.I.P Pimp C Thank you for your words and your music, Texas wont be the same wit out you. But we’ll keep it Trill for you nigga !

Quit Hatin da South

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by Spinner [2007-12-05 16:52:31]

R.I.P Pimp C. U was da realest nigga in the south. Once again R.I.P. Bun B, we got yo back

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by Valverde Family [2007-12-05 16:05:54]

The death of Pimp C was a true shock to us may God take him in is arms and guide him home safely ! Our deepest sympathies go to his family including his brother who stuck behind him thru thick and thin Bun B !

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by Bunknitty [2007-12-05 15:32:25]

R.I.P to Pimp C, and Blessings to the family ! God be with U, Chad won’t be 4gotten !

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by eder [2007-12-05 14:42:33]

dammm... i dont belived ... pimp c .. real nigga die... rest in peace pimp c

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by [2007-12-05 14:25:53]

god damn... and ugk was about to get the well-earned dough after dropping two classics from the south ridin dirty included. the same shit happened to big l, big pun, jmj, odb, etc etc. that’s how life is unfair

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by Mike [2007-12-05 12:40:59]

Pimp C’ you’ve past but you won’t be forgotten..Hugs and kisses to the stars up in that ghetto heaven..With my heart still beating it goes out to ur family and friends..Diamonds against tha wood..

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by C- Low [2007-12-05 12:22:33]

pimp c we will all miss u in the south thanks 4 keeping it real all those years u will be missed.

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by jennyPooh [2007-12-05 12:07:59]

U will "B" truly MISSED "Big Pimpin" !!!!

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by jamesha [2007-12-05 12:02:36]

who ever did this is so wrong for killing him

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by JOE [2007-12-05 11:53:39]

WHAT the hell is going to happen wit UGK since pimp c aint there no more ?!?! Well bunB still has it going on but my prayers still fall with chad and the whole family and from bunB to the UGK family.

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by DMAR247 [2007-12-05 11:30:42]

Pimp C will truly be missed. UGK are the pioneers of Southern Rap. They helped put the south on the map especially TX as far as hip hop goes. Pimp C is gone but not forgotten and his legacy will continue forever. My heart goes out to his family and friends. You are in our prayers. God Bless you. RIP PIMP C. We love you !

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by Robert Hammond [2007-12-05 10:04:39]

RIP Pimp C well always love you loC. from sippin on some sizzurp, to big pimpin your verses will always live Cuz. we already missin you. Tell 2paC we miss him and let Proof know we still love him !

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by blah blah blah [2007-12-05 09:14:06]

who the fuck is pimp c ? :)) another gangster dead...big deal

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by [2007-12-05 05:01:32]

R.I.P. Pimp C

Rapper Pimp C found dead, by PUMPKIN [2007-12-05 03:19:53]

PIIIIIIMP ON BEHALF OF LAKE CHARLES WE LOVE YOU AND WILL MISSYOU.I BEEN DOWN WITH U.G.K SINCE THE BEGINING OF YOURE MOVMENT.YOU WERE TWO YEARS OLDER THAN ME ,BUT IWAS RAISED ONE YOURE MUSIC. YALL GAVE OUR SOUTH THE TRUE SOUTH A VOICE.SEEMS LIKE I KNEW YOU.NOW YOU TAKE YOURE PLACE AMONG THA GREATEST.FROM BEGINNING TO THE ENDITS BEEN AHONOR TO WITTNESS YOURE STORIE. REST IN PEACE,MY BROTHER.4 ONE DAY YOURE BABY AND THEN YOURE GOOOOONE