The influential rap artist and member of rap duo UGK (Underground Kingz), Pimp C, was found dead in the Mondrian Hotel in Los Angeles this morning.
Pimp C, aka Chad Butler, had a long history of involvement in drugs and criminal activity, but was quoted last year as saying that he was working toward producing more responsible, "grown-man" work that reflected his responsibilities to his family and community. A press release issued on behalf of his family said read as follows:
"It is with great regret that I must confirm that Chad Butler,
a.k.a. Pimp C, one half of the legendary UGK, was in fact discovered
dead this morning.
"Manager Rick Martin is asking that everyone please respect his
family and those close to him at this time and refrain from rumors and
innuendo.
A formal statement will be released later this afternoon. Thank you all for understanding."
Barry Weiss, president and CEO of Jive Records, UGK's longtime
label, said: "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."
The hotel released the following statement: "Mondrian received calls
this morning from the family of Chad Butler inquiring about his
whereabouts. Mr. Butler had checked into the hotel on 28 November and,
according to the callers, was to have checked out yesterday. Security
personnel went to Mr. Butler's room and found him in bed, apparently
expired. A 911 call was placed at about 9:20 a.m. and paramedics from
the Los Angeles Fire Department responded and pronounced Mr. Butler
dead."
Early suspicion was that the death was drug-related, but recent reports from TMZ are stating that it's looking to have been due to natural causes.
Our best to his family, friends, and colleagues.
Sources: TMZ, LA Times, Rolling Stone; Photo Credit: David Phillip/AP
