Pimp C: Southern Rap Star R.I.P.

By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices

It has been confirmed that southern rap star Pimp C is deceased.

According to TMZ.com, the 'Big Pimpin'' lyricist – whose real name is Chad Butler – was found dead in a hotel room this morning.

"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."

Though best known as a collaborator on the popular Jay-Z anthem, Pimp C made up half of the celebrated rap duo UGK (Underground Kingz).

As previously reported in The BV Newswire, the duo's latest album debuted at the top of the Billboard charts upon its first week of release in August.Universally regarded as the true voices of the south, the duo recorded for Jive Records and has collaborated with a who's who of hip-hop, most recently including T.I., Rick Ross, Swizz Beatz, Scarface, Marley Marl, Jazze Pha, Lil Jon Slim Thug, Charlie Wilson, Raheem DeVaughn, Three 6 Mafia, Willy D, OutKast, Kool G Rap, and Big Daddy Kane, respectively.

"We mourn the unexpected loss of Chad," Jive Records' President and CEO Barry Weiss said today. "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, Pimp C's father was a trumpet player who played professionally with Solomon Burke. Outside of his father, his influences varied, ranging from Bobby Bland, Jimmy McGriff, the 1960's Motown artists to Run DMC.

Butler met his partner-in-rhyme 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, a label spokesperson confirmed.

Butler was 33 years old at the time of his death.

The cause of death was not given by deadline.