UGK'S PIMP C FOUND DEAD

Rapper's body discovered in a hotel room Tuesday morning.


Jive Records has confirmed that Pimp C, one half of rap duo UGK, was found dead in a Los Angeles hotel room on Tuesday morning. He was 33.

"We mourn the unexpected loss of Chad. He was truly a thoughtful and kind-hearted person," read a statement from Jive. "He will be remembered for his talent and profound influence as a pioneer in bringing southern rap to the forefront."

Born Chad Butler, the rapper/producer's body was discovered in a bed on the sixth floor of the Mondrian Hotel, located on Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood. Conflicting reports have surfaced regarding his possible cause of death.

Capt. Ed Winter of the L.A. County Coroner's office told TMZ.com that it appears as though he died of natural causes. However, Allhiphop.com is reporting that the Los Angeles Sherriff's office's homicide department is investigating the crime scene, which, according to LASD PR Liason Dept. Oscar Butao, is standard procedure whenever a victim is found who did not die of natural causes.

"We're told no drug paraphernalia or other drugs were found in the room," TMZ reported late Tuesday. "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," according to TMZ.

Butler reportedly checked into the Mondrian on Nov. 28 and was due to have checked out on Monday (Dec. 4). In a statement released by the Mondrian, the hotel says it received several calls Tuesday 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," said hotel spokesman Gerald McKelvy. "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."

Pimp C's body was identified by his manager and friend, Rick Martin.

"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."

According to Martin, Pimp C. was in the process of launching a number of new business initiatives, including a solo deal with Jive, a publishing deal, a national cologne endorsement deal and a new satellite radio show.

UGK, short for Underground Kings, was formed in 1987 by Butler and Bernard "Bun B" Freeman in their home town of Port Arthur, Texas. Their current seventh album, "UGK (Underground Kingz)," is the group's first double CD and features the hit single, "International Players Anthem: I Choose You."

Butler was exposed to music at an early age from his father, a professional trumpet player who performed professionally with Solomon Burke. The rap artist studied classical music in high school and received a Division I rating on a tenor solo at a University Interscholastic League choir competition.

At the time of his death, Pimp C was on parole after serving about half of an eight-year prison sentence for failing to complete a community service requirement stemming from an aggravated assault charge.

During his run in hip hop, Pimp C pushed for the end of rap beefs and unionization of rap artists to keep from being exploited by record companies. The sentiment was expressed in his solo single "Knockin' Doors Down" from his 2006 solo album, "Pimpalation."