Four years ago today, the world lost a musical genius – a man who had an epic ability to bring about discussion and change and to do the impossible – make the South truly rise again.
Chad “Pimp C” Butler was one half of the legendary UGK, a pioneering rap group who helped brand Down South music and really put it on the map. From Port Arthur, Texas to Houston to New Orleans, and all points beyond, Pimp C was a man who was truly admired by most who actually had the privilege of meeting him. The media showed one side of him, but clearly, there was much more to this man than what news reports, interviews and videos portrayed. And he was a good dude – a real dude.
The Heat Magazine sends out this tribute to his wife Chinara, to Bun B, to Vicious, and to any other artists and producers who had the privilege to work with and be mentored by this man. He was special, by all accounts, and the world lost an important asset to rap music on December 4, 2007.
Chad Lamont Butler was notorious for speaking his mind and moreover, he knew how to define the true Deep South. He knew how to make sure Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi and our other Deep South, Third Coast states were known for the real.
If anybody listened to and understood his explanation about his comments on Georgia not being “the South” – and listened to the whole interview – they would know he was sticking up for the underdogs of Down South rap – those who had been in the game for years and who were kicked aside by record executives who felt ATL’s crunk music deserved the limelight, rather than the soulful, funky, jazzy beats over which Pimp C, Bun B, The Geto Boys, Master P, Vicious, Juvenile, and countless others rapped.
It is partially due to Pimp C‘s ability to truly anger people to the point where they listened, that real Down South music has gained acceptance and recognition.
There would be no Lil Boosie, Webbie, Da U Boys, Level, Lil Keke, or many others – at least not in the mainstream – had it not been for Pimp‘s rants. Young artists and producers, you better recognize the impact that man had on your music. Were it not for him, those around him and legendary producers such as Ice Mike, we would still be pumping indie artists’ songs at house and block parties and perhaps a few high school dances, but people outside of your small towns, would have no clue what real music is about. We would still be being spoon fed the garbage that mainstream media would have us dine on as musical entrees.
Pimp C made important contributions that must be recognized.
Thanks to friends, associates and his wife, Chinara Butler, Pimp C is again being honored at an annual event (see poster) that makes a difference for the community. If you can make it out to support, do that. He would be proud to see how everyone has come together to keep his mission alive. The Heat Magazine will most definitely be in the building, to show our support.
And he’d call out a liar in a heartbeat. He knew how to call a spade a spade and stand behind his word – no matter who liked it or not. For that, he earned respect, no matter what mainstream media would have us believe. He was THE TRUTH.
“The truth of the matter is, I don’t believe you. I know you ain’t sold no dope.”
“Everybody ain’t my friend and I don’t like y’all records …. you diss me and I’m gone come see you Jack …. Issay Miyake …”
The Heat Magazine loves Pimp C, Bun B and UGK and thank our lucky stars each day that we were blessed with such realness. We miss him and wish his family and friends nothing but love in his absence!
Pimp C – The Heat Magazine’s Legendary Artist of the Month for December 2011.
If we could make every day Pimp C Day, we would. It is because of artists like Bun B and he, that our urban magazine is thriving, and that’s because we have such interesting topics and epic music to feature – real, unique music that they, in some way, shape or form, have been able to help move along.
R.I.P. Pimp C (December 29, 1973 — December 4, 2007)
