By Tai Saint Louis
UGK group member Chad "Pimp C" Butler was found dead in room at the Mondrian Hotel today around 9am PST, after members of the rapper’s family contacted the Sunset Strip property to report the artist missing.
In a statement released by the Mondrian, the hotel received several calls this 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," Gerald McKelvy, a spokesman for the hotel told AllHipHop.com.
"A 911 call was placed at about 9:20 AM and paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department responded and pronounced Mr. Butler dead."
The Los Angeles County Sherriff’s office has confirmed that their homicide department is currently 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.
At press time, a cause of death had not been determined. Butler checked into the Mondrian on November 28 and according to those close to him who contacted the hotel, was due to have checked out on Monday (December 4).
His manager Rick Martin was on hand to identify the body of his friend, Pimp C.
"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 told AllHipHop.com in a statement. "He was my best friend and I will always love him."
Martin revealed that 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.
"Chad had everything to live for, making his unexpected passing a travesty," Martin said. "Right now, my number one concern is the well being and livelihood of his family who are the ones most deeply affected by this loss. All efforts will be made to ensure that they are properly cared for in this tragic time and beyond."
Various rapper expressed shocked at the sudden passing of Pimp C.
"Pimp C had that type of flow and swagger that no other artist has. Hip-Hop and the world in general will miss his presence," said Chicago rapper Twista, who rapped alongside Pimp C. on the remix to "I‘m In Luv Wit A Stripper," with Paul Wall, R. Kelly, MJG and Too Short.
"Pimp C was a great man who inspired a whole generation of people in Texas including us," said Grammy Award winning producers and Texas natives Play-N-Skillz.
He was much bigger than just music, he was the Godfather of everything in Texas.
We send our sincerest condolences to Chad's family."
Jive Records’ President and CEO Barry Weiss called the rapper 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," Weiss said. "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."
