By Chris Richburg
Outkast member Big Boi, David Banner and 8Ball & MJG will be among the artists honoring the late Pimp C at this year’s Ozone Awards in Houston, Texas.
The tribute, which was orchestrated by Pimp C’s fellow UGK member Bun B., will also include rappers Webbie and Boosie, who were discovered by and recorded for Pimp C’s label.
The recognition comes more than six months after Pimp C died from sleep apnea and an accidental overdose of Promethazine and Codeine "syrup” in a Los Angeles hotel room.
In addition to the Pimp C tribute, the Ozone Awards will feature performances from T-Pain, Rick Ross, The Game, Plies, Bun B, Lil Boosie, DJ Khaled and Trick Daddy.
Awards in more than 25 categories, --- including Best Rap Album, Breakthrough Artist, Best Rap Group, Best Video, DJ of The Year and the "Pimp C Award (Trillest Artist)” — will be handed out by various presenters.
Rappers like Flo Rida, Young Buck, Soulja Boy, Pitbull, Bow Wow, Trina, David Banner, Ray J, Lloyd, C-Murder, Mya, Paul Wall and Chamillionaire will be on hand to doll out awards.
The Ozone Awards are scheduled take place Monday (Aug. 11) in Houston at the George R Brown Convention Center.
The Third Annual Ozone Awards will take place in conjunction with the TJ’S DJ’S Tastemakers Only music conference, which brings together DJ’s, executives, managers and other industry heavyweights, who offer advice on the music business during different educational workshops.
The event will feature appearances from Southern rappers like Nelly, Lil Wayne, T.I., and Young Jeezy, who will be on hand for weekend festivities.
A UGK pool tournament, Rap-A-Lot/Cash Money kickoff party and Nelly’s bowling challenge will start off the conference’s weekend of events on Friday (Aug. 8).
Conference attendees and DJs will also discuss various topics with music industry movers and shakers at producer, artist, and DJ panels on Saturday (Aug. 9) and Sunday (Aug. 10).
Other events slated for the conference include a T.I. and Grand Hustle-hosted Ozone Awards pre-party on Sunday and the Island Def Jam BBQ in the Park, hosted by Young Jeezy, on Monday.
For more details on TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Only music conference events, visit www.ozoneawards.com.
A full list of Ozone Awards nominees can be found on www.ozonemag.com/toa_voting.