(AllHipHop News) Julia Beverly, the longtime journalist, has been working on a book about the late, great Pimp C for 4 years, but has run into some friction as the release date nears.
Chinara Butler, the widow of the late UGK rapper, has denounced the book on social media and through other publications. Now, Julia Beverly speaks on the controversy surrounding the book.
Beverly, the founder of acclaimed OZONE magazine, talked exclusively to AllHipHop.com about why the book is completely legit.
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“When Pimp C was alive, we worked together on numerous projects and shared a mutual friendship, trust, and respect. This is a book that has been 4 years in the making with the full support of his mother and other family members. His mother Mama Wes, who was UGK’s manager for many years, passed away suddenly in 2013 after we had completed nearly 40 hours of interviews. I initially intended to do this project with his “estate” through his wife. However, after I learned that his wife does not have custody of any of his children, and his sons do not benefit financially from his estate, I made alternate arrangements with his mother. Mama Wes entrusted me with telling her son’s story accurately and honestly; it’s a responsibility I take very seriously. Sometimes the truth hurts, so I can understand why some people don’t want the story to be told.”
Angela Crooks, speaks on behalf of Pimp C’s two sons, but is the mother of one. She backs Beverly and expressed her total support of the effort in stark contrast to Chinara.
“Chad’s widow Chinara is ‘the matriarch of her family’ but she does not speak on behalf of Chad’s sons Chad Jr., Corey, the rest of the family, the late Mama Wes, or the UGK Records family. She is only speaking for her and her daughter,” Angela Crooks told AllHipHop exclusively. Angela is the mother of Chad’s son Corey. “Julia Beverly has our full support with the Pimp C biography.”
Chinara had previously told djsdoingwork.com her reasoning for not supporting the Beverly book, including a book of her own.
“As the matriarch of my family, and voice of Chad Butler’s estate, I feel that it’s imperative that I make it publicly known that we do not endorse, nor have any ties to Julia Beverly’s pending unauthorized biography of Pimp C’s life. While I did meet with Julia regarding the book, I never committed our support to the project. We are working tirelessly to protect and manage the legacy my late husband built, and this book is counterproductive to our goals.
Pimp C’s estate has several projects underway that we know his fans will appreciate, including new music. After a successful Pimp C Tribute show at A3C, we’re putting the finishing touches on a new album. The project is the culmination of more than a year of work from Juicy J and myself . The project includes production contributions from Ray Murray (of Organized Noise), DJ B-Do ,CoryMo, Mike Will Made-It and Warren G, and features from Bun B, E-40,Too-Short, ASAP Rocky, Wiz Khalifa, Lill Wayne, Chris Brown, ESG, Lil KeKe, Devin The Dude, Sleepy Brown, Raheem DeVaughn, Rick Ross and more. I’m also penning a book that will give the world new insight into Chad Butler, the man.
I believe that all things should be done decent and in order, but more importantly with respect. While we wish Julia the best in her endeavors, it is our desire to totally separate ourselves, and the late Mama Wes from this project.”
Julia Beverly’s book, titled SWEET JONES: PIMP C’s TRILL LIFE STORY, will be released early 2015. More information is available at PimpCBook.com.