Pimp C Found Dead in LA

Houston rapper Pimp C was found dead this morning in his hotel room on LA's Sunset Strip. Pimp C had performed with Too Short on Saturday evening at the House of Blues. Pitchfork reports "L.A. firefighters responded to a 911 call at the Sunset Strip's Mondrian Hotel, where they found the rapper dead in his bed. No information on cause of death has been given at this time."

Pimp C, born Chad Butler, was one half of the rap duo UGK. Formed in the late 1980's with friend and collaborator Bun B, The Underground Kingz built a strong following in Houston and throughout the South's rap community. UGK garnered increased national attention after appearing on Jay-Z's hit single "Big Pimpin'."

The group had just returned from a hiatus and was enjoying success associated with their latest release - a self-titled two disc set. The CD marked the return of the duo following Pimp C's jail stint for assault charges. The duo recently picked up a pair of accolades at BET's Hip Hop Awards for Best Collaboration (with OutKast) and Video of the Year for "International Player's Anthem."