Pimp C, born Chad Butler, was a legendary rapper and producer. As one half of the GRAMMY Award nominated hip-hop group Underground Kingz (UGK), his influence on Hip Hop and Rap culture is still felt strongly to this day. 

Born in Port Arthur, Texas, Pimp C formed the Houston-based UGK with his childhood best friend Bun B in 1987. They quickly signed a deal with Jive Records and released their debut Too Hard to Swallow, followed by the critically acclaimed Super Tight. The group’s third album, Ridin’ Dirty, reached #2 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and their momentum was continued with features on the popular singles “Big Pimpin'” by Jay-Z and a “Sippin On Some Syrup” by Three 6 Mafia.  UGK’s fourth album, Dirty Money, was distributed in 2001.  On July 11, 2006 Pimp C released his debut solo album, Pimpalation.  UGK would not release another studio album until 2007’s Underground Kingz, which included the mega hit “International Player’s Anthem (I Choose You)”, featuring Outkast, right before his untimely passing on December 4, 2007—exactly eight years before the release of the upcoming Long Live The Pimp. 

Since Pimp C’s passing, Bun B has continued to pay tribute to the late artist through his own solo music, including the tracks “You’re Everything”, a collaboration with Rick Ross, David Banner, and 8Ball and MJG. Bun B released the final UGK album, UGK 4 Life, in 2009.  UGK 4 Life was recorded, for the most part, in the time frame between their previous album and Pimp C’s death. Artists from A$AP Rocky to Frank Ocean and Macklemore continue to pay homage to the late rapper to this day, and Pimp C’s influence continues to be felt across the industry.