Chad Lemon Butler was born in Port Arthur, Texas, USA. There he met his friend, who would later become Bun B and together they formed the Houston-based rap group UGK. They rapped 'underground', until the duo signed with Jive Records in 1987. Pimp worked hard on the first UGK project, The Southern Way, which was available in 1988 and on cassette only.
It wasn't until 1992 that UGK really broke through into the hip hop/rap world. Jive Records signed them and they released Too Hard to Swallow. Pimp worked hard with Bun B for a while, until going on a hiatus in 1996, where the group would not work. In this time Pimp was aware that UGK's fans were slowly slipping.
Pimp C contributed to several tracks, until UGK came back on top by guest starring in tracks, such as Big Pimpin' and Sippin' on Some Syrup. Pimp C and Bun B came back with Dirty Money in 2001, but the album failed both critically and financially.
As Dirty Money was going through problems, Pimp was faced with even more problems. Pimp C was incarcerated for an aggravated gun assault charge in 2002. People cheered the catch phrase "Free Pimp C". During this time Bun B lived on the UGK name. Jive Records was forced to release a greatest hits for UGK and Bun B was forced to go solo, as Pimp C was locked up.[1]
Rap-A-Lot Records signed Pimp C, while in prison he released his solo debut Sweet James Jones Stories. Bun B also released his debut, which Pimp C slightly contributed to. Finally, on December 30, 2005, Pimp C was released from prison and was on parole until December 2009.[2]
Pimp C guest starred in many people's songs and contributed to artists, such as Slim Thug and T.I.. After that he started working again with Bun B on tracks for their upcoming UGK project UGK (Underground Kingz), which would end up being their most successful project of all time, in either artist's careers.
Pimp C released two solo albums.
4 months after the release of UGK (Underground Kingz), Pimp C died. On December 4, 2007, Pimp C was found dead at the Mondrian Hotel in West Hollywood, California, after Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to a 911 call. The department arrived at his sixth floor hotel room to find Pimp C dead in bed. This was three days after Pimp C performed with Too $hort at the House of Blues in Los Angeles.[3][4]
The Los Angeles County Coroner's office state Pimp C died from an accidental overdose of Promethazine/Codeine "syrup" mixed with a pre-existing medical condition, sleep apnea, which causes a person to stop breathing during sleep.[5][6]
After his death, he made posthumous appearances on Bun B's song "Underground Thang" (also featuring Chamillionaire) from II Trill and much later, an as-of-yet untitled track which is to be featured on Chamillionaire's third album Venom. The latter track is produced by Pimp C, making this his last production credit.
The final UGK project, 4 Life will be dedicated to Pimp C and his legendary Houston-based rapping style. Many people have shown respect to Pimp C, including David Banner, 8Ball & MJG, Rick Ross, Bun B, Slim Thug, T.I. and Lil Flip.
Interlude 2
Pimp C Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's a dude out in Dallas, made a P.I. He made a DVD, talking about dissing the pimps.
Talking about, talking about how I'm not no real pimp.
Too Short not no real pimp and Snoop not no real pimp
Well I got a new flav fool, every city I go to broads choose me fool
'Cause I don't endorse things that everybody try to get out of
I'm doing positive things, don't try to get up on no DVD and come up off me fool
'Cause I'll tell you like this, I'll pull up your skirt and expose your clitoris
In the song Interlude 2 by Pimp C, the artist is speaking about a man from Dallas who made a DVD talking about dissing pimps, specifically Pimp C himself, Too Short, and Snoop Dogg. Pimp C, however, defends himself by saying that he is a real pimp and that he does not need to endorse anything that everybody else is trying to get out of. He states that he is doing positive things and that the man who made the DVD should not try to use him for his own gain. Pimp C ends by saying that he will expose anyone who tries to come after him or undermines him.
The lyrics in this song can be interpreted in many ways. On the surface, it seems like a typical defense against someone who is trying to discredit or undermine someone else's work. However, underneath the surface, there is a larger commentary on the world of pimps, their demeaning treatment of women, and the systemic exploitation of marginalized communities. Pimp C is making a statement that he is not just any other pimp and that he cares about doing positive things for others. His message is a call for an end to the destructive power dynamics that exist within society and for individuals to stand up for themselves and others.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a dude out in Dallas, made a P.I.
A person in Dallas has made a private investigator (P.I.) and is spreading false rumors about me.
He made a DVD, talking about dissing the pimps.
This person created a DVD where they criticize and insult pimps, including me.
Talking about, talking about how I'm not no real pimp.
This person is claiming that I am not a real pimp, which is untrue.
Too Short not no real pimp and Snoop not no real pimp
The person is also falsely claiming that Too Short and Snoop Dogg are not real pimps.
Well I got a new flav fool, every city I go to broads choose me fool
Despite these rumors, I have a unique style that attracts women in every city I visit.
'Cause I don't endorse things that everybody try to get out of
I do not support or promote activities that people commonly try to escape from.
I'm doing positive things, don't try to get up on no DVD and come up off me fool
I am currently involved in positive endeavors, and the person spreading the false rumors should not attempt to profit off of me through a DVD.
'Cause I'll tell you like this, I'll pull up your skirt and expose your clitoris
If this person continues to spread rumors and disrespect me, I will retaliate by exposing their secrets and vulnerabilities in a humiliating manner.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: Y, CHAD L. BUTLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sobriquét Tru
on I Know U Strapped
The lyrics of Pimp C's song "I Know U Strapped" address the issue of bravado and violence among some men who carry firearms, but are not willing or prepared to use them in the face of danger. The song uses a confrontational tone to call out these men, who Pimp C refers to as "cowards" and "bitches." The chorus of the song emphasizes the idea that getting drunk, high, or hyped up on cocaine can lead to reckless behavior that can end in tragedy.
The lyrics also describe several encounters that Pimp C had with people who tried to test him, but he ultimately came out on top. He recounts an incident in which he was confronted by some women in Dallas, but he refused to back down and instead asserted his dominance. In another verse, he talks about a person who screwed him out of some money and whom he considered having attacked at a later date.
Overall, the lyrics of "I Know U Strapped" paint a picture of a world in which firearms are omnipresent, and the line between bravado and real danger is often blurred. Through his lyrics, Pimp C seems to be warning listeners about the consequences of taking violent actions, as well as urging a more thoughtful approach to conflict resolution. Also, he's straight up disrespecting Master P!