Pimp C, born Chad Butler, passed away on December 4, 2007, due to an accidental overdose of codeine combined with a preexisting sleep apnea condition.
Chad Butler, better known by his stage name Pimp C, was one half of the influential Southern rap duo UGK (Underground Kingz), alongside his partner Bun B. Pimp C’s influence on the Southern rap scene was significant, with his production work and distinctive delivery helping to shape the sound of the genre.
On December 4, 2007, Pimp C was found dead in his hotel room at the Mondrian Hotel in West Hollywood, California. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s office reported that his death was due to an accidental overdose of promethazine and codeine, which are active ingredients in the prescription cough syrup he was known to use. The combination of these drugs with his preexisting condition of sleep apnea—a disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep—proved to be fatal.
Pimp C’s death was a shock to the hip-hop community and his fans. His legacy, however, continues to live on through his music and the artists he influenced. UGK’s influence can be heard in the work of many artists who followed, and Pimp C is often cited as a pioneer in the Southern hip-hop genre. His work helped to put Southern rap on the map and he is remembered for his contributions to the music industry and his unique style.