December 4 In Hip-Hop History: Chad ‘Pimp C’ Butler Passes Away At 33
It’s nearly two decades since the Hip-Hop community lost Pimp C.
On December 4, 2007, Chad “Pimp C” Butler passed away in his room at the Mondrian Hotel in West Hollywood, Calif. According to the New York Times, the revered rapper and producer was found unresponsive by hotel staff after his wife, Chinara, asked them to do a courtesy check on him. He was pronounced dead shortly after paramedics arrived on the scene. He was only 33 at the time. The Los Angeles Coroner’s Office ruled his death an accident after they discovered a fatal mixture of promethazine, codeine and other unestablished factors, per the Los Angeles Times.
Butler had always had an interest in music dating back to his childhood. Yet his true claim to fame in the music industry happened when he formed the infamous rap duo Underground Kingz (UGK) with his friend Bun B. They dropped two EP’s together before they released their major label debut Too Hard To Swallow via Jive Records in 1992. They delivered two more albums Super Tight (1994) and Ridin’ Dirty (1996) before they went on hiatus in the late 1990s.
The duo made an incredible comeback in 2000 when they hopped on JAY-Z’s smash hit “Big Pimpin'” and Three 6 Mafia’s “Sippin’ On Some Syrup.” Unfortunately, Butler was sent to prison in 2002 due to a probation violation, which forced the duo to pursue solo careers. During his incarceration, Pimp C’s debut solo album Sweet James Jones Stories was released in 2005 via Rap-A-Lot/Asylum/Atlantic Records. Following his release, Pimp C dropped his second solo LP Pimpalation in 2006.
UGK reunited for its fifth album Underground Kingz in August 2007. The album debuted a No. 1 on several charts thanks, in part, to their unforgettable hit “International Players Anthem (I Choose You)” featuring OutKast. It was the final album to drop while Pimp C was alive. He passed away four months later. Since his death, Pimp C has been honored by a slew of Houston natives including Bun B and most recently Megan Thee Stallion. She included a posthumous verse from the late rapper in her song “Paper Together” from her recent album MEGAN. The song was blessed by both Bun B and Butler’s widow.
Pimp C was survived by his wife Chinara and their son Christian Butler. He also had two other sons, Chad Lamont Butler II and Dahcory Butler, from previous relationships. Rest in peace Pimp C.
The global automotive market will continue to grow strongly in 2024, despite the challenges posed by economic and environmental factors. One of the key indicators of this growth remains car sales. Today, we take a look at the world’s best-selling car models that topped the charts in the first half of the year.
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y continues to conquer the market, especially in countries with a strong electric vehicle infrastructure. The Model Y has become one of the most popular cars in 2024 due to its autonomy, autopilot technology and growing interest in environmentally friendly vehicles. From January to June, US sales of the electric crossover totalled 581,480 units, up 1.9 per cent year-on-year.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla has been one of the world’s best-selling cars for many years. It is renowned for its reliability, fuel efficiency and affordable price. The 2024 Corolla is available in several variants, including hybrid models, making it attractive to a wide range of buyers.
In particular, sales of this car increased by 5.7 percent to 544,372 units. Drivers around the world continue to trust Toyota and are happy to buy the Corolla.
Toyota RAV4
Another representative of the Japanese car industry, the Toyota RAV4, continues to strengthen its position in the crossover segment. The 2024 RAV4 stands out for its excellent combination of price, functionality and advanced technologies, including hybrid and all-electric versions. From January to July, global sales of this car increased by 23.2%, with 498,103 units sold.
Ford F-Series
In the United States and several other countries, the Ford F-Series remains the undisputed sales leader among pickup trucks. The F-Series is renowned for its power, durability and ability to cope with tough conditions, making it an ideal choice for work and leisure. In the first half of the year, sales fell by 8.1% to 411,071 units. However, this didn’t stop the Ford F-Series from being the fourth most popular car on the market.
Kia K5
The Kia K5 is a sleek and dynamic sedan with a modern design and high-tech features. It offers a spacious cabin with premium materials, advanced safety systems and a wide choice of powertrains, including turbocharged engines.
The 2024 Kia K5 continues to attract attention with its bold looks, comfortable ride and advanced features such as mobile device integration and driver assist. This saloon combines style, innovation and reliability, making it a popular choice among modern motorists. This puts it in fifth place with 373,613 units sold.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is another popular crossover that confidently holds a leading position in global sales. The CR-V attracts buyers with its spacious interior, reliability and high safety ratings. Not for nothing do sales of this model continue to grow. In the first six months of 2024, sales reached 362,393 units, 16.1 per cent more than in the first half of 2023.
