February 6, 2008 21:41

Cough syrup played a role in Pimp C's death Jay-Z Tickets

Jay-Z and Outkast collaborator's death ruled accidental

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Rapper Pimp C's death has been ruled an accident according to autopsy results just released.

The 33-year-old rapper, whose real name is Chad Butler, was discovered dead at his hotel room in Los Angeles on December 4, as previously reported.

His death was initially thought to be of natural causes, but autopsy and toxicology tests revealed that the rapper ingested codeine and promethazine in the form of a syrup, which contributed to his death, reports E! Online.

The drugs, for which Pimp C had a prescription, lowered his breathing rate and became fatal when combined with the rapper's sleep apnea medical condition, which causes momentary lapses in breathing while sleeping.

Pimp C was one-half of the Houston rap duo UGK, best known for appearing on the Jay-Z track 'Big Pimpin' in 2000, and more recently with Outkast on the song 'International Player's Anthem (I Choose You)'.

--By our Los Angeles staff.
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