December 4, 2007 21:40

Rapper Pimp C found dead in Los Angeles

The Outkast collaborator is discovered at a Hollywood hotel

Rapper Pimp C was found dead this morning (December 4) in a Los Angeles hotel room.

The 33-year-old, whose real name was Chad Butler, was discovered at the Mondrian Hotel on the Sunset Strip when the Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to an emergency 911 call, reports TMZ.

The rapper 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)'.

Butler's publicist Nancy Byron issued the following statement:

"It is with great regret that I must confirm that Chad Butler aka Pimp C, one half of the legendary UGK, was in fact discovered dead this morning.

"Manager Rick Martin is asking that everyone please respect his family and those close to him at this time and refrain from rumors and innuendo."

--By our Los Angeles staff.
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