Born Chad Lamont Butler, Pimp C rose to fame as one-half of the influential rap duo UGK (Underground Kingz) alongside his partner Bun B. Through his gritty rhymes, soulful production, and undeniable charisma, Pimp C left an indelible mark on the music scene. His influence not only shaped the Southern hip-hop landscape but also impacted artists across the globe. Now, we’ll take a closer look at Pimp C’s early life, his rise to prominence, and his impressive net worth.
Net Worth: $3 Million
Salary: –
Date of Birth: Dec 29, 1973 – Dec 4, 2007
Place of Birth: Port Arthur, Texas
Gender: Male
Profession: Rapper, Musician, Record Producer
Pimp C Early Life
Chad Lamont Butler, better known as Pimp C, was born on December 29, 1973, in Port Arthur, Texas. Growing up in a musical household, Pimp C developed a love for music at a young age. His father was a professional trumpet player, and his mother was a choir director, which undoubtedly played a role in shaping his future career. Pimp C learned to play a variety of instruments, including the piano and drums, which later helped him create the signature beats that defined UGK’s sound.
In high school, Pimp C met Bernard Freeman, who would later be known as Bun B. The two aspiring rappers bonded over their shared passion for hip-hop and began collaborating on music. Together, they formed UGK and released their debut project, “The Southern Way,” in 1992. The tape quickly gained popularity throughout the South, catching the attention of Jive Records, which signed the duo to a major record deal. With Jive’s support, UGK released their first full-length album, “Too Hard to Swallow,” later that year.
UGK’s unique blend of gangsta rap, Southern-fried funk, and soulful samples set them apart from their contemporaries. Pimp C’s smooth yet gritty lyrics, combined with Bun B’s razor-sharp delivery, created a dynamic that resonated with fans of the emerging Southern rap scene. UGK’s music wasn’t just about the beats and rhymes; it also painted vivid pictures of life in the South, addressing topics such as poverty, racism, and the struggles of everyday life.
Pimp C Personal Life
Pimp C was known for his larger-than-life persona, both on and off the stage. He married Chinara Butler in 2003, and the couple had three children together. Pimp C was a devoted husband and father, and his family remained a significant priority throughout his life. Despite his success and fame, Pimp C remained deeply connected to his Texas roots and was a proud advocate for the Southern way of life.
His personal life wasn’t without struggles, as he faced numerous legal troubles and a battle with addiction. In 2002, Pimp C was sentenced to eight years in prison for aggravated assault. While incarcerated, he continued to work on his music and even released his first solo album, “The Sweet James Jones Stories,” in 2005. Pimp C was released from prison in 2005, after serving nearly four years of his sentence. His time behind bars influenced his subsequent music, as he became more outspoken about social and political issues.
Pimp C Career
Pimp C’s career took off in the 1990s with the formation of UGK and their subsequent signing to Jive Records. Their debut album, “Too Hard to Swallow,” quickly gained traction, and the duo went on to release several more successful albums, including “Super Tight” (1994) and “Ridin’ Dirty” (1996). UGK’s unique sound resonated with hip-hop fans, and they gained a dedicated following throughout the South and beyond.
In 2000, UGK reached new heights of fame when they were featured on Jay-Z’s hit single, “Big Pimpin’.” The collaboration introduced Pimp C and Bun B to a broader audience and solidified their status as heavyweights in the hip-hop world. Unfortunately, Pimp C’s legal troubles in the early 2000s led to a temporary hiatus for UGK.
Upon his release from prison in 2005, Pimp C wasted no time in making a triumphant return to the music scene. He released his critically acclaimed solo album, “Pimpalation,” in 2006, which featured collaborations with notable artists such as Lil Wayne, T.I., and Rick Ross. The album debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 chart, showcasing Pimp C’s enduring appeal and talent.
In 2007, UGK made a triumphant return with the release of their double album, “Underground Kingz.” The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and featured collaborations with OutKast, Talib Kweli, and Dizzee Rascal. Tragically, this would be UGK’s final album with Pimp C, as he passed away later that year.
Pimp C Net Worth
Pimp C’s success in the music industry helped him amass a significant fortune. Although his exact net worth at the time of his death is difficult to pinpoint, it’s estimated to be around $3 million. This wealth was derived from his work with UGK, as well as his solo career, which included the release of his critically acclaimed album, “Pimpalation,” in 2006.
In addition to his music, Pimp C was also involved in various business ventures. He founded his own record label, Trill Entertainment, which not only allowed him to release his solo projects but also provided a platform for other artists from the South to showcase their talents. Furthermore, Pimp C was known for his keen entrepreneurial spirit and invested in several businesses outside of the music industry, such as real estate and clothing.
Pimp C’s influence extended far beyond his music and financial success. He was a mentor and inspiration to many up-and-coming artists, helping pave the way for the next generation of Southern rappers. His collaborations with other artists, such as Jay-Z, OutKast, and Lil Wayne, helped elevate his status in the hip-hop world and cemented his legacy as a true pioneer of the genre.
