LOS ANGELES, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- The body of rapper Pimp C, who died Tuesday in Los Angeles of apparently natural causes, was identified by his manager Rick Martin.
Born Chad Butler, the rapper was 33 when he died.
"He was my best friend and I will always love him," Martin said in a statement issued Tuesday night.
"Chad's tragic passing leaves behind mourners the world over, including his mother, wife and children whom Chad loved more than anything," he said. "I was so very proud of Chad and the growth he has shown since his release from prison; as an artist and business man and as a person.
"As one half of the legendary Texas group UGK, Chad was finally seeing the results of the years of love and labor that he and Bun B have put in ... culminating in the tremendous success of their album, 'Underground Kingz.'
"Chad was set to soar with not only a new solo deal on Jive Records, but a lucrative publishing deal, a new satellite radio show, several group projects and a national cologne endorsement. Chad had everything to live for, making his unexpected passing a travesty."
The official cause of Butler's death has not been determined.
