UPDATE: Pimp C's Mother, Label Speak

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The untimely death of hip-hop legend Pimp C is still trying to sink in with many of us. While the cause of Pimp C's death is still unknown, the most recent reports coming from L.A. say that he was found with two prescription drug medications in his hotel room. The authorities who found Pimp C are saying that he died of natural causes.

Pimp C's mother, Weslyn "Mama Wes" Monroe, spoke to KFDM News about the untimely death of her son and the lack of answers surrounding it. "Actually, we have very little idea of what happened," Monroe told KFDM News." Pimp C's business manager found his body in his hotel room in Los Angeles and we know he died in his sleep. Past that, we don't know anything."

Monroe said that dealing with the death of her son has not been easy, but the community that her son loved has shown considerable support in the wake of tragedy. "This is a terrible shock; Mama is just a little tougher than most, but I break too," Monroe said. "The phone won't stop ringing. It feels good, if anything can feel good now ... He loved (Port Arthur) ... Even when he came home he chose to live here. And to be honest, I wasn't sure of it. But he was, this was his choice."

 When she spoke to the Houston Chronicle, Monroe said she spoke with her son last week and he was looking forward to an upcoming collaboration with Memphis rap group Three 6 Mafia. "He was in L.A., doing what he loved most," Monroe said.

Pimp C's records label, Jive, released this statement:

It is with great sadness that Jive Records announces the passing of Chad "Pimp C" Butler, a member of the celebrated rap duo UGK (Underground Kingz).  Jive Records' President and CEO Barry Weiss states: "We mourn the unexpected loss of Chad. He was truly a thoughtful and kind-hearted person. He will be remembered for his talent and profound influence as a pioneer in bringing southern rap to the forefront. He will be missed and our prayers remain with his family and Bun B.

I've known Chad since he was 18, and we loved him dearly and he was a cherished member of the Jive family."Born in Port Arthur, Texas,  Butler's father was a trumpet player who played professionally with Solomon Burke.  Outside of his father, the 33-year old rapper's influences varied, ranging from Bobby Bland, Jimmy McGriff, the 1960's Motown artists to Run DMC. Butler met his inseparable partner Bernard "Bun B" Freeman in high school where they formed UGK. In 1992, the duo signed to Jive Records and went on release a total of eight albums for the label. They earned their highest achievement earlier this year when their most recent album, UGK (Underground Kingz), debuted in the number one position on the album pop chart. According to the New York Times, UGK "helped inspire a generation of Southern hip-hop stars, from OutKast to Lil Wayne."