It’s ironic that on December 4, a day we celebrate the birth of an MC many consider the GOAT, we also lament the lost of another star in his own right. Six years ago today, Hip-Hop lost one of it’s most polarizing figures in Chad “Pimp C” Butler, one half of rap duo UGK.
The Port Arthur, Tex. native was many things in and outside of music culture. Of the latter, his talents could not be denied. Pimp’s duties included producing, mixing and mastering much of UGK’s music. And that’s without mentioning his affinity for utilizing melody in his rhymes and choruses in a way much different than the culture was accustomed to. Sound familiar, doesn’t it?
Nevertheless, Pimp had a presence like none other. That can be seen in how he’s influences wordsmiths that hail from places near and far from the Lone Star State.
See a list of MCs, both veterans and newcomers, that took a page out of Pimp C’s book on their road to fame in the gallery after the jump.
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Photo: Pimp C
Freddie Gibbs
Gangsta Gibbs spits his rhymes with a street savvy sentiment a la Pimp C. The Texas influence is also apparent in his music.
Future
Many credit the ATLien’s vocal inflections and cadences to T-Pain, but you can hear a bit of the UGK rhymer in the star’s approach. He also had a song called “Long Live The Pimp” on his Pluto album, so there’s that.
Paul Wall
Houston went on a phenomenal run while Pimp C was incarcerated. Needless to say that his presence was felt from behind bars.
Webbie
As one of a few artists signed to Pimp’s Trill Entertainment imprint, you have to guess that he saw a little of himself in this Baton Rouge rapper.
A$AP Rocky
The Harlemite is constantly criticized for the southern influences in his music. However, we say he should keep channeling the Texas OG.
Drake
Before OVO was a household name, Drizzy spent some time with J. Prince Jr. in Houston. That’s where he became familiar with the Texas culture that inspired aspects of his critically acclaimed So Far Gone mixtape.
Jeezy
The Snowman’s style and flair only came from one place.
Lil Boosie
As another artist signed to Trill Entertainment, the authenticity in Boosie’s music was eerily similar to that in Pimp C’s.
Big K.R.I.T.
Krizzle has been openly embraced by Bun B, and we’d bet our bottom dollar than his partner in rhyme would do the same.
T.I.
T.I.P. and Pimp C had a great relationship. Please tell us that you recall the infamous “They sh*t ain’t cut right, ya sh*t ain’t right!,” speech on King‘s “I’m Straight.” Moral of the story is that the UGK rapper defend the Atlanta rapper’s “King of the South” claims. That’s big business.
