Two years ago today, the great Chad Butler passed away.
I was first introduced to UGK's music when
"Pocket Full of Stones" was featured on the
Menace II Society soundtrack that dropped back in 1993. My older brother (who is responsible for introducing me to many of my favorite artists from the early to mid-90's) had bought the soundtrack after watching the movie in theaters & would play the cassette non-stop from front to back. This track stood out to me as it didn't sound like anything else that I had ever heard before (even though I was clueless as to what the hell they were talking about). See growing up in Miami during that time, I remember the radio was being dominated by New York artists along with 2 Live Crew, so hearing music from a rapper from Texas was not likely. Little did I know at the time, that this track had already been released on UGK's first major label album,
Too Hard 2 Swallow back in '92.
It wasn't until I moved to Tampa back in the summer of 1995 & became good friends with a kid from down the street (what up Quise!?) that I actually heard
Too Hard 2 Swallow &
Super Tight in their entirely. Needless to say, I became a life-long fan of both Pimp C & Bun B immediately after. When
Ridin' Dirty dropped in 96, it became the first UGK album I ever purchased. And to this day it remains one of favorite albums of all-time.
It wasn't till I got a little older that I fully recognized how great of a musician Pimp C actually was. When I realized that he was responsible for making almost all of UGK's beats & writing the majority of the hooks, it became evident that he was a true down south legend. While he is mostly remembered for not biting his tongue for anyone, he should be remembered just as much for his god-given musical talents & for his contributions to down south hip-hop.
Even though the Pimp has been gone for two years now, his music continues to live on today. And with producers like Cory Mo &
Mick Vegas making beats with that unique sound, it's safe to say that Country Rap Tunes will not be dying out anytime soon.
Below, check out a couple of write-ups from
Maurice Garland &
Justin Tinsley (as they are much better writers than I am) and make sure you check out
Noz' great interview with Chad that was conducted one year prior to his death. UGK 4 Life!
Maurice Garland: R.I.P. Chad Butler (1973-2007)Justin Tinsley (TSS): Remembering Pimp C: Two Years LaterNoz' Interview w/ Pimp C (Part 1) |
Part 2 |
Part 3
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