Pimp C, born Chad Butler, 33, was found is his room on the sixth floor of the Mondrian Hotel in West Hollyowood by the L.A. County Fire Department, the online news site TMZ.com reported.

His death was confirmed by Jive Records, his label. "We mourn the unexpected loss of Chad," Jive Records' President and CEO Barry Weiss said in a statement. "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." No information on cause of death has been given at this time.

But Butler's publicist Nancy Byron issued the following statement: "It is with great regret that I must confirm that Chad Butler aka Pimp C, one half of the legendary UGK, was in fact discovered dead this morning.

"Manager Rick Martin is asking that everyone please respect his family and those close to him at this time and refrain from rumors and innuendo."

Chad “Pimp C” Butler was born in Port Arthur and his father was a trumpet player for Solomon Burke. While in high school, Pimp C formed the UGK duo with his friend Bernard "Bun B" Freeman and in 1992 they signed a record deal with Jive Records. Their way to success started in 1996 the song Ridin' Dirty from their second album “Super Tight”.

But in 2002, Pimp C was sentenced to eight years for failing to complete a community service requirement stemming from an aggravated assault charge. While in prison, Pimp C released a solo album The Sweet James Jones Stories.

In 2005 he was released on parole and in July 2006 he released his second solo album, “Pimpalation”. The single "I'm Free” was rated by Rolling Stone as one of the year's best and “Pimpalation” was certified Gold in March 2007.

Pimp C and Bun B earned their highest achievement as a duo this fall when their seventh album, UGK (Underground Kingz), debuted in the number one position on the album pop chart.

In October UGK won the Best Collaboration Award with Outkast for "International Players Anthem" at BET Hip Hop Awards.

Pimp C performed a show three days ago with labelmate Too Short at the House of Blues in Los Angeles.