HIP HOP ARTIST SPEAK ON PIMP C...

In the days following the news of Pimp C’s passing, there’s been a lot of love and support shown in memory of the Texas hip-hop legend.

His UGK counterpart, Bun B, released a statement yesterday, saying, “His genius was unparalleled. His passion was undeniable and his love was unmatched. To say that I lost a friend or brother would never do justice to the relationship we shared. I will never be the same again.”

Swizz Beatz spoke to MTV News and said, “He was one of the funniest guys I ever met. His character had me on the floor the whole time. I thought I was the only person in this industry who had some humor, not trying to act like a killer all the time. … It’s sad he went out. It’s sad for hip-hop.”

Big Boi, who appeared along with fellow Outkast member Andre 3000 on UGK’s last hit, “Int’l Players Anthem,” also spoke to MTV News and remembered Pimp as more than just an MC: “Some of the most funkiest, vintage, country rap tunes you ever heard. If you go back and get the CDs and read the credits, you’ll see some of your favorites were produced by Pimp C, as well as him and Bun B together. His talent went a long way as an MC and as a producer. A lot of people don’t know that he made damn near all the beats on the old UGK albums. He had a whole other sound. He gave Texas its sound.”

In an article in The Houston Chronicle, Lil Flip, who instantly released a dedication song, “RIP Pimp C,” upon hearing the news, said, “That’s what everybody grew up listening to in the South. UGK is to the South what Run DMC was to New York. He influenced me to be fly at all times. He said ‘Flip, don’t go out with dirty nails and a microphone. You’ve got to be fly if you want to get that money.’ He would do anything to represent the South. He would battle a million people just to protect the South and our music.”

Rick Ross spoke to BET.com and said, “We lost one of the greatest icons in music, period. He’s one of my favorite lyricists that inspired me, Ricky Ross, that pushed the boundaries of Southern hip-hop. I felt like Ridin’ Dirty was one of the best three albums in the history of Rap. And just to see the loss of life, it’s a sad thing. He won’t be forgotten. My prayers go out to Bun B and Pimp C’s kids. And it’s sad to watch him go to prison and for him to come home and…they just had their number one album. Their future was in front of them. There was so much left on the table for Pimp C and UGK. My deepest sympathies go out to him and his family, straight up.”

Daniel Hastings, the Art Director for UGK’s last album Underground Kingz, posted an in-depth blog post reflecting on his experience working with Pimp C.

In a poignant and heartfelt interview with MTV News, one of his first since his UGK comrade Pimp C passed, Bun B speaks at length about his partner’s life and today’s announcement that the group’s song, “Int’l Players Anthem” is nominated for a Grammy.

On the nomination, Bun said:

I just got a call about a few hours ago that we got a Grammy nomination. Me and my VP from Jive [Records] were talking about this, because we been on this label for 15 years. We’ve known these people longer than we’ve known a lot of people in our lives. And he can always remember Pimp telling him, “We going to the Grammys,” and them looking at this little kid from Port Arthur like he’s crazy: “He may make some good music and sell a few records, but what they do? That kind of stuff doesn’t go to the Grammys.” And 15 years later, a song I told him we shouldn’t do and he was adamant about it — and he got his Grammy nomination just like he always wanted. I’m so happy for him. I’m so proud of him. Because he did it exactly like he wanted to do it: on his terms. We had a nomination before with Jay-Z — and we were very blessed and honored for that. But that was Jay featuring us — this one was us. Not taking anything away from Outkast, because that definitely comes into play. But at the same time, us putting Outkast on the record was his vision — seeing things a little further — and God putting together a plan for us. I’m really happy for him. I know he just popped a bottle! Because in all honestly, this is what he wanted [to win a Grammy]. He’s gonna put a Grammy on his mama’s shelf. He’s gonna put a Grammy on his mama’s shelf, man.

Make sure you read the whole interview.