Pimp C, one-half of the trailblazing rap duo Underground Kingz, was found dead in the Mondrian Hotel in Los Angeles on Dec. 4. He was 33.
Officials said he apparently died in bed and there were no signs of foul play. Autopsy and toxicology results weren't yet available.
UGK laid the groundwork for the unprecedented success of Southern rap in this decade, and countless rap superstars name the group as a major influence.
The funeral in the small city on the Texas-Louisiana border attracted a heavy police presence, including FBI agents. But it also attracted Pimp C's fellow rappers, including Bun B, Slim Thug, Chamillionaire, J Prince, and Willie D of the Geto Boys. The Houston Rockets' Steve Francis also attended, as did Bishop Don Juan, a self-described pimp and spiritual adviser to the stars.
One rapper, C-Murder, wasn't among them. He was on house arrest in Louisiana while awaiting retrial on a murder charge, and on Tuesday, a judge denied his request to attend the services. C-Murder is a brother of Master P who had collaborated with Pimp C.
Pimp C's publicist Nancy Byron said the funeral is open to the public, but his burial will be limited to family and close friends. The classically trained Pimp C was not only a rapper, but also produced most of UGK's music and would occasionally sing in the group's songs.
Pimp C and Bun B formed UGK in the late 80s and had the first of six major label releases in 1992. Despite an almost fanatical following in Texas and the south and the critical acclaim of their 1996 album "Ridin' Dirty," mainstream success evaded the duo for the majority of their 15-year career.
Still, Bun B's witty and thoughtful lyrics with Pimp C's almost hypnotic beats and over-the-top delivery on themes of sex, money and drugs in a seductive drawl were an irresistible combination to many.
The group seemed to be on the cusp gaining nationwide attention before Pimp C was sent to prison for a probation violation stemming from an aggravated assault charge in 2002.
Though the duo couldn't make any music while he was locked up, it was then that UGK's popularity soared as rappers and fans across the country made "Free Pimp C" their rallying call.
Pimp C was released from prison in December 2005 and immediately went to work on his second solo album "Pimpalation," which sold more than 500,000 copies.
Then came 2007. It was a year in which UGK notched their first No. 1 album thanks in large part to the soulful single "International Player's Anthem (I Choose You)," featuring Outkast.
The song, and its accompanying video, showed Pimp C at his brash and uncompromising best. Draped in a floor-length white fur coat, matching hat and crisp white suit, he managed to touch on women, money, expensive cars and outdoing a rival in his 30-second verse. Two days after Pimp C's death, the single garnered UGK their first Grammy nomination in the category of best performance by a rap duo or group. They appeared on Jay Z's hit "Big Pimpin"' which was nominated in 2001, but this was the first nod for their work.
"While this nomination is bittersweet to say the least, I am thankful for the acknowledgment and as this was a lifelong dream for Chad," Bun B said in a statement. "It warms my heart to know that he has finally gotten the recognition from the powers that be for his talent, passion and relentless drive for music he so rightfully deserved."
He will be remembered for his contributions to southern rap and as the flamboyant and sometimes profane Pimp C. However, he was also Chad, the sometimes quiet, often polite man who leaves behind a wife and three young children.
