Pimp C’s Widow Writes Open Letter to His Fans

Eight years ago, the hip-hop community lost one of its legends when UGK's Pimp C passed away, but his legacy hasn't been forgotten. On Wednesday (Dec. 2), fans got an early treat when Apple Music made Long Live the Pimp, Pimp's new posthumous LP, available for streaming.

The album, which is officially out today, serves as a follow-up to 2011’s Still Pimping and is the fourth LP to drop since Pimp C’s passing in 2007. Long Live the Pimp features new, original material from the UGK spitta. A number of artists hopped on board for the project, including Nas, T.I., Juicy J, A$AP Rocky, Slim Thug, Ty Dolla $ign, David Banner, Devin the Dude, Lil Keke, ESG, Pimpin Ken, 8Ball & MJG and, of course, Bun B. While those rappers give a lyrical assist, production is at the hands of Mr. Lee, Ray Murray (of Organized Noize), Crazy Mike and Cory Mo.

Today, on the eight-year anniversary of his death, Pimp C's widow, Mrs. Chinara Butler, writes a message to hip-hop fans, which she releases exclusively to XXL. Read her open letter below:

Dear Trill Fans,

Today marks eight years since we lost my husband and best friend, Chad "Pimp C" Butler, and my life will never be the same. There are so many things about him I ​will always ​treasure. One of the many things I admired about Chad was the love and connection that he shared with his fans, it was always so genuine and pure. There was no question about it, the fans were who he created music for. I remember so vividly Chad taking the time to sign every autograph, and ensuring he honored fan photo requests anytime we'd be out together. This connection between my late husband and you guys is one that has stood the test of time. It has proven to be a bond strong enough to overcome everything, even death. It is with this love, humility and sincerity that I proudly give you Long Live the Pimp.

Long Live The Pimp is not just another rap album. It is a reflection of the love our family continues to receive, almost a decade later, from the legion of Trill Fans around the world. Almost daily I receive emails, tweets, Facebook and IG posts from fans honoring, and paying homage to Chad's memory and work. I'm approached regularly, whether at home in Port Arthur or while tapping the map across the US, by fans who want to share their personal memories of Chad, and explain to me how his heartfelt words changed their life. When I'm down, or am missing him, to be able to get on social media and type in his name and see countless tributes, shares of old interviews, and fans sharing with others the impact ​he​ had on them, has meant the world to me. It has helped me survive. I want you guys to know that all the encouragement doesn't go unnoticed, and it has given me strength and determination throughout this process.

While keeping my husband's legacy alive and growing is always my primary goal, I hope Long Live The Pimp accomplishes something that was very important to Chad, inspiring others. More than anything, my husband wanted to inspire others to go out and get what you want from life, to stand up for what you believed in (even if you have to stand alone), and to "do you" at any cost. In creating this project I had the opportunity to live these truths, and am the better person for it. I hope ​Long Live the Pimp inspires you to push through the obstacles and do you, fuck how anyone feels about it. We only get one life to live and if you are true to yourself, living life on your own terms, it was a life well spent.

Long Live the Pimp is an album for the fans, by fans. Everyone involved had an genuine admiration and respect for Chad, and I could not have created this project without their time, efforts, and support. As I get feedback from ​​everyone about the singles we have released so far, I know we have done it right, with integrity and respect. We created this album for the fans who come from small towns like Chad, but have dreams as big as the world. We created this album for the hoods around the world who need something pimpish to ride around to. We created this album for the doers, and hustlers who are working to make their own dreams a reality. We created this album for the SLAB riders, Cadillacers and Flatbackers (as Chad would say). We created this album for the Trill Fans who say what they mean, mean what they say, and know that being trill is a lifestyle choice. We created this album for YOU, and I hope you enjoy it.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Chinara Butler

Watch Kirko Bangz's Thoughts on Rappers Stealing Houston Sound