Early in the afternoon on Thursday, December 6, Bun B called VIBE from his home and gave his first interview since his dear friend and UGK cohort, Pimp C, passed away in a Los Angeles hotel room.
VIBE: What memory of Pimp C stands out the most to you?
BUN B: So many changes and phases of life. I think on a good day, on a great day, I couldn't point my finger at one thing. So many different memories: The day we signed, our first video, the first time we heard ourselves on the radio. So many different things. Most of my greatest moments in life, my greatest achievements, came standing right next to him, you know? So it's hard to pinpoint any one thing. So many different moments.
How did it feel seeing him for the first time after he was released from prison in 2005?
Man. UGK was at a place where everything he wanted it to be was finally getting there. Everything he wanted to get from it, he was about to receive. The love, the admiration and respect - not just from fans but also from peers and even journalists. And people understanding what he was trying to impress upon people, what he represented and where he represented it from and just how we lived and who we are as people. And I was just so happy that he was able to come back home and experience different things. I didn't want all the fun to be gone before he had a chance to have them.
I know we're in the era of 'pause' and 'no homo' and all that. But if you really love your homie, don't feel like you can't tell him you love him. Because when things happen, you're going to wish you had said it.
He was not one to really be concerned, to a certain extent, about if people liked him. He wanted the people he cared about and he loved to love him. But for a lot of people, I think maybe he just was too honest. He was ready to tell how he felt about himself. He was ready to tell you how he felt about you. And I'm sure people would try to equate it with a lot of recent events, but anybody who knows Pimp C for any extended period of time knows that when you asked Pimp for his opinion, that's what you got. You didn't get the little "Oh, yeah, sure! No problem!" pat on the back type of answer that muthafuckas give you. Usually when you ask a person something… some people tend to ask things in a way to get a certain type of response from certain people, but you don't ask those questions to Pimp C. You don't ask Pimp C, "Do you like this?" if you really really don't want to know if he likes it or not, you know? [laughs]. And if anyone had a problem with him, that might've been it. Like, "God, what is he gonna say about me that I probably don't want to hear?" And even the people that he loved, he was gonna tell them how he felt about something, even if they weren't ready to hear it. But it was never from ill will. It was always out of love and respect and him wanting you to be the best you could be.
Thinking back on his music, what do you think gave Pimp C his edge as a producer? He literally shaped a sound, and created a musical portrait for people who weren't from the South.
I think he tried to put a lot of the music that he listened to growing up into [his music], and also he was a great student of music. He had a lot of respect for the musicians before him. And his father, of course, was a musician, so you definitely had to be old guard to respect what we were doing. We were trying to make good music and real music. He had a real ear for music. He knew what people liked and wanted, sometimes before they did. And he was the type of person who'd come into your studio session and tell you what was wrong with your record because it all boils down to his level of attention. He'd be like, "Man, your drums ain't right." And he's not just telling you that because he felt like his drums were better than yours, but he'd just be like, "You're drums ain't right. It's not jamming like you think it is."
Pimp was in Los Angeles when he was found dead. Were you with him?
No. He was [there] doing some recording with Three 6 Mafia and performing with Too $hort. He had a lot of friends in L.A., he had an apartment in L.A. He was working on his solo album, and I was working on mine at home. And he was back and forth. He wasn't out there that long. He had just been out there since earlier that week.
When was the last time you saw him?
We performed together in Dallas the day after Thanksgiving. And we attended the Young Jeezy concert together Thanksgiving. And that was the last time I physically saw him. We met, we hugged, said we loved each other. When we separate we always make sure we hug and say we love each other. And keep in mind, Pimp C and I, we didn't agree on everything. We had our differences about different things. And I know people are going to draw conclusions, but it's not like that. I've been knowing Pimp C since he was 16 years old. By nature, our personalities and our character tended to be at odds, but because of who we were and where we were from, and where we were trying to go and what we were trying to prove, we were always together in that respect. And I loved him, and he loved me, and we're never ashamed to say it. And I know we're in the era of "pause" and "no homo" and all that, and that's all fine and dandy, but if you really love your homie, don't feel like you can't tell him you love him. Who gives a fuck how somebody take it. Because when things happen, you're going to wish you had said it. You're going to wish you said it louder.
Where were you when you found out he died? Who told you?
I don't want to get into all that because I don't want to put other people's grief out there. It was a very close person to myself and him. Because no one was there [when he died], we have to wait to receive information, receive the right information. But we got a call, and when they called, they were crying, and we knew what it was. It was my wife and I together. I was home with my wife. And we're moving this week, so we were packing up a lot of different boxes. And it kind of helped me, because it helped me occupy my mind, but then I'd get a phone call from somebody, and different people wanting to make sure I was okay. It was and it is rough. It's still very, very new. And for a lot of people, it's still very surreal.
Have any funeral arrangements been made?
Yeah, we're still in the process of making it. It's all depending on exactly when we get the body and preparation times, so we're trying to be premeditative about as many things as we can. So, more than likely it'll be this weekend, so people can be afforded the opportunity to come and mourn him properly.
UGK has been together for 20 years. What do you do now?
Personally, I couldn't even tell you. I can't even see that far for myself. All I know is, right now, I can't really see for myself like that. Just making sure people remember him the right way and are saying the right things about him and no one's taking this time to judge him. And just make sure he's honored and celebrated the right way. And of course, we pray for the wife, and the mother and the children, and when the fans and different people make their peace with this situation, that they still have to live with it.
But I just want to thank everybody for being so gracious and so unselfish in their compassion. And just the fact that everyone has made such an effort to let the world know that they loved him and cared for him. And I mean, across the board in every walk of life you can think of, just the man on the street, working class people, blue collar people, entertainers, everybody everywhere. My record label has definitely been supportive. Other record labels, everyone has gone out of their way and gone further than anyone has asked them to go to make sure we're okay. And hundreds of phone calls, text messages - from Talib Kweli who's in Nigeria and he heard it and wanted to make sure people are okay, and Paul Wall, who's touring eastern Europe and called me, and Dizzee Rascal, I had to just tell him he didn't have to get on a plane because he was just so concerned that he was about to come down here. And so many people were trying to jump on planes and make sure we were okay. And I appreciate the concern. But I wouldn't ask anyone to stop their life, because Pimp would've wanted us all to keep grinding. And I don't know if I can make it through without that. It's been hard. But a lot of people have been supportive. I just went to my local restaurant and they were like, "Dude, we will bring your food to you." And they don't offer delivery services. But they were just like, "Yo, we'll bring it to you."
The first two days I wasn't really ready to be around people. But I can't deny them the opportunity to get their closure. I really can't.
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Comments
1.
Trill says:
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It's very unfortunate to lose a tru homie in the Rap Game such as Pimp. He was my idol, he was a legend, his sound was unique, and his lyrics were TRADEMARK. It was an honor and a privelege to meet him at concert in Augusta, GA. His legacy will forever live on with me--- and his music will always be attached to any car I ride. My condolensces to all affected. Keep Ya Head Up Bun (I know its easier said) R.I.P "PIMP" ----one of the TRILLEST niggaz in the game.
December 8, 2007 at 5:10 pm
2.
calcity66 says:
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Rest in peace......Pimp C. Your distinctive style will never be duplicated. You was the true hog in the game!!
December 8, 2007 at 12:28 pm
3.
skoolboy2212 says:
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UGK 4 LIFE
MyHotComments / HotFreeLayouts
December 8, 2007 at 12:01 pm
4.
just_kimb says:
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REST IN LOVE "SWEET JAMES". NOBOBY CAQN REPLACE YOU & YOUR STYLE. I HAVE LOVED UGK SINCE FRON BACK SIDE TO SIDE. PIMP C WILL BE MISSED. MUCH LOVE TO HIS FAMILY & BUN.
December 7, 2007 at 9:44 am
5.
buggyross says:
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much love go out to bun b, I can really relate to everything that you have said i lost my mother almost four years ago and it is very hard to deal with day to day when someone you loved so much and you were really close to passes away its like apart of your heart being ripped apart bun b you keep your head up and all of those rap fans who really loved pimp c he was such a talented young man and he will be truley missed, may God bless his family....... buggy
December 7, 2007 at 4:31 am
6.
BIGFATKATTT says:
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First I want to give my condolences to Pimp C's family, his mother, brother(Bun), wife and especially his children. I've been down with UGK since I was 16 years old and that was back in 92' when they dropped Too Hard To Swallow. I've been a fan since.I've watch these guys grow as artist and people. WHen I think of southern rap, UGK is the 1st thing that pops in my head. The sounds of Southern rap began with UGK and it will end with UGK. There will NEVER be another Bun B and there definately will NEVER EVER be another Pimp C. The Hip-Hop world has been dealt a significant blow with the loss of Pimp C. Some of u other rappers records will really sound shitty now. Alot of ya'll songs wouldn't have even made it to the charts without a guest appearance from Bun or Pimp so this experience should be humbling to alot of ya'll. So instead of sitting back sayin' that he talked shit about ya'll just be thankful he kept it real enough to tell you to check yo self. I have the utmost respect for him. R.I.P. Baby, the A-town will miss you but never 4get you. Pimp C is finally FREE!!
December 7, 2007 at 1:45 am
7.
TyroneM says:
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First I would like 2 say RIP PIMP C and my condolences to BUN and Pimps family and friends. Ever since the first UGK album came out to now I've been bumpin UGK. I grew up listening 2 UGK, I have the up most respect for them even more than Dr Dre as musicans. Not only because of their music but because I grew up with them thru the grape vines of music. I don't consider UGK a group its a movement, it was us. From the way we lived, what we did and how we grew up. The only difference is that they defined and translated it in detail thru music in a fly way. They deserved better recognition as a group from the people, I strongly believe that. Their sincere contributions to the youth and the HIP HOP community comes very rare like a needle in the haystack. UGKs songs are alot like PAC songs in the aspect of not being bubble gum rap. UGKs songs had a certain texture which is unlike many other groups or singers out now. You can pop in a old UGk album today and its still poppin, it still holds relevence and still sounds good. Bun B is one of the realest tiggas out here since day 1. I know hes going 2 keep it real for the block, the hood, the city, the state and the nation. UGK for life keeps goin, never stoppin homie. Under Ground Kings is truley legendary like the beatles are to white America.
I was flippin thru you tube and ran across a tribute 2 Pimp C recently that stuck in my head. It reminds me about how soon our Pimp left us http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz3U5_ti018
When someone passes close 2 u, it always seems like the last time u saw that person went by 2 quick. So u wish u could have another chance with them 2 maybe say somthin different or just to see them longer, just because. I never met Pimp C but I still feel like we needed more time wit him. He was very a vibrant and alive person one whom had magentic personality. Somethin this world needs more of.
RIP PIMP C
December 6, 2007 at 11:59 pm
8.
WEASELCHEEKS says:
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to the pimp c family" to listen to a special song mixed and dedicated to "pimp c" log onto myspace http://www.myspace.com/thauzualsuspects. listen and pass this rememberance on for all the "pimp c" family and fans. another "angel" has grown his wings
December 6, 2007 at 10:41 pm
9.
redo-sissy says:
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My Husaband and I loved Pimp we've been loyal fans. We recently moved from MS to TX and went to see him Thanksgiving Eve. We just want to say to the family that we loved him and you are FOREVER in our prayers
December 6, 2007 at 9:44 pm
10.
123casandras says:
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Hi,
With my deepest sympathy to Pimp C's family and friends. Bun I really can appreciate your article, thanks for letting us know that everyone is ok.
I am a 42 yo wife,mother and grandmother. I have been sick for the past 2 years, I tell you; Pimp C and UGK have given me so much hope and encouragement thru their songs. Even on days when I needed a wider variety, your music fit right in. Thank you for giving us hope thru your music and keeping it real.
Stay encouraged and keep doing what you do.
Bun- keep you head up.
December 6, 2007 at 8:33 pm
11.
cutie says:
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Really it should not be that shocking or doubtful that he died of natural causes. As a healthcare provider I’ve seen patients, especially African Americans as young as in their early 20’s with hypertension, diabetes, strokes, aneurysms, and heart attacks. Often times prior to this life changing event the individual was unaware that they had any sort of high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Often times individuals present to their doctor’s office with nonspecific symptoms of chest pain, or headaches, or numbness and tingling in their extremeties and are literally told: well you are too young to have high blood pressure or you are probably just stressed out, instead of having a full workup to pinpoint the symptoms. Then obviously Pimp C was somewhat overweight after being released from prison. Also he lived in the south, as I do, so he probably ate an unhealthy fatty, salty, and sugary diet also, as I do. Also you have to take into account your own genetics and family history as nonmodifiable health risk factors also. This is a very unfortunate incident.
I am really heartbroken because I grew up listening to UGK and Eightball and MJG, who were and are true southern rap legends and urban storytellers who paved the road for ALL of these southern rappers of today. There beats and verses were always on point and especially in my teenage years when I think of an experience I may have went through (good or bad; legal vs illegal; high vs sober) I can identify any of their songs during that era. Pocket Full of Stones, Diamonds up Against that Wood, Cramping My Style, I Can’t Cope, Cocaine in the Back of the Ride, Tell Me Something Good, High Life...the list can go on and on. That real rap shit…ya know!!!
RIP Pimp C. Praying for Pimp C's family and Praying for you Bun B…be tough and strong…ya’ll paved the way! Most definitely!
December 6, 2007 at 7:36 pm
12.
kaleysha says:
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i love UGK. i'm a big fan of there music. that what i listen to down here in the south. Bun B kick your head up. Pimp is never dead. One Day You Here And The Next Day You Gone. RIP PIMP C
December 6, 2007 at 6:46 pm
13.
DREDAY says:
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I am a huge UGK fan and i was stunned by the incident that occurred..But i am further encouraged by this article...Bun B is truly the realest in the game and he is such an inspriation to me and all my peers...Pimp C will never be forgotten for his love for music and people in general...So with that said..Thank you for blessing me with this article it makes a lot of sense and gives me a further respect for Bun B and Pimp C. Much love and condolences to Chad and his family and friends...
December 6, 2007 at 6:17 pm
14.
tshelton175 says:
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I didn't listen to a lot of UGK's music however, I know that he will be missed by his true fans. It is sad to hear that such young talented artists are dying so young. I hope that his legacy will continue on through his family, friends and fans. Pimp C, you will be missed.
December 6, 2007 at 5:38 pm