Idolator

When we clocked out yesterday, no firm details had been released in the death of Pimp C—rapper, producer, and one half of Southern hip-hop duo UGK—who was found by the authorities in a Los Angeles hotel room on Tuesday afternoon. Los Angeles police are now saying that it looks like he died of "possibly natural" causes, while yet to make an official ruling.

Capt. Ed Winter of the Los Angeles County coroner's office said Butler had apparently died in bed.

The cause of death remained undetermined Tuesday, said the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.

"At this time there's no signs of foul play," Winter said. "It appears to be possibly natural, but pending autopsy and toxicology we can't say the cause."

Chief investigator Craig Harvey said the body would be examined today, but a ruling would likely be deferred until more tests are performed.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said in a statement that homicide detectives were "continuing their investigation."

Pimp C, born Chad Butler, was only 33, and the testimonials already flooding the web are testament to the influence and repuation enjoyed by UGK after more than 15 years in hip-hop. ""He was a real guy, a loving father, and he loved the Lord," his local pastor was reported as saying. "Behind the scenes he was just an everyday, down-to-earth nice guy, and it was a pleasure knowing him."

L.A. Authorities Investigating Rapper Pimp C's Death [Houston Chronicle]