UGK Inducted Into Museum Of The Gulf Coast Music Hall Of Fame

The Museum of the Gulf Coast Music Hall of Fame unveiled a permanent exhibit Sunday for hip-hop legends and southern rap icons UGK, highlighting the career and accomplishments of the Port Arthur natives.

Bernard “Bun B” Freeman and Chad “Pimp C” Butler, both considered urban legends in their own right, formed UGK in 1987. 

They are most popularly known for their 1999 feature on the single “Big Pimpin” by fellow hip-hop artist Jay-Z.  That collaboration would garner the duo their first Grammy nomination.

The Port Arthur Historical Society voted the duo into the Music HOF unanimously.

Ami Kamara, the museum curator, said they are the first rap group to be given the honor.

“I think it’s really great when your own community recognizes you,” said Kamara. “Sometimes it’s harder to make it at home than it is to make it in the greater world.”

They join other inductees, including Country music legend George Jones, Rock and Roll Empress Janis Joplin, R&B legend Archie Bell and many more.

Pimp C’s career was cut short while the duo was on an all-time high. The rapper was found dead in a Los Angeles hotel room on December 4, 2007. The LA coroner ruled the death accidental, caused by an overdose of cough syrup and a pre-existing sleep apnea condition. He was 33.

His family said being recognized by his hometown makes them proud.

The Museum of the Gulf Coast, Music Hall of Fame is located at 700 Proctor Street in Port Arthur.

Source