Pimp C - real name Chad Butler - was discovered lying on his bed by paramedics answering an emergency call at the Mondrian Hotel on Hollywood's Sunset Strip. The 33-year-old is thought to have died of natural causes. And Bun B is thankful UGK fans have got in contact to tell him about how much Pimp C meant to them.

He tells MTV.com, "I know I'm not alone in my grief and my pain. And it's not just his family and closest friends - there was a lot of people who loved him... They brought us to where we are right now. I know they're hurting right now... I thank them and I love them, and I just want them to know Pimp loved them too.

"There's nothing more that Pimp loved more beside his family and children than his fans. He appreciated them so dearly. And he knew what it meant because of the way he loved music, and the way he loved different people and to be admired like that.

"I just thank the fans for not being afraid to call in and say how much they loved him. Because his family and friends and myself included, we all need to hear that, and it's good to know that. I'm not alone right now. It's really good to know that, and I thank them for it. And I love them and he loved them, too.

Pimp C is due to be laid to rest on Thursday (13Dec07) at an as yet-unannounced location.