The life of Pimp C is coming back -- in hardcover format.
Julia Beverly, the former editor-in-chief of OZONE Magazine and noted documentarian of Southern hip-hop culture at large, is planning to release an biography on the late UGK rapper, who died in 2007. Currently untitled, the book comes with the blessing of Pimp's mother, the late Weslyn "Mama C" Monroe and is set to detail his life, career and untimely death with vivid accuracy.
Beverly spent countless hours interviewing up to 250 subjects from Too $hort (who is penning the foreword), UGK partner in crime and best friend Bun B, Snoop Dogg, Three 6 Mafia, 8Ball & MJG, the Geto Boys, Master P, David Banner, Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Ice-T, Goodie Mob, Lil Keke, Z-Ro, Trae, Webbie, Mannie Fresh, and many others.
As long as he was alive, Pimp C was a vibrant figure, not just in the local rap community but nationally as well. His takes on Atlanta, rappers telling lies and more have built him up as more of a martyr, a figure who was never for clandestine activity and has climbed to such a stature that his mere presence would have offset many of the questionable actions of rappers today.
The history between Pimp and Beverly is rather unique. While incarcerated, Pimp wrote frequently for OZONE, starting with his own prison diaries before delivering a monthly column entitled "The Chronicles of Pimp C" upon his release from prison. What Beverly hopes to chronicle with the biography of the rapper is not just his history but the legacy of Houston hip-hop during the time period, the racial and economic disparity found in the Texas Criminal Justice system, and much more.
"People often remember Pimp C for his flamboyant style and controversial interviews, but few understand just how complex and talented he was and how connected he was to the success of many other artists," Beverly said in a press release. "Initially, I felt this was an important project because he hadn't received a proper tribute.
The more I researched, I realized his story is one that needs to be told," she added, "and I'm in the perfect position to tell it."
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