Pimp C’s newest posthumous release, Long Live The Pimp, was released earlier this month and is the fourth studio album from the late artist.
This is the first album of all-new, original Pimp C music and was spearheaded and executive produced by his widow, Chinara Butler. The album also features collaborations with Lil Wayne, Bun B, Juicy J, Nas and T.I., among others.
With plans to drop a deluxe release of the album, in addition to releasing her book, Bossin Up, Chinara is taking over where her husband left off and is doing it well. From having a hand in everything including arranging, producing, and continuing on the ‘Pimp’ brand, we spoke with Chinara about her plans for his music and her plans in the industry.
What inspired this posthumous release?
“I really liked the tracks. I was doing a reality show with another widow and after talking with her, I got the idea. It was important to me to leave his legacy. I wanted to polish the legacy he left. I think he is truly missed: his voice, his magic. I think the artists he inspired can be inspired by some new sounds. And I wanted to inspire others coming up in the game to be the best they could be. His whole purpose was to speak your voice and do it well and I think this new record encourages that.”
What was the response from collab members like Lil Wayne, Bun B, Juicy J, and Nas?
“I think it was exciting for them to be able to be included. Some were surprised there was so much music left. For me it was therapeutic to go through and work with the artists to create this in my husband’s memory. They had a lot of love for him and felt honored to be a part, which made it fun for us in the studio. You can hear their emotions, and it’s a project of love.”
How did you go about putting this material together?
“I’ve always been part of the process with him whenever he was making music so I knew the blueprint he used to create. I’ve seen everything he’s done and I know how he builds his songs: the intro, the sh*t talking in the beginning of the dogs, even down to how he arranges the outro. I knew the album needed a club record, a Cadillac record, a ballad—I know my husband and know how he liked to work. For me I wanted to make sure everyone else could help me follow that blueprint.”
Were there any musical challenges putting his music together?
“I wasn’t able to get everyone on the tracks I wanted. Everyone has crazy schedules and with some it didn’t work. Just making sure we keep his legacy and specific sound going. You can’t put a time on creativity.”
How much more unreleased work is there? Do you plan on putting it on an album in the future?
“It’s a beautiful situation. We’re already in the process of doing another album. I’m focused on doing a movie that feature unreleased music. I made a business plan for the music. It’s been nothing but love for Chad. I’m helping other artists do things that Chad wanted to do. I want to begin to feel out the business. I think he’s laughing at me right now, but he’s proud of me. He knows I give hell and I get things done so I believe I’ve done a good job by him.”
Has this project been healing for you?
“It definitely has. I think it’s a way for me to connect with my husband spiritually since music was a big part of his life. And I’m liking being in control and making sure his legacy lives on. I think for people to realize that I’m doing this as a widow out of love for my husband and also out of love for his fans- it’s truly been amazing.”
