The untimely death of UGK's Chad "Pimp C" Butler last week, has sent shockwaves through the Texas music community. A triumphant force of the Houston hip-hop scene, UGK was entering a resurgence in 2007, which included an incredibly popular set at SXSW this past March. In nearby Port Arthur, Texas on Thursday, a memorial was held for the rapper. Thousands attended, including many luminaries of the Houston and Dirty South rap communities. For MTV News, Shaheem Reid reports from the scene:

Several hundred fans began lining up as early as 7:30 a.m. to ensure admittance to Pimp's funeral here at the Robert A. "Bob" Bowers Civic Center. Thousands were expected. Not only was Pimp a hip-hop legend whose music many of them have bumped for the past 15 years, he was their legend. C and his partner, Bun B, tirelessly repped their hometown throughout their career. Bun personally escorted Pimp's son, "Lil Chad," into the funeral.

Pimp's longtime friend was just one of several hip-hop peers in attendance: Chamillionaire, Slim Thug and members of the Boss Hog Outlawz, Mike Jones, David Banner, Rap-A-Lot Records CEO J. Prince, LeToya Luckett, 8Ball and MJG, Willie D from the Geto Boys, Big Gipp and Khujo from the Goodie Mob, and Pimp's protégé Webbie were also there, as was NBA All-Star Steve Francis.

While people filed in, instrumental versions of UGK songs (many of which Pimp produced himself) were played.

"Oh Lord, don't play that! You're gonna make me cry," one lady yelled from her seat when the opening notes of the "One Day" rang out.