PORT ARTHUR- PRESS RELEASE:
The Museum of the Gulf Coast is making preparations for the upcoming induction ceremony and exhibit unveiling recognizing hip-hop/rap duo UGK. The event will take place on Sunday, December 2, 2012 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Bernard "Bun B" Freeman and the family of Chad "Pimp C" Butler will join us as we unveil a new permanent exhibit in the Music Hall of Fame.
Due to the overwhelming response from the public and the space limitations of the facility, the Museum is informing fans that admission to the event will be directed by a VIP list provided by Bun B and the family of Pimp C. Additional guests will be permitted into the event on a first come first serve basis according to the occupancy load of the building as determined by the fire marshal.
In an effort to include those who are not able to be present for the induction, the Museum is planning to stream live video of the induction and exhibit unveiling on its website: www.museumofthegulfcoast.org. Fans are encouraged to follow the Museum on facebook for more information. The permanent exhibit will be on view in the Music Hall of Fame for fans to enjoy after December 2. The Museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday and offers a modest admission fee of $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and $2 for children ages 3-18.
UGK, short for Underground Kingz, was an American hip hop duo from Port Arthur, Texas formed in 1987 by the late Chad "Pimp C" Butler who joined with fellow Port Arthuran Bernard "Bun B" Freeman. Considered by many to be pioneers of southern rap and hip hop, the duo released their first major label album, Too Hard to Swallow in 1992, followed by several other albums charting on the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts, including the self-titled Underground Kingz album which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 in August 2007. The group has also been featured on hit singles by other artists, such as "Big Pimpin'" by Jay-Z and "Sippin' on Some Syrup" by Three 6 Mafia. During this time, Butler also founded UGK Records in late 2005.
The year 2000 became a breakthrough year for the group. UGK made a high-profile guest appearance on Jay-Z's smash hit "Big Pimpin'" which resulted in a 2001 Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. UGK also appeared on Three 6 Mafia's hit "Sippin' on Some Syrup". Both of these collaborations greatly increased their reputation, and helped fuel anticipation for their next project. Butler and Freeman each pursued solo projects as well. Rap-A-Lot Records released Pimp C's solo debut, Sweet James Jones Stories in 2005. Bun B later released his own solo foray Trill that same year. It opened at #6 on the Billboard Hot 200, and also peaked at #1 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-hop Album chart.
On August 7, 2007 the group released their fifth studio album, the self-titled Underground Kingz. It was a double album, containing 26 tracks and spanning two discs. The album got a positive reception both commercially and critically. It received a 4-star rating from Allmusic, and reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 200 album charts and the R&B chart. "International Player's Anthem (I Choose You)" became the group's only single to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 pop charts, where it peaked at #70.
UGK came to an untimely end when Chad Butler died in December of 2007 at the age of 33. His death was ruled an accident, caused by sleep apnea aggravated by the use of prescription cough medication. Not long after, UGK was nominated again for a 2008 Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for "Int'l Players Anthem (I Choose You)." Since Butler's death, Bernard Freeman has continued his solo career while working to preserve the memory of his friend. The group's eighth and final album UGK 4 Life was posthumously released in 2009 featuring all new material recorded before Butler's death.
The Museum of the Gulf Coast located at 700 Procter Street in downtown Port Arthur. It is owned and operated by the Port Arthur Historical Society in partnership with Lamar State College - Port Arthur and the City of Port Arthur.
Related Stories
- More Texas News
- National News
- International News
- Cartel towns pose challenge for immigration reform
- Hundreds remember dead Texas cheerleader
- Texas police nab suspect in postal worker's death
- Texas bill would drastically revamp water agency
- Dallas suburb solar panel fight exposes problems
- Houston man shot in head trying to help woman
- Man shot dead at north Houston restaurant
- Memorial for dead Texas cheerleader set for Sunday
- Here is the latest Texas sports news from The Associated Press
- Winning numbers drawn in Powerball jackpot
- What do we eat? New food map will tell us
- Iran says producing new air defense missile
- AP IMPACT: Military sex abuse victims seek VA help
- GOP ponders how to capitalize on Obama's woes
- Arias returns to court for penalty phase of trial
- Split-second choice ended with NY student dead
- BC ceremony notable for who will attend, who won't
- Civil rights trial on NYPD tactic closing
- NY town eyes limit on use of Plum Island
- United to restart 787 flights on Monday
- Turkey: 1 killed, 24 injured in balloon crash
- Gunfire from Syria hits Israeli-controlled Golan
- Suicide bomber kills 14 at Afghan province council
- Car bombings kill dozens
- Malaysia court orders release of 3 terror suspects
- Syrian state media: Regime troops deep in key town
- Aid group: Syrian refugees face dire health risks
- SKorea analyzing if 4 projectiles North Korea launched were missiles or artillery
- Syrian regime troops score gains, push into strategic rebel-held town near Lebanon
- Top Libyan official: Benghazi explosion accident
Automotive
Find valuable information about buying your next car, including price quotes and your latest automotive news.
Wedding Central
The greatest Southeast Texas story ever told. Share your wedding and engagement news!
Lost and Found Pets
These are pets that have been lost or found in the KFDM News Channel 6 viewing area.
No Text Zone
Texting While Driving Kills Thousands of People Each Year. Many More are Seriously Injured. You Can Help Make Our Roads a NO TEXT ZONE
Texas Lottery
Texas Lottery
Community Calendar
Check out our Community Calendar!
Baby Talk
Baby Talk with Nicole Murray.
KFDM Channel 6 Top Stories
Business News
Asian stocks rise on signs of steady US recovery
BANGKOK (AP) -- Evidence of a steady economic recovery in the U.S. helped push Asian stock markets higher today.
Consumer News
BC-US--Dow Record-Three Personal Stories, 1st Ld-Writethru,1173
Dow Record: Three tales of ups, downs and changes
AP Photo FX102, FX103
Eds: With BC-US--Dow Record. Adds photos.
By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ
AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) -- When the Dow first crossed 14,000, investors were overjoyed. ...
Entertainment News
TRACY MORGAN -- HOST BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Tracy Morgan says he has found his birth dad -- and he's Wayne Newton.
Get This
BRAS A FIRE HAZARD?
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- We haven't heard this much about the threat of bra burning since the days of the women's liberation movement.
Science/Tech News
IN THE NEWS: FINANCIAL TIMES SITS HACKED
LONDON (AP) -- Another attack on a media site -- and again, one that is being claimed by the Syrian Electronic Army.

