On Saturday, March 18, the LegendsXHouse took over Scratchouse Austin for a party and concert honoring the musical contributions and legacies of hip hop heroes Pimp C and Proof.
J West catches up with Obie Trice
Presented by UGQ, Upstage Style and Shady Records, LegendsXHouse included live performances from recognizable names including Obie Trice, Lil Keke, SosaMann and Sauce Walka (The Sauce Twins), Killa Kyleon, ScottyATL, Kidd Kidd, Big Sant, DJ Salam Wreck, RizzooRizzoo, Cool Amerika and new Hustle Gang signee RaRa. The event’s organizers also used the platform to shine a light on upcoming acts. Newcomers including King Jazzy, ScoMoney, Lavish Jay and Noah Watson also performed to a packed house.
Chinara Butler and Sharonda Holton
Hip Hop Weekly correspondent J. Wesley stopped by the event to enjoy the sights, sounds and onstage talent. In addition, he caught up with with Chinara Butler, widow of iconic rapper Pimp C and Sharonda Holton, widow of Proof — who rose to national fame as a member of the Eminem-led rap collectective, D12.
HHW: With so many showcases during SXSW, what makes this one truly unique?
Chinara Butler: It’s the atmosphere. You have so many hip hop legends from Detroit and Texas on the same stage. Have you been to a showcase like that before?
HHW: What do artists gain from performing at music festivals that they might not get from simply recording and sharing music online?
Chinara Butler: For one there’s the experience of performing in front of A-list artists.
Sharonda Holton: It’s a rare opportunity. You have to be here. You need to see this. You need to hustle.
HHW: Speaking more on the web, do you think online streaming and music sharing has made it easier or harder for new artists? It has sort of oversaturated the market in ways …
Chinara Butler: A lot of business happens outside of the Internet. Some artists don’t realize that they need to develop a business relationship with you — and that happens in person much of the time. Not on Instagram. I’m repping a legendary brand. I don’t wanna be your friend. But do I want to meet you and see if there’s potential to work together professionally.
HHW: Why do you think Pimp’s music and legacy made such a lasting impact on the game?
Chinara Butler: He was a voice. He said s–t nobody else wanted to say. That’s extinct now. Can you think of anybody else who speaks that truthfully without being afraid of what people might say or do?
HHW: Kanye?
Chinara Butler: True. The other thing is that Pimp C was relatable to the common person. He talked about taxes, selling dope, baby mommas, and just everyday things that a lot of people go through.
HHW: Can we expect more unreleased UGK or Pimp C music anytime soon?
Chinara Butler: That would be exciting right? You might see that. We have a lot of things in the works.
HHW: Who are a few emerging artists our audience should be checking for?
Chinara Butler: Big Proof’s son just performed here. He’s working on a project now.
HHW: Loved the Pimp C cups, where can we get those and other pieces of merchandise?
Chinara Butler: AllThingsTrill.com We’re also launching Sweet James Jones BBQ Sauce there as well.
HHW: Anything else you want to mention?
Chinara Butler: Yes I definitely want to get a shoutout to Benzino and Liza of course. Thank you to Hip Hop Weekly. And make sure you follow our label Underground Queens.
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