Rapper receives posthumous Grammy nod

US rapper Pimp C has received a Grammy nomination days after dying suddenly in a Los Angeles hotel room.

The star, whose real name is Chad Butler, and his partner Bernard 'Bun B' Freeman formed the popular hip hop outfit UGK (Underground Kingz).

The pair have been nominated for the best rap performance by a duo or group for their collaboration with OutKast for their song Int'l Players Anthem (I Choose You).

The song is up against entries from Common, featuring Kanye West, Fat Joe, featuring Lil Wayne, Shop Boyz and a track featuring West, Nas and KRS-One.

UGK found success in the US pop album charts in August with Underground Kingz.

In a statement Freeman said: "While this nomination is bittersweet to say the least, I am thankful for the acknowledgement. And as this was a lifelong dream for Chad, it warms my heart to know that he has finally gotten the recognition from the powers that be that his talent, passion and relentless drive for music so rightfully deserved."

Butler, 33, was found dead on his bed at the Mondrian Hotel in LA on Tuesday. An autopsy has been performed, but further tests are pending to determine cause of death, said an official from the coroner's office.

Other posthumous nods announced for this year's Grammy's include singer Gerald Levert for best traditional R'n'B vocal performance and guitarist Robert Lockwood for best traditional blues album.

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