Rappers Bun B, N.O.R.E. and Chamillionaire have paid tribute to late hip-hop star Pimp C on the fifth anniversary of his death.

The UGK icon, real name Chad Butler, passed away on 4 December, 2007, aged 33, after suffering an accidental drug overdose complicated by a pre-existing sleep disorder.

His bandmate Bun B took to Twitter.com on Tuesday (04Dec12) to mark the sad day, writing, "Not enough words to describe how I feel. 20 years after we started, and 5 years after you left us..."

He also sent a birthday message to Big Pimpin' collaborator Jay Z, who celebrated turning 43 on the same date: "Happy birthday (Jay Z) I know that you celebrate your born day with a heavy heart. I know how much love you had for Pimp, and his love for u (sic)."

Superthug hitmaker N.O.R.E., one half of rap duo Capone-N-Noreaga (CNN), also took a moment to reminisce about his old pal.

He tweeted, "Pimp c always made me laugh and every time I was around pimp he always taught me something rest in peace 2 the pimp @BunBTrillOG Im here4u (sic)...

"I never said this b4 (before) but the only 2man group Cnn PAID ATTENTION 2 was Ugk CAUSE THEY MADE REAL MUSIC N (and) Was Real N**Gas rip pimp c (sic)".

And young rapper Chamillionaire credited Ugk with inspiring him to make his hit single Ridin'.

He wrote, "Rip to Pimp C. Probably wouldn't have been a Me without him & Bun B. Damn sure wouldn't have been a Ridin' Dirty."