Pimp C of the duo UGK was released from Huntsville (Texas) State Prison Friday after serving half an eight-year sentence for parole violation.

Since his incarceration in January 2002, "Free Pimp C" has been a rallying call for rappers and UGK fans across the country. Numerous rap stars have appeared in music videos and at concerts and awards shows clad in gear sporting the phrase "Free Pimp C". 

The Houston native, whose real name is Chad Butler, was sentenced to eight years in January 2002 for missing his community service work and wielding a firearm at a shopping mall.

The rapper, who turned 32 Thursday, was met outside the prison by a small crowd including his UGK partner, Bun B.

He will be on parole until December 2009.

In other rap legalities...murder charges against rapper Gucci Mane were dropped on Friday.

DeKalb County prosecutors said their was a lack of evidence to try Mane, whose real name is Radric Davis, for murder in the May 10 shooting death of Henry Lee Clark III, a Macon rapper who went by Pookie Loc.

Mane said he shot Clark in self-defense when Clark and four other men attacked him. Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. ffice:office" />

Mane is still being held in the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta after pleading guilty to assaulting promoter Troy Buffor with a pool cue at Big Cat Records in June.

He was sentenced to serve six months and will remain on probation for 6 years. Attorney Manny Arora said he should be released in January and will be on probation for 6 1/2 years.