Houston rap legend Robert Guillerman has died age 73.
The founder of Southwest Wholesale is widely considered the man who put Houston on the music map.
Guillerman’s daughter Rachel revealed he died at Houston Methodist on Thursday amid ongoing heart problems.
‘He was the music industry in Texas for many, many years,’ one mourner said in a tribute.
‘An invaluable resource to so many of us, and a great human being who always stood on the side of right.
‘You will be missed, but you can rest now.’
Guillerman’s daughter Rachel revealed he died at Houston Methodist on Thursday amid ongoing heart problems
The founder of Southwest Wholesale is widely considered the man who put Houston on the music map
Rachel said her father’s death left her ‘heartbroken and speechless.’
‘He was a remarkable person who made a significant difference in the lives of everyone he touched and the music industry in the entire southwest at large.
‘We greatly appreciate the numerous tributes, condolences and kind words from everyone. Thank you, Dad, for everything.’
Guillerman’s Southwest Wholesale distributed music from Houston around the US, and was the number one independent music distribution country in the nation in 2000.
He had a profound love for rap music, coming into contact with everyone from Dr. Dre to Selena in the span of his career.
He had a profound love for rap music, coming into contact with everyone from Dr. Dre to Selena in the span of his career
Guillerman’s Southwest Wholesale distributed music from Houston around the US, and was the number one independent music distribution country in the nation in 2000
Southwest Wholesale also helped propel Cash Money Records – the label which signed Lil Wayne – to new levels of success.
His company worked as the middle man between record labels and retail stores, working to get relatively unknown, talented musicians into record stores around the country.
His wife, Shelly, said: ‘He was such a good and kind man. An amazing friend who loved me although I had many faults.
‘I will miss my sweet amazing wonderful kind husband and life partner.’
His funeral is scheduled for Saturday, September 14.