Bun B mourned the death of legendary Houston rap executive Russell Washington, who passed away suddenly earlier this week.
Washington was best known as the founder of BigTyme Recordz, which included Houston bands like Point Blank, PSK-13 and Wreckless Klan.
He is also known as the man who discovered UGK and DJ Screw, releasing early drafts of the former before signing with Jive, including the Southern Path et ban EP.
Bun wrote a heartfelt tribute to Washington on Instagram Thursday, March 30, expressing his “undying” gratitude for believing in him and Pimp C early in their careers.
“Thank you Russell Washington for believing in 2 Port Arthur kids with a dream to put their small town on the map,” he wrote. “We did that and more than we could have ever imagined.
“Without you there would be no UGK as we know it and for that I am eternally grateful. You and Pimp, relax until I see you again. UGK and Bigtyme for life!
Fellow Southern rap legends Three 6 Mafia and former NBA star Stephen Jackson echoed Bun B’s sentiments in the comments section.
“Trill In Peace,” Captain Jack wrote, while Three 6 left several prayer hand emojis via his Instagram account.
The Houston Hip Hop Museum also paid tribute to Washington on Twitter, saying he “will be truly missed.”
A cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Rest in peace to the CEO of BigTyme Recordz: Russell Washington. An absolute legend in Houston who founded the label in 1991.
He signed artists such as UGK and DJ Screw who had a huge impact on the Houston hip-hop scene.
He will be truly missed 🤘🏾🕊️ pic.twitter.com/LF8teS6MKd
— HTX Hip-Hop Museum (@HTXHipHopMuseum) 30 mars 2023
Bun B’s tribute comes shortly after celebrating his 50th birthday by renewing his vows with wife Angela “Queenie” Walls.
The ceremony took place at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Houston on Sunday, March 19, which coincided with Bun and Queenie’s 20th wedding anniversary. By Essencethe ceremony was tiny and intimate, but the Texas rap legend was surprised with a huge birthday bash soon after.
Meanwhile, Bun B recently reflected on his time with UGK in an interview with B High ATL, and spoke specifically about his experience with major labels, including Sony.
“So UGK was signed before, we were right there, but we took a lead on the last two albums so we had to wait,” he said. “Because we took the lead in 2007, I think, we have to wait seven years after achieving that goal. There was a seven-year period where we took money after 2000, so once we hit 2027, I think our balance is clear.
“So UGK was signed before, we were right there, but we took a lead on the last two albums so we had to wait. Because we took the lead in 2007, I think, we have to wait seven years after reaching that. There was a seven-year period where we took money after 2000, so once we hit 2027, I think our balance is clear.
He continued, “UGK never made a dollar in royalties from the sale of our music and we didn’t have our own release for about 17 years. »
Bun said he thinks the numbers aren’t necessarily hard to figure out if you have a good lawyer, and he’s still learning the math behind settling UGK’s debt to Sony.
“I think the UGK is still at least two million dollars in the red with this tag,” he added. “It’s built on a percentage. This thing is never built on how much money your art makes, it’s about how much money you make from what your art makes.
