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Houston has lost a true pioneer as Russell Washington, owner of legendary Bigtyme Recordz, has died.

Washington is credited as the genius entertainment executive who helped catapult iconic rap duo Bun B and Pimp C of UGK (Underground Kingz) to stardom. Not only that, his label brought forth DJ Screw’s epic two-volume masterpiece “3 ‘N The Morning.”

Washington graduated from Westbury High School then went on to attend Texas Southern University. While a student at TSU, he doubled as an entrepreneur and opened a storefront at King’s Flea in Houston’s South Park, first selling food and retail, then expanding to cassettes and CDs.

From there, he began working directly with artists, helping to put Houston on the map.

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Chris Johnson, current director of Missions at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church and former co-CEO of G MAAB Entertainment / Prodigy Management Group LLC, spoke of his influence.

“Bigtyme Recordz was an iconic label. Russell is the first one who discovered and distributed UGK. He also had Point Blank and PSK-13.  But if you are from Houston, you know him for DJ Screw’s’ 3 in the Morning,’” said Johnson.

Johnson then broke down each one of the qualities he felt Washington possessed:

“Insight. Russell had an insight about every aspect from the record business that came from experience with working with of the best in the business. He had insight on every level of the game, whether it was distribution, production and how to interface with your artists.

“Intelligence. Russell’s intelligence when it came to the entertainment and music businesses was second to none. You can tell that in two ways. Number one. What he did during his music career when he was a CEO and executive. I often went to him for advice on artists I was working with. And Number two, in what I call his second act, what he did with other projects he was involved in.

“Innovator. Russell had his own distribution company, many people don’t know that he would shortstop, which meant that he would act as almost a sub distribution company for other small and mid-independent record stores. So Russell would bring in products from artists all over the region selling it in his stores and selling to other stores who couldn’t get product.

“Impact. His impact across the culture. You can’t talk about southern hip hop, especially coming from Houston, and not mention Russell Washington and his imprint on the landscape. Also, Russell’s store was located at the old King’s Flea Market, right there on MLK and Griggs. Why is that important? Because his store was right in the heart of the South Side.”

June “PSK-13” Thomas, paid homage to Washington for jumpstarting his career.

He told Bayou Beat News, “Russell felt that I was talented enough to join an All-Star roster of talent and I will be eternally grateful. He helped many people that we don’t know and his ear for music is unmatched. He will be missed dearly.”

Social media was flooded with many sharing fond memories about Washington.

“R.I.P. Russell ‘Bcf’ Washington. Thank you for always being a stand-up guy. Thank you for all the things you’ve done for the hip hop world. You were a trailblazer and a visionary in the music business. Knowing you attended Westbury High School made me that much more proud of you. My prayers to the family and friends of Big Russ. May the memories and good deeds of brother Russ live on.” – Michael D. Moore, CEO of Beltway 8 Records, owner of The Stuffed Baked Potato Factory and creator of Moe’s Magic Dust seasonings.

“He actually was the first person to allow me to sell my independent tapes and CDs in Kings Flea Market off #MLK in #HoustonTexas and also actually was the man that introduced the infamous group #UGK of Bigtyme Recordz to the World with the hit song “Tell Me Something Good”… Wow!!! R.I.P My Sincere Prayers and Condolences to his Family and Friends!!!” – Marvin Weatherspoon

“Rest in Heaven. I remember being in California in the military ordering from the Bigtyme catalog back in the 90’s until I got it all… and cassette, and his latest vinyl. Loved the dude…..ahead of his time and never got the credit he deserved.” – Frank Johnson

“R.I.P. Russell Bcf Washington. You a Legend over Here in Germany.” – Oliver Sommer

“Damn Big Facts!!! my brother Russell Bcf Washington was a real one. Sexxx Fiends sends our prayers and our condolences to him and his family.” – Ray Fields

“I’m honored to have done that over the years. He was always good to me. I remember ordering stuff from him when I was about 12, 13 and he would always include free stuff. Always humble. Rest in peace.” – Scott Bejda

“I remember going to his apartment to pick up wax for all his artists and spinning that sh** at college parties. You will greatly be missed Bro for your contribution to the culture! Rest in Power!” – Steven Bobino II

Bun B released a heartfelt statement on social media about the death of his friend.

“Thank you Russell Washington for believing in 2 kids from Port Arthur with a dream to put their small town on the map. We did that and way more than we ever could’ve imagined,” his post read. “Without you there would be no UGK as we know it and for that I’m eternally grateful. You and Pimp chill out up there until I see y’all again. UGK and Bigtyme for life!”