Russell Washington, whose Bigtyme Recordz is a foundational part of Houston hip-hop...
DJ Screw and UGK are among the storied Houston hip-hop artists who released albums on Russell Washington's Bigtyme Records.Russell Washington, whose Bigtyme Recordz is a foundational part of Houston hip-hop history, has died. Washington started the label at a Houston flea market, releasing the first EP by the legendary duo UGK as well as helping DJ Screw find renown outside of Houston with his two-volume “3 ‘N The Morning.
Inspired by independent rapper K-Rino, Washington decided to try his hand at music. He placed a sign on his booth at the flea market seeking aspiring hip-hop acts. The first person to respond was a teenage Chad Butler, who passed along a demo tape featuring him and Bernard Freeman. As Pimp C and Bun B, respectively, they were the Underground Kingz, shortened to UGK, a pioneering Southern rap duo.
Bun B wrote on Instagram:"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. 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!"
Washington and Bigtyme also played a major part in DJ Screw’s career. To that point, Screw’s output had been cassettes made and sold from his home. With the two volumes of “3 ‘N the Mornin’,” Bigtyme put out Screw’s distinctive music with all the proper clearances for the songs used.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Houston business owner charged in kickback scheme tied to ex-Houston Health Department officialA local business owner has been charged with federal program bribery for allegedly paying...
Read more »
Illegal dumping in Houston, Mayor Turner announces One Clean Houston planIn an effort to fight the issue of illegal dumping around Houston, Mayor Sylvester Turner announces a new initiative.
Read more »
Man expected to survive injuries after being shot it several times, police sayHouston police officers responded to a shooting Wednesday night in southwest Houston.
Read more »
Cuney Homes, Third Ward would undergo massive redevelopment in $500M Houston Housing Authority plan$500M Houston plan would tear down and rebuild Cuney Homes, create two new Third Ward developments
Read more »
‘Rye Lane’ Revitalizes Rom-Coms Beyond Its Legendary CameoThe rom-com genre needs a new generation of charismatic stars, hilarious scripts, and unique premises to put a spin on the classic rom-com tropes. 'Rye Lane' has all of this (and more!) bundled into a tight 82-minute runtime. beastobsessed's review:
Read more »
Josh Hart’s Knicks arrival ‘really is wonderful’ for his legendary Yankees familyBeing in New York for Yankees Opening Day has a special meaning for Josh Hart and his extended Yankees family.
Read more »