Tributes have been paid to the late Robert Guillerman, who has been described as a "remarkable person" who made a difference to the music industry in the southwest of the US.
Robert is known for having been a founder of Southwest Wholesale, which distributed music from Houston in Texas. It's said to have liased between independent record labels and stores in the 1990s and early 2000s, and is credited with having particularly supported hip hop and rap music.
Southwest Wholesale is said to have worked with labels like Cash Money Records. The label has gone on to achieve much success, with artists like Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Drake and DJ Khaled having released music through the brand.
It's now been announced that Robert passed away, aged 73, last week. The news was shared on a Facebook page for the late music distributor and his daughter Rachel Guillerman also paid tribute on the platform just a few days ago. She shared a photo of Robert wearing a baseball cap whilst sat alongside one of his grandchildren in a restaurant.
Robert's wife Shelly Guillerman said: "I will miss my sweet, amazing, wonderful, kind husband and life partner." Whilst daughter Rachel wrote in her post: "The passing of my Dad last night has left me heartbroken and speechless." She added: "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."
Rachel's post has been met with condolences and many people paid tribute to Robert in the comments section following the news this month. One person wrote: "Prayers to your family. He will be missed. Robert did a lot for the rap labels and artists in the southwest region."
Another said: "My condolences to your family. [Robert] was a part of Houston hip-hop history. Great soul. He will be missed dearly." A third person wrote in their response to the news: "I'm so sorry to hear this. He was such a great man."
"He was a great man and highly respected in all circles," someone replied to the post. Sharing their thoughts another person said to Rachel: "My condolences on the loss of your incredible father, may his legacy and the memories you shared bring you comfort during this difficult time."
Others have described him as a "mentor". One person wrote: "What a great man [and] mentor he was to me and many in my community. Sorry for your loss." A post announcing Robert's death states that he is survived by family including his wife Shelly, his three daughters and two stepsons. The family also includes his 14 grandchildren.
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