Southwest Wholsale, one of the largest independent
record label distributors that specialized in rap music, has closed its doors
after 27 years of doing business.
The company started laying employees off last
Friday (Jan. 30) and despite the bleak situation, owner Robert Guillerman to
the Houston Chronicle that he has not given up on his company just yet.
"I’m exploring all my options and doing
everything I can to stay open," Guillerman said, "but I’m not sure
if I’ll be able to. We’re fighting to stay alive."
The closure of Southwest Wholesale comes amidst
serious financial instability in the music industry, which the industry analysts
blame on the widespread trading of music via the internet and bootleggers.
