After working for Russell Simmons at Def Jam Records, Andre Harrell decided to transition as he became the founder of his own label. Uptown Records had a definitive hip-hop and R&B sound throughout the ’90s.
Saturday morning during his Instagram Live Club Quarantine set, DJ D-Nice announced the passing of the 59-year old legend.
Andre Harrell was born in Harlem, but he grew up in the Bronx. As a teenager, he and high school friend Alonzo Brown formed a rap duo named Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Harrell was known as Jekyll and Brown was Hyde. The group experienced success in the form of a few hit songs. After hearing and watching a dynamic and young L.L. Cool J perform, it persuaded Harrell to put the mic down and pursue the business side of music.
Harrell met Russell Simmons in the early ’80s. He would go on to accept a position with Def Jam Records. In a short period of time, he moved up the corporate ladder as he became vice president and later general manager of the label. Def Jam was known for its distinctive hardcore street sound. Harrell had an idea for a lighter up-tempo type sound. The proposal wasn’t received well by Russell Simmons. As Harrell developed a passion for his vision of a new sound, he decided to leave Def Jam and founded his own label.
After securing a distribution deal with MCA Records, the new start-up label launched itself into the mainstream with debut albums from Heavy D and The Boyz, and Al B. Sure. The instant success laid the groundwork for future success as one year later the group “Guy” featuring super-producer Teddy Riley released their debut album.
Andre Harrell is responsible for the careers of iconic artists. With that being said, his most legendary discovery wasn’t an artist. By far his most significant discovery was an intern named Sean “Puffy” Combs. Puffy would later become an A&R as he worked with new acts Father M.C., Mary J. Blige, and Jodeci. Uptown Records roster dominated the charts as Uptown became the leading urban label. It molded a generation of music. Uptown was more than music, it was a lifestyle. It was a combination of music, clothes, and swag. They created a culture of fashion and attitude. Uptown’s label and artists were the architects of the term “living ghetto fabulous.”
Andre Harrell’s music label success opened doors for other lucrative opportunities. Harrell dived into the film and television industry as he developed Fox’s hit drama series New York Undercover. The show aired from 1994-1998. Harrell also had a presence on the big screen as he produced the 1991 comedy strictly business starring Tommy Davidson and Halle Berry.
In addition to all of his success in the music industry, Harrell is also known for hiring Sean “Puffy” Combs and later firing Sean “Puffy” Combs. The termination afforded Combs the opportunity to venture off and start his Bad Boy Record label.
After his run as the head man for Uptown Records, Andre Harrell had a short stint as President and CEO of Motown Records. He and his once over ambitious intern Sean “Puffy” Combs would reunite as Harrell became President of Bad Boy.
After his days with Bad Boy, Harrell founded Nu America Records. Once again he provided a springboard as he helped launch the career of a young Robin Thicke.
Later down the road, it was reunion time again as Andre Harrell linked up with Sean Combs. He joined Combs Enterprise and served as the Vice-Chairman of Revolt TV & Media.
Andre Harrell was a legendary figure who helped build a large number of iconic careers. He’s known as one of hip hop’s original music moguls. Details in reference to the cause of his death are unknown. The untimely passing of Andre Harrell is a tremendous loss for his family, friends, and the hip hop community.
