Andre Harrell Dead at 59

Andre Harrell, born September 26, 1960 has passed away this Friday, May 8th of 2020. He was a music mogul and founder of Uptown Records. The record label featured Hip-Hop and R&B of the late 1980’s throughout the 1990’s. Artists like Jodeci, Heavy D & The Boys, Mary J. Blige, Guy and many others were introduced to pop culture through Uptown Records. The mogul has always been referred to as a visionary.

While Mr. Harrell was heading Uptown Records, a young Sean ‘Puffy’ Combs became his intern and future protege. Combs became the label’s Talent Director and later went on to become head of his own company we all know as Bad Boy Entertainment.

SN: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs had more recently signed Andre Harrell on as Vice President of Diddy’s own multi-platform music network Revolt. #fullcircle

Harrell was first known in the entertainment industry as Dr. Jeckyll of the early 80’s Hip-Hop duo, Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde. Most Hip-Hop historians recall the jam “Genius Rap” which used a sample from Tom Tom Club “Genius Of Love”. You may hear both songs featured on “Deja Vu At Noon” any Monday through Friday with DJ Wizz aka Wizz Da Waxx Kutta live from 12pm to 1pm on your number one for Hip-Hop and R&B 1039 WDKX!