Andre Harrell who founded Uptown Records, helped shape hip-hop and R&B in the late 80's and 90's has died at the age of 59. Harrell helped launch Sean "Diddy" Combs' career and also helped out Mary J. Blige and Heavy D with their careers.
Music executive who discovered Diddy dead at 59
Our hearts are heavy for the passing of Andre Harrell.
Por:Univision Radio
Diddy's company REVOLT had confirmed Harrell's death on Saturday but no further details were released. Harrell was the vice chairman at REVOLT.
“We can confirm the passing of Andre Harrell,” Roma Khanna, the CEO of REVOLT Media & TV, said in a statement. “Everyone in the REVOLT family is devastated by the loss of our friend, mentor and Vice Chairman. Andre’s impact on Hip Hop, the culture and on all of us personally has been immeasurable and profound. May he Rest In Peace."
— REVOLT TV (@revolttv) May 9, 2020
Harrell's success came in the late 1980's with debut albums from Heavy D & the Boyz, Al B. Sure! and Guy.
Diddy had went into Harrell's office in the 90's got himself an internship and quickly climbed his way up finding Jodeci and Blige.
The Hip-hop community remembers Andre Harrell.
RIP Andre Harrell. Whether we knew it or not, he had such a huge influence on the R&B/hip-hop my generation grew up loving. He signed and mentored so many great artists, made so much great music happen, helped shape the culture
— John Legend (@johnlegend) May 9, 2020
R.I.P to Andre Harrell God Bless him. pic.twitter.com/KMhEv6GHr2
— 50cent (@50cent) May 9, 2020
It’s hard to describe how big an imprint Andre Harrell had on music. From his own rap career to his days at Def Jam to Uptown to Motown to Revolt... From Mary J. Blige to Diddy to Heavy D to Jodeci... Andre Harrell was a pioneer and a legend.
— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) May 9, 2020
Why Andre 😢😢😢 My heart is breaking and I can't stop crying. He was an amazing friend and I will miss him forever. 😢
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) May 9, 2020