Andre Harrell, the music executive who mentored P. Diddy and discovered other major artists, dies at age 59 confirms Roma Khanna, the CEO of REVOLT Media & TV.
“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.”
Roma Khanna, the CEO of REVOLT Media & TV
In 1983, Def Jam Records hired Harrell where he worked as vice president and then became a general manager of the label, according to Revolt TV. Russell Simmons, who founded Def Jam, said in an Instagram post that Harrell was his best friend who was “always compassionate, good-hearted, full of love.”
Harrell also founded Uptown Records. It was here he hired Diddy as an intern and launched the careers of artists such as Mary J. Blige, Heavy D and The Boyz, Jodeci and Teddy Riley.
Andre O’Neal Harrell was an American record executive, record producer, songwriter and rapper. Harrell was the founder of the record label, Uptown Records. Harrell also served as the president/CEO of Motown Records. He was the first half of the hip hop duo Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde.