Senate Resolution No. 3166

BY: Senator PARKER

MOURNING the death of Andre Harrell, renowned
music executive, songwriter and rapper, and devoted
member of his community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Andre Harrell was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Andre Harrell, noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Andre Harrell, hip-hop and R&B mogul and founder of the
visionary label Uptown Records, died on Thursday, May 7, 2020, at the
age of 59; and

WHEREAS, Born on September 26, 1960, and raised in the Bronx, New
York, Andre Harrell formed a hip-hop duo as a teenager with his high
school friend, Alonzo Brown, called Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde; the pair saw
success with numerous singles, including their most notable, "Genius
Rap," released in 1981; and

WHEREAS, In 1983, Andre Harrell was hired by Def Jam Records and
within two years, he became its vice president and general manager; by
1986, he left to pursue the creation of his own label, Uptown Records;
and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Andre Harrell, Uptown Records
became the home of acts which established a new kind of relationship
between R&B and hip-hop, one in which the styles of the genres became
inextricably enmeshed; and

WHEREAS, Known to have the midas touch when it came to discovering
and developing talent, Andre Harrell was responsible for changing the
sound of R&B music and crossing artists and executives over into what
was then known as pop culture; and

WHEREAS, Andre Harrell launched the careers of Mary J. Blige,
Jodeci, Al B. Sure and Guy, R&B acts who leaned heavily on the cultural
influence of hip-hop; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, Heavy D and The Boyz, a hip-hop act, sanded
down the jagged edges of rap with soul samples and R&B collaborations,
pushing forth the musical ideals of Andre Harrell; and

WHEREAS, In 1992, MCA made a $50 million multimedia deal with Uptown
Records, giving Andre Harrell the opportunity to produce films, TV shows
and movie soundtracks; as a result, the mogul produced the 1991 comedy
"Strictly Business," starring an up-and-coming Halle Berry and Tommy
Davidson; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Andre Harrell also executive produced the TV
series "New York Undercover," which ran during the 1990s; and

WHEREAS, Second to his impact as Uptown Records founder, Andre
Harrell is well known as the man who gave Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, who
worked as an intern for the label, his big shot; Combs would later
become an A&R at Uptown, scouting acts like the Notorious B.I.G., who
went on to shape the hip-hop and R&B landscape; and

WHEREAS, Andre Harrell, who displayed many exceptional talents and
unique qualities, lived an immensely beautiful life built on compassion,
kindness, and respect for others; and

WHEREAS, Andre Harrell's dedication to the music industry leaves an
indelible legacy of inspiration which will long endure the passage of
time and will remain as a comforting memory to his family, friends and
countless fans; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Andre Harrell, renowned music executive,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Andre Harrell.