Honor Andre Harrell's Legacy

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.