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Andre Harrell, one half of hip-hop duo Dr Jeckyll & Mr Hyde, dies at 59: 'Without him, no Diddy'

Founder of the record label, Uptown Records and president/CEO of Motown Records, Andre Harrell died on May 9, 2020, in New York

BY JYOTSNA BASOTIA

UPDATED MAY 9, 2020

Andre Harrell is best known for giving Diddy a break and turning him into a music mogul. Founder of the record label, Uptown Records and president/CEO of Motown Records, he died on May 9, 2020, in New York.

The news first popped up on Twitter when several celebrities posted about the news. African-American journalist Roland Martin posted, "BREAKING NEWS: While @djdnice was spinning tonight on IG Live in #ClubQuarantine, he announced that legendary music man Andre Harrell has died. He was 59. Just stunning. Harrell founded Uptown Records and paved the way for many in the music industry. #RolandMartinUnfiltered."

Film producer Tariq Nasheed posted, "The legendary Andre Harrell has passed away today. This was the man behind one of the greatest, most influential record labels ever, Uptown Records," and basketball player Jamal Crawford said, "RIP to the legend Andre Harrell. Prayers to his friends and family..."

Screenwriter and comic book writer Reginald Hudlin wrote, "Andre Harrell was a friend, a mentor, and an innovator. What a tragic loss. #RIP." Entrepreneur Naithan Jones wrote, "I am shook. I just learned that my friend Andre Harrell has died. We have lost a pioneer and an absolutely unique and beautiful human being."

He was also the first half of the hip hop duo, Dr Jeckyll & Mr Hyde, and fans are mourning his death. "Andre Harrell #RIP The man who gave us Diddy, Jodeci and many more has died," one said and another posted, "Without Andre Harrell, you get no P Diddy, no Mary J, no Guy, no Heavy D, no Biggie, no Soul 4 Real.. none of that! LEGEND."

"Rest in Peace to THE LEGENDARY Andre Harrell. The culture is the culture because of him and his influence. Wow," one said, and another wrote, "I am SHOOK . for someone I don't know personally, Andre Harrell's work has influenced my life in so many ways. he's been someone who's moves I've studied, & who I anticipated crossing paths with in life. prayers to his family. my God, 2020."

One said, "Barely understanding Andre Harrell has passed away. So unexpected. Sending prayers to those who loved him," and another wrote, "RIP Andre Harrell!! Thanks for your contribution to my life, art and the culture."