Andre Harrell, a US record executive known for shaping the music careers of a league of renowned artistes including Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, is dead .
Revolt, a music-oriented digital cable TV network founded by Diddy, broke the sad news in a statement on Saturday, although the cause of the record producer’s death wasn’t revealed.
“We can confirm the passing of Andre Harrell. Everyone in the REVOLT family is devastated by the loss of our friend, mentor, and vice-chairman,” said Roma Khanna, the Revolt chief executive.
“Andre’s impact on Hip Hop, the culture, and on all of us personally has been immeasurable and profound. May he Rest In Peace.
“He was known to have the midas touch when it came to discovering and developing talent.
“He was responsible for changing the sound of R&B music and crossing artist and executives over into what was then known as ‘pop culture.”
Harrell served as the president/CEO of Motown Records and the first half of the hip-hop duo Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde.
He is acclaimed to be the man who turned Diddy into a music mogul, reportedly transforming the careers of Mary Blige, a US singer and actress, and Heavy D, a Jamaican-born American rapper.
The news of Harrell’s death has hit the hip-hop community hard as tributes continue to pour in.
