What Is Andre Harrell’s Net Worth and How Did He Discover Diddy?
Andre Harrell helped start many people’s careers and that includes Sean “Diddy” Combs. Their work relationship wasn’t always smooth given the mogul fired him. Find out how he discovered him and what was the music mogul’s net worth after discovering other artists like Mary J. Blige and producing movies and films.
Andre Harrell died and the cause of death is unknown
DJ D-Nice announced that Harrell died on Instagram Live on May 9, according to Billboard. He died at the age of 59 and the cause of death is unclear. The music mogul started out as part of the ’80s hip-hop duo Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (with Alonzo Brown). Their biggest song was “Genius Rap” in 1982.
In 1983, Harrell switched careers and worked at Def Jam Records getting paid $200 per week when he started. He eventually became Vice President and general manager.
Harrell moved on to create his own label called Uptown Records. It rose to prominence with Heavy D & The Boyz, R&B singer Al B. Sure! and New Jack Swing outfit Guy signed on as artists.
Another notable thing about his career is that he discovered Combs. Their relationship has stayed strong over the years. Harrell was Vice Chairman of Combs’ music television network and multi-platform brand, REVOLT.
He discovered Diddy and fired him
The producer discovered many artists including Mary J. Blige and Jodeci. He also discovered Diddy, who was an intern at Uptown Records and became a talent director. He helped develop the careers of Mary J. Blige and Jodeci there.
Harrell actually fired Combs and talked about it with Wall Street Journal. “When I fired him, it was like I had an artist in the building. Right? Because Puff as an executive, he really is a very artistic guy. He can make videos. He could style,” said the producer.
“So I started to branch out into movies, into television. So then Puff wouldn’t really listen to anybody but me. So my full-time job became managing Puff and I was doing other things,” he explained.
The surprising thing is that Harrell went on to say he was still paying him after he fired him until he found his next spot. “I knew it was time for him to grow and the only way he could grow was if he was gonna have the same kind of corporate compensations that I was subjected to,” he added.
Harrell explained that the final straw for him was when MCA, Uptown Records’ distribution partner, asked for Biggie Smalls’ album to not be released due to the subject matter. He didn’t feel like it was his place to change the music of the younger generation coming up. He didn’t want to confine Combs so he let him go.
His net worth was reportedly $50 million
The record and film producer’s net worth was reportedly $50 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. His money not only came from music, but movies and television.
He produced the movie, Honey starring Jessica Alba. He also produced the TV show, New York Undercover starring Malik Yoba and it lasted four seasons. He most recently produced the show, State of the Culture where Joe Budden, and co-hosts Remy Ma, Jinx and Eboni K. Williams talked about controversial topics. The talk show has aired two seasons so far.
