Andre Harrell was an innovative music executive who founded Uptown Records in the late 80’s. His work resulted in a crucial bridge between Hip-Hop and R&B. He’s always been known as the first person to give Sean “Puffy” Combs a real shot in the industry. We all know  Diddy’s story and how he became one of hip-hop’s signature moguls and global ambassadors. Andre passed away late Thursday night in his West Hollywood, California home. Ex-wife, Wendy Credle said heart failure was the culprit as he has had heart problems for some time now. When he founded Uptown Records in 1986, he created a home for artists who melded hip-hop swagger with traditional R&B smoothness, who had sleek surfaces and hard edges. For almost a decade, it was one of the most musically important and financially successful record labels in the country, building the careers of Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, Al B. Sure!, Guy and many more. HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED!!