News that New York-native music mogul, one-half of hip hop duo Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde and founder of Uptown Records, Andre Harrell, passed away suddenly at 59 shook the entertainment industry to its core. As Harrell was a musical heavyweight—most notably for his role in the New Jack Swing era, discovering Diddy, and helping shaping the culture of music—Quincy Jones, Mariah Carey, Russell Simmons, John Legend and many more celebrities took to social media to mourn this incredibly devastating and unexpected loss.

Like many others, Mariah Carey was heartbroken over Andre’s passing and described him as “an amazing friend.”

Why Andre 😢😢😢 My heart is breaking and I can’t stop crying. He was an amazing friend and I will miss him forever. 😢

— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) May 9, 2020

R&B singer John Legend paid homage to Harrell and thanked him for helping “shape the culture.”

RIP Andre Harrell. Whether we knew it or not, he had such a huge influence on the R&B/hip-hop my generation grew up loving. He signed and mentored so many great artists, made so much great music happen, helped shape the culture

— John Legend (@johnlegend) May 9, 2020

Legendary producer and songwriter Quincy Jones mourned the loss of his “little bro” and expressed gratitude over his “lasting imprint” on the music industry “that can’t be argued.”

RIP to my little bro, Andre Harrell…Gone way too soon, but a life lived well & a lasting imprint on our business that can’t be argued. pic.twitter.com/xTitn1z3Ap

— Quincy Jones (@QuincyDJones) May 9, 2020

Mega-producer Teddy Riley reflected on his “cherished moments” and last conversation with mentor, Andre, right before his record-breaking Verzuz Instagram Battle with Babyface. Teddy also credited Harrell for launching his career and crowned him the “King of New Jack Swing.”

 

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Another sad day😔🙏🏽 We’ve lost one of the greatest mentors in my life. I’m so happy I got to tell you 1 hour before the versus Battle, how much I respect and love you, as my big brother and mentor! The pep talk that you’ve giving me right before, felt like the same pep talks that you’ve given me the beginning of Uptown records, sleeping on the couch at your office (Brownstone) in BK. You chose me out of all the kids that you could have picked to work with you. I can replay IT in my head, all of the moments that I’ve taken the train and when I got my first car driving to Brooklyn, skipping school, and becoming that sponge just to learn and get my hands on that mixing board at Chung King Studios. I will never forget, all of these cherished moments and I will never forget you!!! 🙏🏽 🙏🏽 🙏🏽 I salute you…King of New Jack Swing👑👑👑 My condolences to the Harrell family & to my Uptown family 4life!!! #rip #greatest #legend #legacy #newjackswing #king

A post shared by Teddy Riley (@teddyriley1) on May 8, 2020 at 11:58pm PDT

Fellow hip-hop pioneer, Russell Simmons, celebrated the life of his “compassionate” and “good-hearted” best friend and thanked him for the “inspiration, direction and support” he’s selflessly given him over the years.

 

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Heartbreaking – No words, my best friend 💔 always compassionate, good-hearted, full of love and.. what a beautiful legacy he leaves in this world… All the inspiration, direction and support he gave to so many… So many can say they are successful because Andre Harrell gave them their start. He was so beloved because he made his living uplifting others… We celebrate him in his passing because we were so blessed for his presence… He gave everything he had. God makes the best plans R.I.P @andreharrell

A post shared by Russell Simmons (@unclerush) on May 8, 2020 at 11:00pm PDT

Missy Elliott described Andre’s smile as “infectious” and named him the “most ICONIC R&B/Hiphop artist in MUSIC.”

😔LEGEND your name sits high. You molded the most ICONIC R&B/Hiphop artist in MUSIC! I met you in the 90’s & you asked me to write 4 Taral Hicks & everytime you saw me you told me to keep writing! Your accomplishments speaks for itself but YOU THE PERSON is who WE LOVE🕊Rip💜 pic.twitter.com/S1gjdf9lKR

— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) May 9, 2020

R&B crooner Usher posted a playful picture of himself, Diddy and Andre—thanking him for his “genuine positive energy.”

 

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My prayers go out to all the family. GOD BLESS 💔You were the beginning for so many and a genuine positive energy through it all … I salute you KING!!🕊🕊🕊🕊

A post shared by Usher (@usher) on May 8, 2020 at 11:13pm PDT

Our hearts go out to the family, friends and fans of Andre Harrell and we hope his musical legacy continues to live on in the hearts of many.

Below is a playlist of some of Uptown Record’s biggest hits.