Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde was an American 1980s hip hop group consisting of Andre "Dr. Jeckyll" Harrell and Alonzo "Mr. Hyde" Brown.[1] The group was known for its corporate business image, wearing designer suits and ties while they rapped. The group first performed under the name Harlem World Crew and recorded on Tayster and Rojac Records in 1980.[2]
Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde | |
|---|---|
| Origin | United States |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Years active | 1980–1987 |
| Labels | Profile |
| Past members |
|
Alonzo Brown joined Profile Records in 1981 under the name Lonnie Love, and recorded the song "Young Ladies".
That same year, Brown teamed with Harrell to make "Genius Rap", a well-received record which was one of the first hip-hop records to use a sample of Tom Tom Club's "Genius of Love".[1]
The pair ended their professional relationship in 1987,[1] but Mr. Hyde continued recording with Profile Records, recording the solo 12", "The Witch" b/w "Hyde's Beat".[3]
After the group's demise, Harrell became the founder and chief executive officer of Uptown Records.[1] He later went on to head Motown Records.
Brown went on to become a producer and screenwriter, serving as executive producer for the Judge Mathis television show.
Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde were a popular group on Mike Allen's Capital Radio UK hip hop radio show, leading them to appear at the UK Fresh 86 concert at Wembley Arena on the 19 July 1986.
Harrell died at his home in West Hollywood, California on May 7, 2020, at age 59.[4]
Discography
edit- The Champagne of Rap (1985)[1]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ a b c d e Colin Larkin, ed. (1998). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Dance Music (First ed.). Virgin Books. pp. 98/9. ISBN 0-7535-0252-6.
- ^ "Dr Jeckyll & Mr Hyde Biography". Oldschoolhiphop.Com.
- ^ "Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde". Discogs.com.
- ^ Caramanica, Jon (May 9, 2020). "Andre Harrell, Executive Who Bridged Hip-Hop and R&B, Dies at 59". The New York Times. Retrieved July 30, 2020.