Andre Harrell Producing HBO Drama On Hip-Hop

[Dave Shining]

Andre Harrell Producing HBO Drama On Hip-Hop
By Clover Hope
Date: 1/12/2005 9:13 am

HBO is joining creative forces with film feature writer Michael Elliot ("Like Mike") and hip-hop veteran Andre Harrell to produce a one-hour drama series about the fast-paced life of a rap mogul.

"Fabulous," currently in developmental stages, tracks the life of a multimillionaire and his close friends into the seedy world of hip-hop and business. The protagonist is based on real-life hip-hop impresarios like Sean "P. Diddy" Combs and Damon Dash, according to Elliot.

"[The main character is] yachting at St. Bart's one day and dealing with the perils of hip-hop culture the next," Elliot told Variety. "Hip-hop is a street culture much different than anything else. When you've got trouble, you can't go call a lawyer or call 911. That's why I'm glad to be working with Andre— this is the world he lives in."

Elliot added that many of the personalities come from a street background and are now working in the music industry.

"The characters are going to deal with managers who've spent eight years in jail but are now producing some of the hottest acts in rap," said Elliot, who will write and executive produce the show along with Harrell, Stephanie Davis, Steven Greener and Howard Klein.

Elliot is also on board for the feature "Just Wright," starring Queen Latifah.

In 2003, Harrell produced the movie "Honey" about a hip-hop dancer, starring Jessica Alba with a cameo by Missy Elliott.

Harrell was active early in hip-hop as a member of the pioneering group Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. He later founded Uptown Records in 1987, which launched the careers of Heavy D., Mary J. Blige, Jodeci and fellow mogul Sean "Puffy" Combs.

In 1996 at the age of 34, Harrell took over Motown, earning a reported $20 million per year. In 2001, He founded the Nu America label with Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds.

Last year, Harrell and actor Michael Rapaport announced a partnership with MTV Films to produce a movie set in the world of custom car shops, based off the success of the hit show "Pimp My Ride."

-allhiphop