Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde

• Formed: 1981, New York, NY [Harlem]
• Disbanded: 1987
• Genres: Rap

Biography

Andre Harrell (Dr. Jeckyll) and Alonzo Brown (Mr. Hyde) first joined up in 1980 with Harlem World Crew, but they eventually broke from the group to form Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde, adding DJ George Llado (Scratch on Galaxy). The group became known most for their first single, "Genius Rap," which incorporated the Tom Tom Club's "Genius of Love" and hit number 31 on the black singles chart. Scattered singles -- "The Challenge," "Fast Life," "Gettin' Money" -- were released between 1982-1984, leading up to the group's lone album, 1985's Champagne of Rap. Though the duo split in 1987, Brown briefly continued to record as a solo artist. "Genius of Rap" has made appearances on old-school compilations throughout the years, including the second volume of Thump's Lowrider Jams series, as well as the second volume of Rhino's Street Jams series. Harrell became a major executive producer and led the successful Uptown label. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide