He is a freelance journalist who has done work for publications such as Don Diva Magazine and Hip-Hop Weekly. As it turns out, the labels other co-founder, Michael Harry-O Harris, was also in prison on murder and drug charges. Brought white girlfriend across state lines, Ultra-conservative provocateur. Verified. But for more than 20 years Harris has been full of remorse, and believes he has long been ready to rejoin society a changed man. And then, that was in 1989 or 90, J. Check the video on the next page as J. Bush authorized legislation that imposed draconian penalties for drug offenses, which primarily and adversely affected young African American men living in the inner-city, such as Mr. Harris, Zucker said. Harry-O wanted in and figured the best way to get in was to buy his way in, so he used his money to bankroll a stage play called "Checkmates." It starred an up-and-coming actor named Denzel Washington (3rd pic). "I'm always looking for that light in other people, no matter what race they are. He met Michael Harris through the limousine company that he owned, which is how he ended up scoring the role in Checkmates. At 2nd Chance we don't do this.'' He helped to run the company as it became the largest and most feared record label in the early 1990s from his jail cell. Nutall said. Alongside his dealings with the cartels, Harris ran a string of successful legitimate businesses, including a theater company that gave actor Denzel Washington his first break. Now reliable Trump booster who was in D.C. on eve of MAGA riot, Salute: Roger Stone offered his notorious Nixon-style double-V at a Trump rally on Capitol Hill on January 5, the eve of the MAGA riot, SUSAN B. ANTHONY Pardoned posthumously August 18, 2020, Suffragist who died in 1906 and was convicted of illegally voting in 1873. The list included political allies such as former chief strategist Steve Bannon and musicians such as Lil Wayne and Kodak Black, both of whom have expressed vocal support for the 45th president. Jakob Cedergren, Lene Maria Christensen, Kim Bodnia, Lars Brygmann, Anders Hove, Jens Jrn Spottag, Henrik Lykkegaard. But by the time of Knight's visit, Harris was in the early stages of a lengthy sentence for attempted murder and drug trafficking. Fox News Pete Hegseth lobbied for their release, Trump campaign chairman (pictured) who admitted conspiracy against the U.S., and was convicted of tax and bank fraud as part of Mueller probe. Follow. It was widely and inaccurately reported at the time that Harris had been granted his freedom. However, over the years I have repeatedly proven myself to be part of the solution. Pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about talks with Russia's ambassador and tried to reverse his plea while represented by 'Kraken' attorney Sidney Powell. First goal was to own our masters. LOMPOC A federal judge is expected to decide within weeks whether to free Michael "Harry-O" Harris, the incarcerated former Los Angeles cocaine kingpin who financed the creation of Death. Checkmates was also a landmark in a very different sense. He owned a 20 fleet limousine service, hair salons, an exotic car dealership and a construction company. By clicking submit, you agree to receive emails from Rolling Out and accept our web terms of use and privacy and cookie policy. It was also rumored that Harry-O was financing the lifestyle of a few celebs in the hopes of becoming their manager. Alongside his drug empire, entrepreneurial Harris also launched a limousine company, a deli, an electrical contracting business and a Beverly Hills hair salon, all aided by his ex-wife, Lydia, who he met just two years before his incarceration, married and divorced while in prison. Trump was lobbied by Kim Kardashian for clemency, Johnson (second left) was the highest-profile of a group of drugs offenders Kim Kardashian (second right) pushed Trump to free, Looted his newspaper empire while he was CEO. While some do this simply as a money laundering front, others do so with the hopes of finally and completely transitioning over into the straight world. Listen at the top of this page or on your favorite podcast app: Knight is currently serving 28 years in prison after he pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter after driving his truck into two men, killing one, Terry Carter, following a row in Compton, California. Harris successful pardon campaign began in Dec. 2020 when Snoop asked for help from former music producer and federal prisoner Weldon Angelos. At age 26, Michael "Harry-O" Harris was a millionaire. Though Harris was not able to partake in any of the spoils, his wife won a $106 million lawsuit against the label in 2005, sending it into bankruptcy. He set up his brother-in-law with a prostitute in retaliation for him cooperating in a federal probe, and committed tax fraud. During Donald Trump's last days as POTUS, he pardoned and commuted over 140 people's prison sentences and . Navy submariner. 2nd Chance TV show - Helping, Providing, Jobs. During the last three decades in prison he has participated in a number of self help and rehabilitation programs, some of which he co-founded and co-facilitated. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. At this point, Harris decided it was time to leave the drug business behind and pursue more legitimate goals. The attorney said Harris spent 23 years in state prison over a first-degree attempted murder conviction, until the alleged victim of his crime recanted in 2011. For Harris, this is a chance to right the wrongs he committed in the past and a chance at redemption. He began selling cocaine with his younger brother David. Harry O was the first African American to produce a Broadway play. of Denzel Washington . and At this point, Harris decided it was time to leave the drug business behind and pursue more legitimate goals. While many thought Death Row Records had shut down permanently, Harris went right back to work once freed, partnering with Snoop Dogg as the COO of the all-new Death Row Records. The comments below have been moderated in advance. For decades, he has been incarcerated in federal and state prison for various convictions related to a massive international cocaine trafficking he built in the 1980s, which at its peak generated an estimated $2 million per day. This, combined with the coronavirus outbreak, adds up to an imminent threat to Harris health if he is not released, his attorneys argued. He reportedly gave a $1.5 million investment to the labels co-founder Marion Suge Knight. Harris lorded over a drug empire that supplied cocaine to many states across the U.S., including Los Angeles, Texas and New York. Period.. A RECORD PRODUCER BEHIND BARS. Prince responded. Former cocaine kingpin Michael 'Harry O' Harris, who helped found Death Row Records, the label behind music legends Dr Dre, Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg, is set to be released from prison. Harris family and friends arrived at Lompoc Federal Correctional Institution on Tuesday morning in a black Rolls Royce, ready to welcome the former drug baron as he steps out for his first taste of freedom since 1988. In the 1990s, Death Row Records produced numerous classic rap albums, including Snoop Doggys Doggystyleand 2pacs best-selling record during his life,All Eyez on Me. He Gave Suge Knight $1.5 Million To Start Death Row Records. He currently writes for the website Planet Ill (www.planetill.com), as well as his own blog Scotts Introspection Section (www.scottsmindfield.com). All Eyez on VIBE magazines 1996 Death Row cover, For Death Rows Suge Knight violent bully, music executive it seems the ride is over, The murder of Tupac Shakur is a tragedy but the why is not a complete mystery, On the 25th anniversary of Snoop Doggs Doggystyle a look back at his life and times. Soon, pretty much every black gang in L.A. claimed affiliation with either the Bloods or the Crips. Death Row co-founder Harry O had his sentence commuted on Donald Trumps last day as president. The only thing we have ever done in the music industry together was he took the Geto Boys on tour with a couple of dates in L.A. and Oakland with The Fat Boys and Salt-N-Pepa back in the day. CEO James Prince and incarcerated drug dealer Michael "Harry-O" Harris.According . It occurred during the 1980s, at a time when then Presidents Ronald Regan and George H.W. Second congressman to endorse Trump. 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He also went on to take classes in acting at college. Harris also co-founded the Houston-based Rap-a-Lot Records, and funded the Broadway playCheckmates,starring Denzel Washington. Harris also seemed to have an affinity for the entertainment industry. Harris' desire to help the less fortunate may stem from his hard-knock childhood, growing up in South Central Los Angeles in the 'low bottoms' neighborhood and spending his school years shining shoes for 'high-rollers and players'. He joined the Bay Area News Group in 2014. First member of Congress to endorse Trump, California Republican congressman who looted his own campaign funds for his, his wife's and his mistress' lifestyles. Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington performed in the theater at the beginning of his career. It would not be unreasonable to conclude that Denzel had no idea of Michaels real occupation at the time, since it surely would not have been in his best interest to advertise his status as a major cocaine dealer. In the labels earliest days, Harris influence was well known and enforced. Attack of the Eraser. Harris attorney, Bruce Zucker, told DailyMail.com that Harris release was long overdue and his 20-year sentence was unduly harsh. Justin Tinsley is a senior culture writer for Andscape. [CDATA[ That lie needs [sic] to be cleaned up. The last-ditch attempt succeeded on Monday when the outgoing president signed Harris pardon. We have a mutual homey. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". It caused me problems with the DEA and the IRS back in the day because they attacked me based on statements being made that way. Working with gangs like the Bloods and Crips, plus the Colombian cartel, Harris was in charge of a nationwide drug trafficking operation that brought in nearly $2 million daily. In 2017 the philanthropist lost his estranged mother and father within three months, shortly followed by the tragic deaths of both his eldest twin daughters in Hurricane Harvey. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group, Camilla will officially be known as the QUEEN rather than 'Queen Consort' after King Charles' coronation, PICTURED: Pitbull owner, 31, arrested after his bloodthirsty dogs mauled man, 81, to death and injured victim's wife, 74, on Texas street as they visited friends' home, Amanda Knox plays the victim: Cleared murder suspect posts bizarre Twitter thread pondering what would have happened if she'd been killed in Italy not Meredith Kercher, What REALLY happens if you don't get enough sleep? He was so adept at moving the product that Columbian suppliers were encouraged to deal with him directly. Harris' successful pardon campaign started on December 26, when Snoop asked for help from former music producer and federal prisoner Weldon Angelos, who was also pardoned by Trump last month. Godfather Entertainment became known as Death Row Records. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Oct 11, 2018 #1 Michael Harris was born on September 20th, 1960, on West 46th Street in South Central Los Angeles. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. He was raised is a single parent household by a hardworking mother. Criminal justice reform advocate Alice Johnson, who had her life sentence commuted by Trump in 2018, told the Daily Beast she had been lobbying Ivanka, Jared and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows to get Harris released. Later pushed Trump to introduce martial law, WELDON ANGELOS Pardoned December 22, 2020, Snoop Dogg producer convicted of drug and gun charges, ALEX VAN DER ZWAAN Pardoned December 22, 2020, Dutch lawyer who lied to the FBI during Mueller probe, GEORGE PAPADOPOULOS Pardoned December 22,2020, One-time Trump campaign adviser who lied to the FBI. For the last 20 or so years hes been creating programs. About the Authors: Ron Chepesiuk (www.ronchepesiuk.com) is award winning freelance investigative journalist, documentary producer and Executive Producer and co-host of the Crime Beat radio show www.artistfirst.com/crimebeat.htm/. but Harry-O, he was one of the original founders of Rap-A-Lot Records, right?, a curious Charlamagne Tha God asked. Prince expressed good thoughts for Harris. Harris is currently incarcerated in Federal Correctional Institution Lompoc, where his federal sentence is set to end in October 2028. Co-founder Suge Knight is currently sitting in prison serving a 28-year sentence for the murder of a friend. JOSEPH ARPAIO Pardoned August 25, 2017 (right). Alongside his drug empire, Harris also launched a limousine company, a deli, an electrical contracting business and a Beverly Hills hair salon, all aided by his ex-wife, Lydia, who he met just two years before his incarceration, and who he married and divorced while in prison. Additionally, Harris is building a network called Philanthropy TVin order to shine a light on the extraordinary stories of people giving back. Harris gave other arising performers their chance at potential stardom when he funded the opening of a theater company. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Shakur was killed less than a year after agreeing to sign on. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. While serving prison terms totaling more than 40 years, he financed the start of Death Row Records in 1990s. The genre once honored him as a symbol of capitalist success. But instead of being released, Harris was transferred to federal prison to begin serving a 235-month sentence for his drug crimes. Washington, a native of Mount Vernon, New York, had already developed quite a resume by the time Checkmates premiered on Broadway. They influenced many ghetto youths to politicize and organize. Through a mutual acquaintance, attorney David Kenner, Harris came to learn of the enterprising young Knight and an agreement was made. Prince appears no longer fazed by the issue, but still feels its something Harris needs to clean up personally. I knew the difference between having a record label and an organization, Knight would later say in his record labels historic 1996 VIBE feature. Kidtoon Films / Out of the Blue Enterprises / Decode Entertainment. Nutall says he was wrongly convicted, and at his sentencing in 2009 the judge dismissed 39 of the 40 counts against him, sentencing Nutall only with the 14 months he had already served in prison. Its number of confirmed cases has grown exponentially, nearly doubling from May 11 to May 17, according to published reports. 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Harris close pal and rapper Snoop Dogg reportedly advocated for his release to the president along with ex-convicts Weldon Angelos and Alice Marie Johnson, both who were also pardoned by Trump. BGOL Investor. Dear Abby: Why do they imply my husband is a freak? Jazz legend Arturo Sandoval on escaping Cuba to pursue his passion, Big brands seek 'it' factor from this millennial mastermind, From 'Star Trek' to 'Reading Rainbow,' LeVar Burton continues passion for storytelling, Freedom Riders on impacting history through change, California Consumer Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information, California Consumer Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. He told me, ''No, rest assured I want to be involved with saving lives.''' Kodak Black tweeted that he would donate $1million to charity if Trump pardoned him, but has since deleted the post. Sha Be Allah. He was there to see Michael Harris, better known on the streets as Harry O. Harris was a Bounty Hunter Blood who had amassed a fortune in the 1980s most lucrative and dangerous industry: cocaine. The label is also equally as infamous for its alleged drug ties and use of violence. Snoop Dogg, who rapped under Harris infamous record label in the 1990s alongside Dr Dre and Tupac Shakur, enlisted Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner and justice reform campaigners to convince Trump. Harris teamed up with Suge Knight to co-found Death Row Records. Harris' initial investment was reported at $1.5 million. Senior culture writer for Andscape website Planet Ill ( www.planetill.com ), as well as his own Scotts!, and funded the opening of a few celebs in the hopes of becoming their manager, Kim Bodnia Lars. Area News Group in 2014 playCheckmates, starring Denzel Washington Mount Vernon, New York turns! 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