Former cocaine kingpin who helped found label Death Row Records is set to be released from prison | Daily Mail Online
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 after 31 years behind bars, DailyMailTV can reveal.
The former drug king helped run a multi-million dollar rap music empire from his cell after founding the parent company for Death Row Records with a $1.5 million investment.
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.
Harris was convicted of attempted murder and kidnapping in 1988 but has since reinvented himself as an activist while inside, campaigning for prison reform.
The 57-year-old is currently being held at a Federal Correctional Facility in Lompoc, California but is expected to be released in mid August before being transferred to a half-way house in San Antonio, Texas - the city where his daughter Mykel lives.
Harris told DailyMailTV that he has 'grown and matured' while behind bars and has been 'inspired' to rediscover the 'thoughtful young boy' within him.
He said: 'Over 30 years ago I was part of the problem. However, over the years I have repeatedly proven myself to be part of the solution. It's about returning to society with my new found vision, talents and insights. Giving back to the communities where my help is so desperately needed.'
Harris said he hopes to take his 'implanted wisdom' back into the streets so he can share what he's learned to help heal broken communities.
'I know that from the moment I'm free I will work tiredly to help change lives.'
He added: 'I am a man who has experienced incredible highs and incredible lows. I am a man who came to prison a boy and who will emerge as a grown man.'
2nd Chance founder Nutall said he formed a relationship with Harris through his brother, who is languishing in the same federal prison in California.
The San Antonio philanthropist said he was wary at first, having read about Harris' criminal past, but after getting to know the former kingpin, he became convinced 'Harry O' was a reformed man.
'I told him, ''I know you was a drug lord, I know you was a kingpin. At 2nd Chance we don't do this.'' He told me, ''No, rest assured I want to be involved with saving lives.''' Nutall said.
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