The ex-wife of Michael “Harry-O” Harris congratulated her husband and ex-business partner on his recent pardon and release from prison.
Thanks to the lobbying efforts of activists Alice Marie Johnson, Weldon Angelos, and rap star Snoop Dogg, Michael Harris received a full pardon from President Donald Trump on January 20th.
AllHipHop Exclusive: Snoop Dogg Helps Death Row Records Founder Harry-O Receive Presidential Pardon
Yesterday, Harris, who was supposed to be released from prison in 2028, walked out of Federal Correctional Institution Lompoc after serving almost 30 years for first-degree attempted murder and drug dealing.
Michael Harris and his ex-wife, Lydia were instrumental in founding Death Row Records.
It was Lydia who introduced her incarcerated husband to Death Row Records CEO Marion “Suge” Knight, which led Harris to bankroll the startup label.
Suge and his business partner Dr. Dre went on to develop an all-star roster of artists that included Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Tupac Shakur, Nate Dogg, Tha Dogg Pound, and others.
Lydia also fought Suge Knight in court on behalf of her incarcerated husband in an attempt to claim their 50% stake in Death Row Records.
In 2005, the Harris’ divorced due to the strain of the conflict with Death Row Records, but Lydia has no hard feelings towards her ex-husband.
“The pardon of my ex-husband, Michael ‘Harry-O’ Harris is a blessing to his family and those who love him. Michael has always been a man of great aptitude, who has loved and cared for his family in spite of his circumstances,” Lydia Harris told AllHipHop.com. “Now that he is home, I am certain he will take time to enjoy his daughters, reconnect with his loved ones and rebuild his life. There is much he has to offer young men and women facing economic and social injustices in our black communities.
A lot has changed since 2006 when “Harry-O” and “Lady Boss” were awarded their judgment as rightful partners and owners of Death Row Records.
In 2012, WIDEawake’s parent company filed for bankruptcy, and Death Row was eventually sold to Entertainment One for $280 million.
Marion “Suge” Knight is serving a 28-year prison sentence for Carter’s murder.
As for the Harris’, things appear to have turned out pretty good for them.
Michael “Harry-O” Harris is a free man and Lydia recently partnered with Judge Greg Mathis and his company Mathis Productions, to create content for television.
“If I know Mike, he is already thinking of ways he can use his experiences while incarcerated to strengthen and empower others to invest in themselves and build up their communities. Congratulations and welcome home!” Lydia concluded.