(December 29, 2025) We are devastated to pass on the news of the passing of independent soul leader and longtime SoulTracks friend, Jerrell Allen. Jerrell was a key person in the careers of many soul music artists – the kind of creative person you wanted in your corner as you developed your music — and he was also the first person you would call if you wanted to know what was happening musically in Atlanta.
For nearly two decades, the Philly native led Urban Architects, serving as a multifaceted music business professional in artist management, music production, marketing and brand development. He was a thought leader who was uniformly respected and trusted, and was revered for his innovative approach to career building.
We first encountered Jerrell in 2008, when the Howard University graduate was managing singing newcomer Algebra Blessett as she released her highly regarded debut album, Purpose. It was a project that led to Algebra winning our New Artist of the Year award, and gave us a taste of Jerrell’s creativity. More fans likely knew him as part of the industry-leading team that worked with Indie Soul king Eric Roberson…