Andre “Debonaire” McNeal was a well-known and respected figure in the Twin Cities entertainment scene. He was the founder and executive director of the Doorstep Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides mentorship and life skills to young African-American men.
He was also the CEO of Bachelor Boy Entertainment Group, a company that hosts and promotes various events and concerts, such as the Afterwork Jumpoff, Quarter Club, Damn the Jokes, First Fridays, the Takeover, and the Doug E. Fresh show.
McNeal was born and raised in Chicago, where he attended Simeon Vocational High School. He moved to Minnesota in the early 1990s and started his career as an on-air personality and sales executive at Magic1530, a radio station that played urban music.
He soon became a prominent figure in the local music industry, supporting and launching the careers of many artists. He was also a social activist who advocated for racial justice and community empowerment.
According to the State Patrol, McNeal was driving north on Interstate 94 in north Minneapolis at a high speed on Sunday night, November 5, 2023. He struck a guardrail near 49th Avenue N., lost control of his vehicle, and slammed into a concrete median head-on.
Andre Debonaire McNeal passed away in an automobile accident on Sunday night on I-94 in Minneapolis; according to his friends, he was likely headed home:
Andre Debonaire McNeal died in a car crash on I-94 in Minneapolis Sunday night while friends believe he was on his way home. https://t.co/f2JwTaS99c
— KSTP (@KSTP) November 8, 2023
He was pronounced dead at the scene. No one else was in the car and no other vehicles were involved in the crash. The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, but friends and family members believe that McNeal was on his way home from an event he had hosted earlier that night.
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They said that he was a responsible driver who never drank and drove and that he might have been tired or distracted by his phone. McNeal’s death shocked and saddened many people who knew him personally or professionally.
He was described as a loving husband, father, brother, friend, mentor, and leader who had a positive impact on countless lives. He was also praised for his passion, vision, creativity, generosity, and charisma.
Many people took to social media to express their condolences and share their memories of McNeal. Some of the tributes came from local celebrities, such as rapper Brother Ali, singer Jamecia Bennett, comedian Shed G, and radio host Chaz Kangas.
They said that McNeal was a legend and a pioneer who brought joy and excitement to the Twin Cities entertainment scene. McNeal’s wife, Zakia Robbins-McNeal, announced his passing on Facebook and asked for privacy and space to grieve.
She said that more information regarding his funeral and memorial service would be provided at a later time. She also thanked everyone for their support and prayers and asked them to keep his legacy alive by supporting the Doorstep Foundation and the young men it serves.
