“I work hard to make this look easy!”- Fonzel Harris
In a time when everyone wants to be a star (or near one) it’s refreshing to find a person that’s genuinely into the craft and the business. Fonzel Harris, who after a short-lived stint in front of the lights in the 90’s, learned his passion was working behind the scenes and began building what would become his legacy.
Fonzel’s first step behind the curtains was in Artist Development where he began working for several large record labels and high profile artists. As he gained experience, contacts, and an outstanding reputation, he formed RegalCityEnt., a boutique Management Firm where he began managing Graveyard Shift, who was signed to Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s label, Mo Thug/Relativity.
Through great connections and his mentor Ernie Singleton (Former President of MCA Urban Music), Fonzel spent several years over at Fully Loaded (owned by Ernie Singleton and Bob Johnson-an affiliate of BET). He worked closely with Mr. Singleton on different urban music projects, and as time progressed, Fonzel became business partners with other heavy hitters in the industry, such as Cuda Love (Nelly), DeVyne Stephens (Akon/Lady Gaga), and Tank (hit producer/singer/songwriter).
Simultaneously, RegalCityEnt.’s management roster expanded to include R&B sensations Overcoming New Era, better known as O.N.E (including Eric Bellinger, Brandon Lucas, Justin Hunt and Guy James), Songwriter/Arranger/Vocal Producer Nita Luckett, hip hop artist La’Fonz and singer/dancehall artist/Nickelodeon correspondent Aaron Fresh (Def Jam recording artist). RegalCityEnt. also became home to the up-and-coming LA based producer, JHawk who is best known for his Certified Gold single “CatDaddy” performed by the Rejectz, and E-40’s “Wet.” With Fonzel’s strong creative visions and knowledge of the business, any artist that comes across Fonzel’s path is destined for greatness.
Fonzel has also launched his own publishing company called TatiMont Publishing and has established itself as home to some of the greatest songwriters in the industry. The clients include the “Tell.Ur.S” (which includes Nita Luckett and Justin Hunt), and Eric Bellinger (Sony ATV/The Writing Camp/TatiMont). TatiMont has already made its presence in the TV and film industry with its placements in the urban film “Beauty Shop” (starring Vivica A. Fox), “We the Party” (starring Snoop Dogg and YG directed by Mario Van Peebles), Tyler Perry’s “For Colored Girls,” Sony Pictures “Think Like A Man,” and on the hit BET series “The Game.” Other songs crediting TatiMont include songs from artists like Chris Brown (Grammy Award winning album F.A.M.E), Greyson Chance, New Boyz, Jacob Latimore, Chipmunk (whose song “Champion” is featured on the EA Sports video game Madden 2012), and many more. In 2015, TatiMont had a huge success with the placement of the first single “Is It” for FOX new hit-series Empire’s very own Tiana, aka Serayh. This single really helped to continue the branding for Fonzel’s vision of the company. With 2016 just beginning,TatiMont Publishing already has it’s first placement on Chris Brown’s newest album Royalty with the song called “Day One.” This is just a preview to what’s to come throughout the year.
With a strong build up over the past few years, Fonzel has silently positioned his companies into a place where they will not lose. There are so many layers to the phenomenon known as Fonzel, and his future is limitless. Stay tuned, and watch as history unfolds!