Mendeecees Harris stepped into cultural prominence through his long-running role on the VH1 hit franchise Love & Hip Hop: New York. Born on October 26, 1978, in Harlem, New York, he built a multi-faceted career spanning real estate, music management, and entrepreneurship long before achieving mainstream television fame. His journey reflects the sharp twists of modern celebrity, balancing high-profile media visibility with complex personal hurdles.
Beyond his television status, Harris established foundational roots in New York's entertainment and business sectors. From founding the Bronx-based recording hub Beat Factory to navigating a highly publicized relationship with Yandy Smith, his path offers a clear look into the mechanics of reality television fame and public reinvention.
Early Life and Transition to Entertainment
Growing up in Harlem with Panamanian roots, Harris navigated an upbringing shaped primarily by his single mother. Before capturing public attention on television, he worked in the New York real estate sector, gaining business acumen that later supported his entrepreneurial ventures.
His shift into the music industry began as he connected with emerging hip-hop artists and local talent. Recognizing a need for localized production spaces in the outer boroughs, he launched the Beat Factory recording studio in The Bronx. This enterprise positioned him as a hands-on music manager, bridging grassroots rap culture and commercial networks in New York City.
The Love & Hip Hop Era and Cultural Impact
Harris joined the cast of Love & Hip Hop: New York during its third season, instantly drawing viewer interest through his professional background and personal dynamics. His presence on the show expanded across multiple seasons, charting his career developments and his relationship with media executive Yandy Smith.
- Television Debut: Entered the cast in Season 3 as a prominent music manager and entrepreneur.
- The Live Wedding: Married Yandy Smith in a 2015 live-television broadcast event titled Love & Hip Hop Live: The Wedding.
- Core Cast Member: Maintained recurring and primary roles across Seasons 3, 5, and 6, maintaining visibility even during legal interruptions through phone appearances.
Legal Challenges and Personal Resilience
A major turning point in Harris's public profile occurred when he faced federal legal scrutiny. In December 2015, he was sentenced to federal prison time following a guilty plea to conspiracy charges related to drug trafficking. This period significantly shifted the narrative of his career, testing his family structure and business operations.
During his incarceration, his spouse Yandy Smith maintained a public advocacy role, while Harris utilized telephone check-ins and remote messaging to stay connected to his family and audience. Following his release, he focused on community outreach, speaking to at-risk youth in New York about avoiding legal pitfalls and prioritizing structural rehabilitation.
Family Dynamics and Current Focus
Harris is a father to children from multiple relationships, including sons with Samantha Wallace and Erika DeShazo, alongside his children with Yandy Smith (Omere and Skylar). The blended family dynamics have frequently served as central storylines across various television platforms, keeping his personal life under constant public review.
Today, Harris balances ongoing media appearances with private business investments. His trajectory from a Harlem realtor to a recognized face of urban reality television underscores how modern public figures manage reinvention after significant legal and personal disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mendeecees Harris best known for?
He is primarily known for his featured role on VH1's reality television series Love & Hip Hop: New York, as well as his work as a music manager and entrepreneur.
When was Mendeecees Harris born?
He was born on October 26, 1978, in Harlem, New York.
Who is Mendeecees Harris married to?
He is married to media personality and producer Yandy Smith, with whom he participated in a live televised wedding special in 2015.
What business ventures does he own?
He owns Beat Factory, a music recording studio located in The Bronx that has historically catered to emerging New York City rappers.
