Fonzworth Bentley

Named by GQ magazine as the First Gentleman of Hip Hop, Fonzworth Bentley, born Derek Watkins, is an artist and pop culture style icon. As producer and host of the hit MTV show, "From G’s to Gents," and author of the New York Times best-selling self-help book "Advance Your Swagger: How to Use Manners, Confidence and Style to Get Ahead," Bentley has achieved worldwide acclaim.

By age 2, this Atlanta native was studying the Suzuki method in violin and became the concertmaster at his performing arts high school before going on to major in Biology at Morehouse College. After working in the Genetics lab following graduation, he was recruited to New York by Ralph Lauren and began pursuing his entertainment dream. He caught the attention of top luminaries and began learning alongside Russell Simmons, Sean Combs, and Andre Harrell. After Kanye West called desiring to produce music for him, Bentley launched CoolOutrageousLoversOfUniquelyRawStyle (C.O.L.O.U.R.S.), his much-anticipated album. His debut live performance was at Radio City Music Hall for CBS Fashion Rocks, and he has since headlined on the BET College Tour, performed on Celebration of Gospel, and his videos have played on MTV, 106 & Park, and VH1.

Bentley has acted in the films "Honey" and "Fat Albert," and he has been a guest on talk shows Jimmy Kimmel Live, Conan O'Brien, Wendy Williams, Chelsea Handler, The Today Show, and The Late Show with David Letterman. At the request of Will.i.am, he is featured playing the violin in the groundbreaking "Yes We Can" video and was a member of the chorus for the remake of "We Are The World." He contributed to the KnowHow2GO campaign, encouraging students to pursue higher education, and participated in the 2007 YMCA Black and Hispanic Achievers Teen Leadership Summit. Bentley continues to be a mainstay on the speaking circuit at churches, high schools, colleges, and universities, including creating a curriculum piloted at Spelman College and Mississippi Valley State College, "The Competitive Advantage," giving students necessary tools to empower them to stand out in today's global economy. His presentations focus on professional development and respect in the workplace. Bentley gears his speaking style to engage audiences and delivers impactful messages, customizing content to fit specific event themes, industries, or audiences. With his ongoing work in film, television, and stage, Bentley remains committed to educating and inspiring others through his multifaceted projects.