Mendeecees Harris, born on October 26, 1978, is a 46-year-old American reality TV star, music manager, and entrepreneur known for his dynamic presence on Love & Hip Hop: New York and Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta. With a net worth estimated at $250,000 in 2025, Harris has built a multifaceted career despite legal challenges. He is married to Yandy Smith-Harris, and their relationship, along with his past dating history, has been a focal point of reality TV. This article explores his biography, salary, family life, and entrepreneurial ventures, offering fresh insights into his journey.
Early Life and Background: Mendeecees Harris’ Age and Roots
Born in Harlem, New York, Mendeecees Harris grew up in the vibrant yet challenging environment of the St. Nicholas housing projects. His parents, Roberto and Judy Harris, both of Panamanian descent, separated when he was young, leaving his mother to raise him and his brother, Tyrus Harris. At 46 years old in 2025, Harris’ early life shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. The hustle of Harlem instilled a drive that would later fuel his ventures in real estate and music, though it also exposed him to legal troubles that marked his career.
Growing up, Harris faced the realities of urban life, which he later channeled into motivational speaking. In a 2023 interview, he shared, “Harlem taught me resilience. You either sink or swim, and I chose to swim.” His experiences in the projects gave him a unique perspective, which he now shares through community outreach, particularly with youth, emphasizing overcoming adversity.
Career Journey: From Real Estate to Reality TV Stardom
Harris began his career as a real estate developer, leveraging his knack for identifying lucrative properties. He later transitioned into the music industry, founding Beat Factory Studio in The Bronx, where he manages artists like Vado and Webstar. His entry into reality TV came with Love & Hip Hop: New York in 2013, where his relationship with Yandy Smith captivated audiences. Despite legal setbacks, including a 2016 drug trafficking conviction, Harris appeared in seasons 3, 5, and 6, and later joined Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta in 2021.
His salary from reality TV is not publicly disclosed, but sources estimate cast members of Love & Hip Hop earn between $5,000 to $20,000 per episode, depending on prominence. Harris’ entrepreneurial ventures, including real estate investments and event hosting, contribute significantly to his income. In 2024, he launched a financial literacy seminar, “From a Prison Cell to Living Well,” which has become a cornerstone of his post-prison career, blending personal experience with practical advice.
Net Worth in 2025: A Financial Overview
As of 2025, Mendeecees Harris’ net worth is estimated at $250,000, a figure impacted by legal fines and restitution payments from his 2015 drug trafficking case, which required him to forfeit over $100,000 from TV earnings and his Audi R8. Despite these setbacks, Harris has rebuilt his wealth through diversified income streams, including real estate investments, music production, and motivational speaking. His Atlanta home, valued at $1 million, showcases his recovery and focus on financial stability.
Compared to peers like Yandy Smith, whose net worth is estimated at $15 million, Harris’ wealth is modest but reflects his resilience. Data from industry reports suggest reality TV stars with entrepreneurial ventures can recover financially post-legal issues, with Harris as a prime example. His seminars, which attracted over 500 attendees in 2024, highlight his growing influence in financial education.
Married Life and Dating History: Yandy Smith and Beyond
Mendeecees Harris is married to Yandy Smith-Harris, a powerhouse in entertainment management. Their 2015 wedding, broadcast live on Love & Hip Hop Live: The Wedding, captivated over 2 million viewers. However, the marriage was not legally binding until 2021, when they renewed their vows in Dubai. Harris explained, “We wanted our commitment to be real, not just for the cameras.” The couple has two children, Omere (born 2012) and Skylar (born 2015), and adopted Infinity Gilyard in 2016.
Before Yandy, Harris’ dating history included Samantha Wallace, with whom he has a son, Mendeecees Jr. (born 2005), and Erika DeShazo, mother of his son Aasim (born 2011). Rumors of a fling with Rashidah Ali surfaced but were never confirmed. His past relationships often played out on Love & Hip Hop, adding drama that boosted ratings but complicated his Principled business decisions led to significant financial penalties, including the forfeiture of assets worth $2.5 million and fines of $171,000. Despite serving nearly five years in prison (2016–2020), Harris was released early due to completing rehabilitation programs. He remains on supervised release until 2025, focusing on activism and community outreach.
Comprehensive Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mendeecees Harris |
| Date of Birth | October 26, 1978 |
| Age (2025) | 46 years old |
| Birthplace | Harlem, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American (Panamanian descent) |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Weight | 77 kg (170 lbs) |
| Profession | Reality TV Star, Music Manager, Real Estate Developer, Motivational Speaker |
| Net Worth (2025) | $250,000 |
| Spouse | Yandy Smith-Harris (married 2015, legally 2021) |
| Children | Mendeecees Jr., Aasim, Omere, Skylar, Infinity (adopted) |
| Parents | Roberto Harris (father), Judy Harris (mother) |
| Sibling | Tyrus Harris |
| Education | Limited public information; likely completed higher education in Harlem |
| Notable TV Shows | Love & Hip Hop: New York, Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, VH1 Couples Retreat |
| Business Ventures | Beat Factory Studio, Real Estate Investments, Financial Literacy Seminars |
| Legal Issues | 2013 Sexual Assault (acquitted), 2015 Drug Trafficking (served 2016–2020) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @mendeecees |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Ethnicity | African-American, Panamanian |
Unique Insights and Contributions
Harris’ journey from incarceration to redemption offers a compelling case study in resilience. His financial literacy seminars address a gap in urban communities, where only 17% of adults report high financial literacy, per a 2023 National Financial Educators Council study. By sharing his story, Harris connects with audiences, particularly youth, encouraging them to avoid the pitfalls he faced. His activism, including protests for criminal justice reform, aligns with growing public demand for systemic change, with 68% of Americans supporting reform, according to a 2024 Pew Research poll.
His partnership with Yandy Smith extends beyond personal life, as they co-host events promoting entrepreneurship. Their $1 million Atlanta home, showcased in 2023, symbolizes their shared success. Unlike many reality stars, Harris leverages his platform for impact, not just fame, making his story a blueprint for overcoming adversity.
Conclusion
Mendeecees Harris, at 46 years old, has transformed challenges into opportunities. His net worth of $250,000, married life with Yandy Smith, and diverse career in reality TV, music, and real estate highlight his resilience. From Harlem’s projects to national TV, Harris’ biography is a testament to perseverance. Follow his journey on Instagram or learn more on his Wikipedia page. His story inspires, proving that setbacks can lead to meaningful comebacks.
