As self-proclaimed
leader of “The Gentleman’s Movement,” Fonzworth Bentley is
hoping the success of his character will translate into album sales when his
untitled debut is released.
Bentley, who recently
changed his professional name from “Farnsworth” to “Fonzworth”
for legal reasons, is recording the untitled album with Kanye West and others.
“Kanye West
called me and said he wanted to produce my album and I wasn’t even thinking
about anything like that,” Bentley told AllHipHop.com. “I’ve
been doing some recording getting comfortable with the microphone.”
As a former “manservant”
for P. Diddy, he took the opportunity to learn the intricacies of the entertainment
world first hand. Despite appearing on MTV’s "Making of the Band"
and making guest appearances in several high profile videos, Bentley said he
didn’t know the job of being a rapper could be so trying.
“What these
MC’s do is real serious,” Bentley explained. "Trying to keep
your breath and all that, it’s difficult; it’s real serious what
they do. Thank God for Pro-Tools when I’m in the booth. I did a one-taker
the other day, and I did it four more times, but I’m getting a lot better.”
The album will
feature Bentley rapping and singing and will serve as a means to showcase a
talent most never knew he possessed.
"I’ve
been playing the violin for about 8 years so you’re definitely gonna get
a lot of that flavor," he revealed. "I love classical music, but I’m
just having fun with it."
Joking and
rhyming to the side, Bentley said that some of Diddy’s good habits rubbed
off on him when he worked for the mogul.
In addition to
appearing in a new Tommy Hilfiger jeans commerical, Bentley will launch his
own line of umbrella’s, is hosting an MTV reality pilot and will act as "Arbiter
of Good Taste" this fall on the "Most Exclusive Courvoisier VSOP Gentleman’s
Tour."
Here are Diddy’s
five keys to success as told to AllHipHop.com by Bentley himself.
1. Work harder
than everybody else.
2. Write as much down as you can. You can’t expect anyone to follow up
like your gonna follow up when it’s your vision.
3. Definitely have faith in God. That was something that was real special for
both of us, because I made it a point when I started to say "I’m
going to church on Sunday" and that’s that. I put my foot down on
that and next thing I know he [Diddy] started going with me, so that was good.
4. I would have to say sign all your own checks. All these artists with accountants
and all these other people who do what they’re supposed to be doing, Oprah
got more money than all these people and she signs every check.
5. Learn how to tie a tie, I’m just throwing that in there. Be a real
man. A real man knows how to tie a tie and drive a stick. And that’s all
I’m saying about that.
