From the East side of Los Angeles, Michael founded 11 different businesses by age 26, including Beverly Hills Leasing, Kartier Limousine Service, and Telesis Construction, which built several shopping centers, restaurants and apartment buildings throughout Los Angeles. In the entertainment sector, he founded Y-Not Productions, which produced the Broadway play Checkmates, Denzel Washington’s first Broadway role, and Stepping Into Tomorrow, created by Martin Luther King, Jr.’s daughter, Yolanda King, and Malcolm X’s daughter, Attallah Shabazz.

Michael was incarcerated for 33 years in state and federal prison. While behind bars he created Godfather Entertainment, the parent company of Death Row Records, which helped launch the careers of legendary hip-hop artists Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and Tupac Shakur, and Keeping the Dream Alive Productions, which produced the award-winning documentary Welcome to Death Row. During this time, Mr. Harris also established or resurrected several organizations to help his fellow inmates with financial literacy, technology education, and other support and mentorship to reduce recidivism. 

In 2021, Mr. Harris received a Presidential Commuted Sentence and was released from prison. Since his release, he has created Community One World, a nonprofit that supports community organizations focused on prison reform and equal access to opportunities. Mr. Harris also established Philanthropy TV (PTV), the first entertainment and media company that attracts, directs, and connects philanthropic dollars to both national and global causes.  As the founder of Our Community First Action Inc., he is dedicated to uniting the Black community’s voice and highlighting initiatives that promote economic advancement.

Mr. Harris currently serves as chief operating officer of the new Death Row Records as Chief Operating Officer, as well as Co-Chief Executive Officer of Death Row Pictures. He is committed to improving future generations through entertainment media, business, and philanthropy.