Today we’d like to introduce you to M Harris.
Hi M, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
**The Journey of an Atlanta Music Legend: Building a Legacy**
At the age of 16, armed with an SP 1200, MPC 2000, MPC 60 II, and MPC 4000, a young aspiring producer in Atlanta started crafting beats in a small home studio, with the help of his Brother Rab & friends Sideeq, Nation Time Syndicate, DJ Reality, Jazz (EarWax), Justice & Smitty. Tez’s studio quickly became a creative haven for high school friends and local up-and-comers such as **Youngbloodz**, **Jim Crow**, **Swizz Beats**, and **Tri State**. Little did anyone know that these sessions would lay the foundation for some of the biggest names in the music industry.
From that humble beginning, this young producer honed his craft, becoming known for his unique ability to blend Southern sounds with a universal appeal. As the buzz grew, he teamed up with **Killa B**, **Dungeon Family**, and the legendary production group **Organized Noize**. Under the guidance of **Rico Wade** (Rest in Peace), Sleepy Brow and **Ray Murray**, he began to truly flex his creative muscles. Working side by side with the Dungeon Family helped him realize his full potential, helping with sound building for the likes of **OutKast**, **Goodie Mob**, **Sleepy Brown**, **Future**, **Slimm Calhoun**, **Big Rube**, Suge, Joi, Sam Chris, **Cool Breeze**, **EJ The Witchdoctor**, and so many of Atlanta’s iconic artists.
This era marked his rise as a vital component of Atlanta’s musical explosion. His contributions played a crucial role in shaping the city’s signature sound that would soon become a global phenomenon. During this time, he also created his own groups like **Down & Dirty**, with Big Jon, Big Smooth, Ty Savalas, Duke & Ebony Love releasing a host of mixtapes that would ignite the streets, such as the groundbreaking *Money N Da South*. The project featured nearly every artist coming out of Atlanta, cementing his reputation as a tastemaker and connector in the music scene.
As his career evolved, he relocated from Atlanta to Arkansas, where he continued his production journey by building a new recording studio. It was here that he was introduced to two rising stars, **Magic Tarrentino** and **LiveSosa**, who have since amassed huge followings in the industry. He then partnered with **Mario Porter** to open **Atlanta HD Creative Studios**, which has been instrumental in launching the careers of artists like **Lil Yachty**, **J Rich**, **Quay Global**, DJ Steele**Lil Keed**, **Lil Got It**, and **Anyciaa**, among others. The studio has remained a cornerstone of the Atlanta music scene for the past 15 years, playing an integral role in shaping the careers of the city’s most promising talent.
In recent years, the studio has continued to serve as a launching pad for a new generation of artists. Rising stars like **Kita B**, **Yolanda**, **Maul Brown** (brother of Sleepy Brown), **Yung OG**, **Riko Hitz**, Bonjswae**Mac O’Neal**, Toonk Savage, **SkiMaskBris**, **Young Heavy Balla**, **Greedy**, **Shawdy Rock**, **Dollarachi**, **Load Breed**, **1 Mic**, James & Chuck, and **Black Money** have all come through the studio, contributing to its ongoing legacy. The studio’s partnership with **Nue World Music Group** is poised to make waves as the next big label out of Atlanta.
As Atlanta HD Creative Studios continues to grow, it’s clear that this producer’s vision has left an indelible mark on the music industry. From his early days working with high school friends to launching some of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B, his journey is one of perseverance, creativity, and a deep love for the craft of music. With the continued success of the studio and its artists, the legacy of this Atlanta legend shows no signs of slowing down.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
**The Weight of the Dream: Navigating the Music Industry and Helping Others Succeed**
It’s easy to look at the success of **Atlanta HD Creative Studios** and see only the wins—the countless hit records, the artists who went from unknown to household names, and the producers who found their sound and carved out their place in the industry. But behind the scenes, the journey has been filled with relentless pressure, sleepless nights, and the sometimes crushing weight of being the one responsible for not just your own success, but the futures of others.
From the early days, it was clear that this wasn’t going to be an easy path. When he first started producing at 16, experimenting with the **SP 1200**, **MPC 2000**, and other equipment, the dream was simple: make beats, create music, and maybe one day work with the greats. But soon enough, that dream evolved into something bigger. It became about community, about using the talent and resources he had to help others reach heights they couldn’t on their own. And that, while fulfilling, brought a new kind of pressure.
As his home studio began buzzing with local talent—**Youngbloodz**, **Jim Crow**, **Swizz Beats**, and more—he wasn’t just a producer anymore. He was a mentor, a guide, and for many of these artists, their first and only shot at making it. The weight of their dreams rested on his shoulders.
When he teamed up with the **Dungeon Family** and **Organized Noize**, the stakes grew even higher. This was a world where the slightest misstep could end careers, but with the help of **Rico Wade**, Sleepy Brown and **Ray Murray**, he learned how to move in the music industry with purpose and precision. He was producing beats, & recording every session, carried the expectation of greatness. The pressure was constant, but the success of these collaborations helped him solidify his reputation as someone who could be trusted to deliver.
However, as much as the success was gratifying, there were moments when the weight became too much to bear. Running a studio meant balancing the creativity of the music with the cold, hard realities of business. Some days, it felt impossible. Artists who had so much potential would falter, derailed by their own demons—whether it was drugs, bad decisions, or simply the harshness of the industry. As much as he wanted to, he couldn’t save everyone, and that reality hit hard. But for every artist that slipped through the cracks, there was another one who flourished under his guidance. That’s what kept him going.
Moving to Arkansas and opening a new studio was another test, another hurdle. The idea was to continue his work, helping young artists like **Magic Tarrentino** and **LiveSosa** grow their careers. And though the studio thrived, it didn’t come without sacrifices. Financial stress mounted as he reinvested every dime into the studio, trying to make sure the next generation had everything they needed to succeed. At times, the pressure to keep the doors open and maintain the high standard of work was suffocating.
When he returned to Atlanta and partnered with **Mario Porter*, Josh Harris, Crystal Blu, Latanya, Aneesha, Kim, Mont & Marlo to open **Atlanta HD Creative Studios**, the mission remained the same—help artists get to the next level. But with that mission came more obstacles. Atlanta’s music scene was fierce and competitive. It wasn’t enough to just be good; you had to be exceptional. And it wasn’t just about the music anymore. Artists needed visuals, branding, social media presence, and more. Every day, he found himself wearing multiple hats: producer, business owner, advisor, and often therapist. The artists—**Lil Yachty**, **J Rich**, **Quay Global**, **Lil Keed**, **Lil Got It**, and others—depended on him to guide them, to keep their careers on track, and help them navigate an industry that could be unforgiving.
On top of it all, he wasn’t just managing artists; he was building his own empire. As **Nue World Music Group** and the **ATL HD Cyphers** gained traction, the pressure only increased. The expectations from the community, the artists, and even from himself, grew heavier. Every decision felt monumental because it wasn’t just about his success anymore—it was about the careers and livelihoods of those around him. One wrong move, and an artist’s momentum could come crashing down. One bad deal, and a producer might never recover.
And yet, despite the endless challenges, the one thing that kept him moving forward was the belief in the talent he worked with. The knowledge that he was helping artists and producers break through, that he was creating opportunities where there were none before, was his driving force.
There were sleepless nights spent negotiating deals, tweaking mixes, and putting out fires—both literal and metaphorical. But in every setback, he saw a lesson. Every obstacle was a chance to grow, to adapt, and to become better. And through it all, he remained committed to his mission: helping those who walked through his studio doors find their voice and make their mark on the world.
The pressure never let up. It evolved as the industry shifted, as new challenges arose, and as the demands on him grew more intense. But through it all, he kept his focus. Because for him, the reward wasn’t just in the accolades or the financial success. It was in seeing the artists and producers he had mentored rise to the occasion, carve out their own paths, and one day, inspire the next generation of dreamers.
In the end, the journey wasn’t just about building a legacy—it was about lifting others up so they could build theirs too. And for that, every moment of pressure, every obstacle, was worth it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
In recent years, the studio has continued to serve as a launching pad for a new generation of artists. Rising stars like **Kita B**, **Yolanda**, **Maul Brown** (brother of Sleepy Brown), **Yung OG**, **Riko Hitz**, Bonjswae**Mac O’Neal**, Jaide, **SkiMaskBris**, **Young Heavy Balla**, **Greedy**, **Shawdy Rock**, **Dollarachi**, **Load Breed**, Toonk Savage**1 Mic**, and **Black Money** have all come through the studio, contributing to its ongoing legacy. The studio’s partnership with **Nue World Music Group** is poised to make waves as the next big label out of Atlanta.
The studio also expanded its reach beyond just music production. It created the **ATL HD Cyphers**, which feature 50 of Atlanta’s top male and female artists, showcasing the city’s immense talent. Additionally, the **Women 4 Music Podcast** was launched, offering a platform for women in the industry, hosted by **Laina**, supported by **Tez**, and featuring a lineup of influential voices such as **Chella**, **Kim**, Angel & Golden Presence, and artists like **Empress MiMi**, **Layla Redcakes**, **Tae**, **Queen**, **S0ulie**, **Frequenci**, **Emerald Envy**, **Banks Baby**, **Jaide**, **Chills**, **Renee**, **Zyie**, **Trese**, and **Zaniah**.
The producer has also made it his mission to mentor up-and-coming talent, working with fellow producers and musicians such as **Taj The Pimp**, **Gudda Tay**, **G Money**, **Pops**, **Get It Man**, **Tkay Beats**, **B Dot**, and musicians like **Big Al**, **Sid**, **E-Stacks**, **Confirmation**, **D Miller**, and **Preston Crump**. His impact continues to expand with a growing team of executives, including **Jose**, **Kool Khris**, **Nobelis Media**, **Guccio, Matty, Tanya Le, Latanya A, & Robyn Dysmuke, MH**, **Entertainmixxx**Nia Bell, and **Emerald** with **ATL HD Events**, all working together to build the next phase of this music conglomerate.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
**Beyond the Music: A Legacy of Family and Flavor**
The music industry had always been the heartbeat of his life. For decades, he’d been behind the boards, creating timeless tracks and building careers, but life has a way of evolving. His success in music was only part of the story. What surprised everyone—perhaps even him—was how his journey was no longer just about music. It had grown into something deeper: a tribute to his family, his roots, and a celebration of life beyond the studio.
It started with a simple idea, born out of love and nostalgia: **Don Ameche’s Kitchen**, named in honor of his late father. His dad, Don Ameche, had been a constant source of strength and wisdom in his life. Growing up, the kitchen was always the heart of the household, a place where his dad cooked meals with love, shared stories, and bonded with family. Food was a symbol of togetherness, just as much as music was. So when the idea struck to create a brand that would preserve that legacy, it felt right. Don Ameche’s Kitchen wasn’t just about food; it was about family, heritage, and creating new memories for others, just as his father had done for him.
Alongside **Don Ameche’s Kitchen**, there was **Ganny’s Sweet Tea**, named after his beloved mother. Ganny, as she was affectionately called, made the best sweet tea anyone had ever tasted. No family gathering or Sunday dinner was complete without it. Her recipe had been passed down for generations, a symbol of Southern hospitality and warmth. When the idea to bottle and share Ganny’s Sweet Tea came up, it was a no-brainer. It was more than a beverage—it was the essence of home, bottled up for everyone to experience. The sweet, refreshing flavor was as comforting as a hug from Ganny herself, and it represented the sweetness and strength she had instilled in him.
But the family legacy didn’t stop there. His youngest son, Cruz, had a passion for lemonade—his favorite drink. Watching Cruz sip on lemonade with the widest grin brought a spark of inspiration. **Cruz’s Lemonade** was born, a brand as bright and refreshing as the boy it was named after. It was a way to celebrate the future, to honor the joy and innocence of youth, while also preparing to pass on the entrepreneurial spirit to the next generation. Cruz was thrilled to see his name on the bottles, proud to be part of the family’s growing legacy.
While these ventures into food and drink were taking off, something else was happening on the music side. His oldest son had quietly been learning the ropes, soaking up everything he’d taught him over the years. The music studio, once run solely by him, was now in capable hands as his son stepped up to carry the torch. Handing over the reigns wasn’t easy—it was bittersweet—but watching his son grow into the role was one of the greatest joys of his life. The family legacy wasn’t just about the past; it was about building a future, one where his children could take the lessons of hard work, passion, and creativity and make them their own.
The success of the studio was now matched by these new family brands. What had started as a dream in music had blossomed into a family-run empire. **Don Ameche’s Kitchen**, **Ganny’s Sweet Tea**, and **Cruz’s Lemonade** weren’t just side projects—they were testaments to the power of family, to honoring where you come from, and to celebrating the future. Each product was crafted with the same love, attention to detail, and dedication that had fueled his career in music.
In a surprising twist of fate, these new ventures were set to enter grocery stores soon, with contracts being lined up to take them beyond the Atlanta community and into homes across the country. It was another dream coming to life, another chapter in a legacy that kept expanding in ways he hadn’t imagined.
Through it all, he remained grounded, knowing that none of this success was by accident. It was the result of years of hard work, perseverance, and staying true to his values. He had always believed in lifting others up, whether it was the artists he worked with in the studio or the family members he cherished at home. And now, his family name would live on in more ways than one—not just in the music that filled the airwaves, but in the kitchens and dinner tables where people would enjoy the food and drinks that bore the names of those he loved most.
This next chapter, building these brands alongside his children, wasn’t just about creating a business. It was about legacy. It was about honoring the past, embracing the present, and preparing the future for his family. With his oldest son taking the reins of the music side and his younger children already connected to the family’s new ventures, he knew that the future was bright.
For now, he felt blessed and fortunate. He had built something that went far beyond the studio—a lasting tribute to his family, one that would carry the weight of their legacy long into the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://atlhdstudios.com/services
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