Why P Diddy's personal assistant showed up at Muskegon Heights' Chicken Coop

Fonzworth.jpg

Derek Watkins, who uses the stage name Fonzworth Bentley, made a surprise stop at the Muskegon Height Chicken Coop Sunday, Nov. 22.

(Instagram)

MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, MI - The self-styled "First Gentleman of Hip Hop" shared on social media his surprise stop at the Muskegon Heights Chicken Coop restaurant Sunday, Nov. 22.

Derek Watkins, who uses the stage name Fonzworth Bentley, is perhaps best known as the former personal assistant to Hip Hop legend Sean "P Diddy" Combs. He was in town to host The Beat Awards in Downtown Muskegon for WUVS-LP (103.7).

One highlight of The Beat Awards included Bentley teasing Muskegon County Prosecutor D.J. Hilson about moonlighting as a rap artist, said The Beat Awards Producer Jon Covington.

"He said, 'D.J., don't forget I've got proof,'" Covington said. Fonzworth then rolled film of Hilson attempting to rap.

"The audience just goes crazy," Covington said.

After hosting the Saturday Night awards ceremony, Bentley sat down to a late meal of Lake Perch at Holiday Inn Muskegon Harbor, Covington said. People had told him throughout the night he had to try food at the Chicken Coop, a beloved franchise restaurant in Muskegon Heights that serves fried chicken and fish.

Upon eating the perch, Bentley and Covington took off to try the food at Chicken Coop. It was about 1:30 a.m. at that time, Covington said.

"He was determined to experience the Coop," Covington said. "He ordered Walleye, and he had never even had Walleye. He had never even heard (of it)."

Upon arriving at Chicken Coop, Bentley was recognized by customers of the restaurant and at least one employee there.

"They were shocked. ... It was a hilarious moment," Covington said. "He even went behind the counter of the Coop. ... He just kind of made himself at home at the Coop."

Bentley posted photos and a video of his trip to Chicken Coop on his Instagram account. "That's Walleye Pike straight out Lake Michigan! Heisenberg coulda just as easy served this! #TheProduct #Lit," Bentley wrote on Instagram.

I bet you ain't been to the chicken coop like dis tho! [?] [?] #Muskegon #lakemichigan #TheHeights

A photo posted by fonzbentley (@fonzbentley) on

That's Walleye Pike straight out Lake Michigan! Heisenberg coulda just as easy served this! #TheProduct #Lit [?]

A photo posted by fonzbentley (@fonzbentley) on

Watkins has appeared in music videos and film. He is known for being an authority on manners, style and Hip Hop culture, hosting the MTV reality show "From G's to Gents."

According to his personal website, he has also authored a book, "Advance Your Swagger: How to Use Manners, Confidence, and Style to Get Ahead." He was a popular maitre d in New York City before he started working with Combs.

Despite its small size, the Muskegon Heights Chicken Coop is a local favorite occasionally frequented by celebrities. Muskegon-natives-turned-pro-football-players Ronald Johnson and Ruvell Martin both enjoyed the restaurant. NFL coach Pete Carroll once dined there while recruiting Johnson to the University of Southern California.

Stephen Kloosterman is a reporter for MLive Muskegon Chronicle. Email him at sklooste@mlive.com or follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+

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