Some stories aren’t linear—they move the way life does. Across cities, cultures, and seasons of growth. Born in Greenville, North Carolina, and raised between Connecticut, New York, and Virginia, his journey has always been defined by motion. Every relocation added a new layer, a new rhythm, a new perspective that would later shape not just his sound, but his purpose.
At 11 years old, he and his mother moved to Virginia Beach to be closer to family. It wasn’t just a change of scenery—it was a turning point. But long before Virginia, the foundation was already set in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where church wasn’t optional, it was life. Sundays and Wednesdays were sacred. Music lived in the sanctuary, and so did he.
With his mother directing the choir, he didn’t just sing—he learned how to feel music. Leading gospel staples like “Going Up Yonder,” he developed vocal confidence early, but more importantly, an emotional connection that would stay with him. Those moments taught him that music isn’t just sound—it’s testimony.
Before the mic, though, there was basketball.
The court was his first classroom. AAU leagues, rec ball, high school competition, tournaments—especially in New York during visits with his father—basketball shaped his mindset. Discipline. Hunger. Accountability. The pressure to perform. Even after music took over, those lessons never left. They simply found a new arena.
Virginia brought another awakening. Time spent with older cousins immersed him in hip-hop culture—not just the music, but the stories behind it. Lyrics that reflected real life. Voices that sounded like truth. That exposure planted a seed, and by 15, music became more than interest—it became escape.
With no studio access, he made one. Recording songs on an iPod. Uploading to SoundCloud. Turning his uncle’s vehicle into a makeshift booth. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was honest. The grind came early, and it came necessary. Those years built the work ethic that still defines him.
Influenced by Nipsey Hussle’s purpose, Drake’s emotional range, J. Cole’s introspection, Fabolous’ finesse, and Tupac’s fearlessness, his sound grew into something multidimensional. Hip-hop and R&B blend naturally in his catalog—where melody meets realism, and motivation meets vulnerability. The goal has never been to chase trends, but to speak truth and inspire movement.
Much of that evolution has taken place at BlackLight Studios alongside Virginia’s own T-Rifik, a creative partnership that helped refine both sound and vision. While local spots like Ocean Breeze, Kempsville Skating Rink, and Lynnhaven Mall filled the backdrop of his youth, music eventually demanded the lead role—and he answered.
That clarity is evident in his latest release, As A Man EP. Created with intention, the project speaks directly to men navigating pressure, responsibility, and silent battles. It’s not just music—it’s a standard. A conversation many avoid, delivered with honesty instead of ego.
And this chapter is far from the last.
With more music slated for 2026, the journey continues—rooted in faith, sharpened by experience, and driven by purpose.
Special acknowledgment goes to Uncle Christopher Wooten, whose unwavering presence has meant everything, along with Marshall Leathers, T-Rifik, Nottzraw, and Darryl Sloan—key figures who provided opportunity, guidance, and genuine belief at crucial moments.
This isn’t just a story about where he’s been. It’s about who he’s becoming.
