Alright alright, so rather than give you one of those cookie cutter, “born and raised in…”, type biographies I figured who better to describe oneself than MYSELF. I don’t have any sob stories of how my musical journey came to fruition or some long list of accolades to my name nor am I this multi-dynamic, ultra-diverse musician with 12 instruments perfected under my belt. To be honest there really isn’t a whole lot to me. I was always told things like “you got to have some story to create a demand.” People would even ask me sh*t like “what’s your niche?”. Story?! Niche?! What if I’m just some ordinary dude who happens to love music? What if I just want to bang some pots and pans together to create some music that I dig? Ya dig?

I have to admit I never really grew up around classic Stevie or Donny jams. I was, however, infatuated with pre-lawsuit M.J. In fact, anytime my dad would go on business trips to Bangkok he’d bring me back knock off M.J. paraphernalia to add to my collection. But see, being a product of the 80′s, it wasn’t just about “soul” music. We had stuff like Duran Duran, Bon Jovi or Hall and Oates keeping me at least entertained.

It wasn’t until ’95 that my musical tastes became a little more defined. I had a friend who introduced me to The Roots “Do you you want more?!” album and the Boogie Monsters “Riders of the Storm” record. Don’t get me wrong I listened to Tribe and all prior, but this stuff was just so raw. Then out of no where this smoked out, corn row’d, falsetto singing dude stepped on the scene and I was hooked! That was the moment that I said to myself “Dang, I want to make music like this!”

For years I tried to figure out how to go about making the music that I wanted to make. It was through trial and error, mostly error, that I finally realized that instead of duplicating anyone else’s style I was just going to do me. I lived like a hermit for a couple years, separated from the scene, only keeping in contact with the 3 or 4 of those who helped me make my 1st album Goldrush.

My family, particularly my father, wasn’t too keen on me pursuing a career in the music industry. It had nothing to do with the lack of stability choosing such a path would create. His disproval stemmed more from his islamic faith. I wrote a song called “Family Tree” on Goldrush that discussed our relationship. That song has the most meaning to me, not only because I address my relationship with my dad, but it’s also the basis on how I live my life. With any dream comes hardship, but your true reward is knowing that you tried.

I think it’s safe to say that after selling 5,000 + albums, being nominated for a Juno Award in 2008, having numerous press reviews praising the 1st record and people constantly asking about the 2nd………………..I’ve tried and then some.

But wait, I’VE ONLY JUST BEGUN.

Peace for now