My mother, Mahalia Ann Brown, at age sixteen at her junior dance.

My pops, Lonnie Lynn, flexing his skills on the court.

Me as an “ugly baby.”

I had my own style, even at age three.

Me and Mom on a trip to Jamaica.

My school photo from Faulkner Elementary.

Breakdancing was my first taste of hip-hop culture.

Derek (with the headphones) and I dropping knowledge at the state science fair.

Skying to the (Nerf) hoop for a reverse jam.

My cousin Ajile and I play-driving a Kawasaki.

My mother bought me this red Hyundai, my first car, when I was fifteen.

My graduation photo from Luther High School South, class of 1989.

Thanksgiving 1997 with family in Cincinnati, from left to right—kneeling: Uncle Steve and my stepsister Rachelle; first row: my cousin Bianca, Grandma, and my stepfather, Ralph; back row: Mama, me, my cousin John-John, Ajile, and Aunt Mattie.

Meeting Minister Farrakhan at his Hip-Hop Summit back in 1997.

One of my first promotional posters—old-school-style.

Rocking a show in the early days.

At Electric Lady Studios recording Like Water for Chocolate.

In the vocal booth.