Lyfe Jennings

The formula to getting it through the music business is not simply possessing a talent and being able to grasp the audience when the music is played. A background story that make up the X Factor of an artist is also crucial in building a fan base. Lyfe Jennings is particularly having 'it'. Born as Chester Jennings on June 3, 1978, he already had a vision of life since his youth. In his hometown of Toledo, Ohio he formed a teen singing group consisting of his brother and two cousins and named themselves Dotsons. The group was short-lived but Jennings continued to pursue a career in music as a solo. The plan did not go as smooth as expected for brutality, lacking a father figure and harsh environment led him to a life in prison. He was only 14 when he was sentenced for arson and required to go behind the bars in 1992. But it was exactly the same place that brought him back to reality and fortunately, also changes to the teen.

While being incarcerated, Jennings took the most of his serving time by learning to play guitar and consequently write a song. It was in 1997 when a copy of Erykah Badu's debut album "Baduizm" got in his hand and became a strong motivator of his career choice. Ten long years after he first stepped in the prison cell, Jennings smelled the outside air for the first time in December 2002. The freedom was not wasted being a wanderer. Just one day after his exit, he entered the booth to record several songs that he had penned while in prison. The session resulted in a four-tracks EP that he showcased in a local club the next day. Barely a month later he managed to secure a gig at "Showtime in Harlem" that took place in the prestigious Apollo Theater. When he climbed up the stage for the "Amateurish Night", he was booed by the audience, but as soon as he strummed the guitar and delivered his purpose, the crowd went amazed. He scored five winnings at the gigs show and even received a standing ovation at one point.