Who discovered you?

I think that I've been fortunate to be "discovered" several times in my career. But, the first person to ever give me a "Shot" was one of my best friends in the world: my brother, Pastor Jimane Nelson. While I was in school at Berklee, Jimane was MD for a new gospel artist on the rise named, Kim Burrell. He wrote a song for her called, "Prodigal Son." She loved it & wanted to use it for her "Everlasting Life" album. While we were in the middle of our school semester, they were going to fly him to Kansas City to begin work in the studio for the album. He agreed, but his one stipulation was that they bring me as well. They agreed, and it ended up that I was featured in a guitar solo on "Prodigal Son." That one solo, on that one song, on that one album became the gateway for me in this industry. The attention it brought opened the doors for me in every way. I'm forever grateful to Jimane & Kim for that.

Where were you born?

Portsmouth,Virginia

How old were you when you started in the entertainment business?

I started gigging with blues bands in the town I grew up in (El Paso, TX) and doing tracks for local hip hop artists when I was around 12 years old.

Who inspired you growing up and have those inspirations changed as your career has progressed? Have you had any personal mentors along the way?

I actually started playing guitar because of 3 people. Prince, Jimi Hendrix, and Jesse Johnson. I saw Purple Rain when I was a little kid & it was a wrap. I had to be a guitar player. Seeing Prince & Jesse Johnson do what they did was the greatest thing in the world to me. I had to be a guitar player. At the same time, one of my older cousins was real into Jimi Hendrix. He hipped me to Jimi & from then on, all I wanted to do was play guitar. Those three GIANTS still influence me to this day & always will. I've been blessed to have Jesse Johnson as a good friend now as well. Life is crazy. & God is Good. As far as other influences go, I'm influenced by everything and EVERYONE I've come into contact with. I try to soak it all up like a sponge. Every genre is important to me. The true form of the genre & style is paramount. So, that leaves ALOT of people to name from ALOT of styles. If I named them all, we'd be here for decades. Seriously. Hahaha. I've been blessed to learn from some of the greatest mentors I could ever hope for. Jimane Nelson taught me about stretching the bounds of traditional musical thought. He's a brother to me & we grew up musically together. But, still, he taught me SOO much. Next, is the great Valdez Brantley (MD for Usher and countless other artists). Val taught me how to REALLY play in a band. How to KILL that stage. He taught me how to put a live show together and gave me the opportunity to put performances together for some of the biggest shows in recent musical history. That's my big brother! Next, is The Avila Brother and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis (Flyte Tyme Productions). Besides them being family to me, they have guided me to being a better writer and producer, business man, and human being. They accepted me into their team and taught me how the big dogs do it. Jam & Lewis is the most successful production duo of ALL time. The Avila Brothers have given so many Superstar artists the flavor that has made them become what they are today. Now, to be associated with them, creating with them, and winning awards with them. It means the world. I've been blessed with some TREMENDOUS mentors.

How did you get introduced to the business?

I was always doing music professionally in my local area since I was young. Eventually, while in high school, I got 2 scholarships to Berklee College Of Music in Boston. After high school, I studied there and met so many amazing musicians that were working professionally on a national and international level. From that network, I started learning how it worked & how to get in the game on a bigger level.

Tell me about the experience of your first big gig?

My first "BIG" gig was Usher. I was brought into the gig by Valdez Brantley. Once I was in, I was put through an intensive musical bootcamp. In that bootcamp, I grew as a musician, performer, and human being. Those months in Atlanta made me alot of who I am today. It was on that tour that I learned how to REALLY do it. From that gig, I instantly did every TV show there was, played on every major awards show, played every major venue in the world, I was featured on the live DVD, and eventually became involved in the creative process of everything the team did. I'm proud of everything I've accomplished with Usher.. And, it's still goin strong.

Give me your thoughts on the music industry and how it’s evolved through the years?

The industry is only what you make it. I believe what you put out there comes back to you. So, whether the industry is a good or bad thing, you have to put good out there. Yes, there's alot of wack & shady things going on in the business. Yes, it seems that talent and REAL artistry is becoming less important. But, it's up to US to change that. It's up to US to become the people that do it right. We have to set the example of what the DOPE STUFF is like (musically, business-wise, etc.etc.etc.) And, there are people doing that as well. This industry has become to much about profit margins and album sales as opposed to art. And, while that worked for a few years, it's actually hurting the industry now. It's stifling creativity and keeping executives and labels from taking creative chances on artists & music. That's why everything sounds the same. Until the big money people start taking chances on true art & new music, it's going to stay the way it is. It's a very interesting situation. We're at a crossroads in the industry right now. Change is on the way. And, it will be for the better. We just need the brave new trailblazers to step forward and MAKE IT HAPPEN.

Do you think ImGiggin.com is what is needed in the entertainment industry and why (LOL…very leading)?

The fact is: In an age of ultra-fast technology, the internet, digital downloads, and computer-based music, there are still hungry musicians, songwriters, and producers tryin to get in the game and keeping their hustle going as strong as possible. The internet has made access alot more available to things that weren't before. But, still, it's hard to get in the game. It's hard to be heard if people don't know who you are & ain't checkin for you yet. There's alot on the internet that tries to bridge the networking gap. But, is there a definitive one- stop site they can go to that will TRULY help them? Is there a real site that can link them to the REAL people doing REAL things in the game? A site that gets their music and ability heard by the people that make things happen with it? Now there is: ImGiggin.com

What are the kinds of things you work on when you’re practicing?

I work on increasing my harmonic or melodic vocabulary. I work on learning styles in their TRUE form. Ultimately, I work on doing what ever I gotta do to get out what's in my heart & head the way it's supposed to be. U gotta train like it's the biggest boxing match of your life. Be prepared for any musical situation that may arise & knock it out.

What are some genres of music you listen to?

I listen to ALL music. Seriously. I have an 160 Gig iPod that is FULL! Hahahahaha

What are some of the things you do in your free time?

When I have free time, I exercise, read, hang with friends & family, and have as much fun as possible.

Do you have advice for any aspiring musicians and singers?

Work hard, study hard, pray hard, know your stuff, be on top of your game ALWAYS! Be a good person. Treat people with respect and appreciate the gift they bring to your music and life. Be true to yourself & your music. Learn to adapt to anything. & ALWAYS, ALWAYS kill it!!! When it's time to rock, KILL IT!

What is your most memorable gig to date?

The Grammy performance I did with Usher and James Brown. We did, "Caught Up" and "Sex Machine." The performance was great, the Awards show was great, and besides the performance, I had my first Grammy nomination. It was a historical night.

Have you had any embarrassing moments on stage/studio and how did you get through them?

Fortunately, no. I'm not saying I haven't had some crazy things happen to me or that I haven't messed up onstage. But, I don't let it embarass me or get me down. I have a pretty good sense of humor. I've fallen on stage in front of thousands, broken strings, messed up licks, and done the typical musical blunders that we've all done. But, you gotta just laugh it off & keep it moving. Don't beat yourself about something that happened 5 seconds out of your entire life. U know? Be on top of your game so that you don't make a fool of yourself. But, if a blunder happens here or there... Hey, it's life.... Kobe & LeBron miss shots & shoot airballs sometimes... It happens. Hahahahah.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years?

I see myself still doin music. I'm sure I'll be doing more studio instead of always touring by that time. I've been blessed to do what I love. So, my plan, if God allows, is to keep doin it!!!