Born in New York City, he emerged as a key figure in the early hip-hop scene. Initially gaining fame as a graffiti artist, he later became a prominent cultural ambassador, bridging the worlds of music, art, and film. He was instrumental in bringing hip-hop to the mainstream, notably through his role as host of "Yo! MTV Raps" in the late 1980s and early 1990s. His influence extended into film, contributing to documentaries and projects that celebrate urban culture.