A New York native born into a family of singers and musicians, 16 year-old Jamal has been a singer and drummer since the age of four. A featured vocalist in his church choir, he was selected as one of the finalists of the 93-94 McDonald's Gospel Choir Competition. At 12, Jamal was hired as a touring drummer for the legendary R & B group Blue Magic. Price was impressed with Jamal's explosive talent.