The 17th Letter

The 17th Letter is a multifaceted creative—artist, musician, writer, and visionary—who refuses to be confined to a single label. Born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, in November 1994, he moved to Clearwater, Florida, when he was just six months old before settling in Brevard County at age seven. From a young age, he was immersed in a world of creativity, influenced by music, cinema, visual arts, writing, and martial arts, all of which shaped his diverse and evolving creative identity.

His love for dance began around 2006, but it was in 2007, with the release of Stomp the Yard and the rise of the Jabbawockeez on America’s Best Dance Crew, that he began to take dancing more seriously. Inspired by the power of movement and rhythm, he dedicated himself to refining his skills, which ultimately led to him earning his black belt in martial arts by the age of 13. Dance and martial arts became pivotal in shaping his approach to life and artistry.

At 14, he began teaching hip-hop classes at Precision Contemporary Dance in Rockledge, Florida, where he trained in multiple dance styles and performed locally at numerous events. His experience as both a student and a teacher laid the foundation for his leadership in the creative community. In 2011, he joined the competition team at Studio M in Melbourne, Florida. As a member of the team, he competed and performed locally, regionally, and nationally, pushing himself and others to grow as artists and performers. After graduating from Rockledge High School in May 2013 at the age of 18, he continued to pursue his passions, taking classes with renowned choreographers such as Brian Puspos, Shaun Evaristo, Ian Eastwood, Bam Martin, Jawn Ha, Laura Edwards, Johnny Erasme, Kyle Hanagami, and many others. This period allowed him to fine-tune his skills and broaden his artistic horizon, fueling his desire to create across multiple disciplines.

In June 2019, his life took a profound turn with the passing of his close friend, Beige Boy. The loss deeply affected him, yet it also propelled him to pursue music. Fueled by grief, passion, and the desire to honor his friend’s memory, he began writing music. Music became his new creative outlet, where he could express emotions, tell stories, and connect with others. Influenced by artists like Lecrae, Andy Mineo, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Dizzy Wright, Rexx Life Raj, and Parris Chariz, he blends hip-hop, R&B, and soul, creating songs that reflect themes of self-discovery, faith, perseverance, and the journey of life.

In addition to his musical pursuits, he is the owner and founder of The Art Combine, a creative platform established in December 2023 and officially launched in January 2024. The Art Combine serves as a hub for artists from various disciplines—musicians, painters, designers, and visionaries alike. The platform provides opportunities for collaboration and exposure, with one of its most notable projects being The Combine Tape, a curated mixtape series that showcases talent from across the globe. Through The Art Combine, he continues to create space for artists to thrive and elevate each other.

Beyond his career and creative pursuits, his personal life has deeply influenced his work. He became a father in February 2016 when he welcomed his daughter into the world. This new chapter in his life solidified his commitment to leaving a positive, lasting impact on the world. With a son on the way in May 2025, his drive to create meaningful, purposeful work is stronger than ever. His artistic expression has always been rooted in a desire to build a legacy that reflects his values—faith, family, creativity, and resilience.

Through every phase of his journey, he has never been limited to one creative form. Whether through dance, music, art, or his platform The Art Combine, he continues to push boundaries and prove that creativity is about breaking barriers, not fitting into predefined boxes.