Also also known by the stage name Yazz The Greatest or simply Yazz, Gray was born in Little Rock, Arkansas. His family moved to West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania due to his parents’ divorce. Gray played football at Overbrook High School, but he switched to music after getting injured when he was 16 years old. He began to use his talent as a street performer to earn money and help his single mother afford their living expenses. His efforts eventually led to a partnership with manager Charlie Mack.