This is a story about tragedy and triumph, of overcoming the odds and succeeding at an age where most people are still getting their professional feet stable beneath them. This is the story of Jaheim Hoagland. A story about a New Jersey native who grew up in the projects of New Brunswick, who never really knew his father because he died when Jaheim was two years old. A story about a boy who faced the perils of growing up poor, who stared down the demons, and who, through sheer grit and determination made himself into an R&B star.

"Singing was my way out," the singer said about his childhood. "I focused on teaching myself how to sing by keeping Luther Vandross in my ear all day long. Everywhere I go I sing." While he got into some scraps along the way, Jaheim knew that his road to success was paved with musical notes. And oh what notes influenced him. The young singer listened to the R&B greats in an attempt to hone his craft. Stevie Wonder, Sam Cooke, and Marvin Gaye were constant muses. As were many modern hip-hop stars like Tupac, the Notorious B.I.G., and Mobb Deep. It was this combination of old and new that helped Jaheim craft his signature sound.

By the time he was 15, Jaheim was tearing it up the legendary Apollo Theatre, winning three consecutive singing competitions, and making a name for himself. Unfortunately, the tragedy that dogged him while growing up reared its ugly head again. When the singer was 17, his mother passed away. "When I lost my Mom I thought I lost everything," he said. "But I had to be strong for my little brother… I'm the strength now."