JAE was born in Kingston, Jamaica, a place he still calls home. As a youth he always listened to the musical talents of Bob Marley, Lenny Williams and Garnet Silk. His musical talent also found some influence from DJ's the likes of Bounty Killer, Shabba Ranks and Buju Banton. Growing up in Jamaica was no easy task. Most people think Jamaica is paradise, but as JAE puts it:
"It's kill or be killed living here."

Growing up in Jamaica, everything was difficult. Things were so difficult that as JAE puts it, "when you get something you really appreciate it and you value it a lot more, especially the little things." Jae learned to live without most things common to most but this showed him what really mattered:

Living.