Born the youngest of three children, in Buffalo New York, Raphael has seen his share of hardship. Creativity and artistry became an outlet of expression. Although music was loved and accepted in his conservative home, the style of music he enjoyed clashed with the beliefs of his mother; who was his primary provider. Being inspired by the likes of Michael Jackson, Anita Baker, Michael Franks, Quincy Jones and a plethora of others, he developed his songwriting skills only during his college years. During his matriculation he immersed himself in the music scene though he majored in Biology. The skills he acquired from singing in his acapella groups helped him forge the harmonic skills he would need to aid in songwriting journey. He moved to Nashville, TN with the hopes of making it in the music business after his dream of entering Veterinary School was not realized. He mad