ShoeShine was born on the West Side of Detroit on October 06, 1983. He began rapping at the age of 16, experimenting with free-styling with his friends and acquaintances. ShoeShine grew up on Schoolcraft and attended Catholic School in his formative years. It was there he first experienced the difficulties of being different, however, his shiny ways, charming demeanor, and the support of his parents helped him to succeed and develop his distinct personality.
Shine began shining shoes at the age of 12, continuing the legacy he inherited from him father, and his grandfather before him. It is through this venue that he comes in contact with so many different people of various persuasions, another large influence on his music. His steadfast presence at the DTW Metropolitan Airport for over 13 years, along with his cultivated penchant for conversation and verbalism, has lead to his popularity and helped him make a name for himself.
It was in 1999 that ShoeShines life was uprooted by a move from The D to Ypsilanti, MI. At 15 years old, Shine took a potentially traumatic situation: moving from The Hood to The Suburbs, and turned it into a positive thing. Indeed, one that would come to largely define his career. He began rapping as an outlet, and though he did not take it seriously yet, he nevertheless was developing his talent.