Born in Queens and raised in Hempstead, I.U. grew up around music and was exposed to all different genres. When Hip Hop emerged, he was automatically attracted and was a natural on the Mic. Joining rhyme ciphers on the street corners, jail yards and eventually the studio – he made a demo with the encouragement of his brother, DJ Kay Cee, and got signed to Cold Chillin’ Records. After joining the label that introduced Juice Crew All-Stars like Biz Markie, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Roxanne Shante’, MC Shan and more… I.U. made his mark as Artist and songwriter.