J. HOLIDAY at Yoshi's Oakland

*J. Holiday* was born Nahum Grymes, a named derived from a biblical figure because he is the son of a preacher. Holiday was raised alone by his mother in Washington D.C. after his father died when he was just 11. Frances was the type of mother who sticks to conventional rules like completing education and attending church. Holiday was sent to a local High School where he acknowledged a talent in singing during a showcase night. By then he was a frequent listener to Boyz II Men, Tupac Shakur and Jodeci records. Although he had the passion to go deep in music path, his mom sent him back to school to complete the education first. Upon the graduation Holiday skipped college option and headed straight to studios where he began recording demo tapes.