88 Keys - Stay Up Viagra [Video] [ft Kanye West]

Born in Long Island, New York to West African parents, 88’ first took an interest in hip-hop after hearing Prince Paul’s production on De La Soul’s 1989 critically acclaimed album 3 Feet High and Rising.[1] In the early ‘90’s, 88’ met A Tribe Called Quest’s front man Q-Tip, Pete Rock and producer Large Professor working as an intern at West Hempstead’s The Music Palace recording studio. It was Large Professor who gave Charles his 88-Keys moniker after witnessing his skills on the Ensoniq ASR-10 keyboard.[2]}}

However, 88-Keys’s parents were strict on education and less enthusiastic about his interest in then-newly emerging cultural phenomenon of hip-hop. Both of 88’s parents are registered nurses, his brother is a doctor, one of his older sisters is a nurse and another sister is on her way to becoming a doctor. Upon considering a serious career in music, 88’s parents and older brother began trying to point him into the field of medicine because it was a more «professional field» and the music industry didn’t seem like a lucrative move.[3] After briefly attending Hofstra University and Queens College, 88’ dropped out to pursue his dreams of being a record producer. His decision was fueled by an opportunity to record some tracks with The Pharcyde who were recording in California.[4] 88’ currently resides in New York with his wife and two daughters. In addition to his passion for music, 88’ has expressed his love for fashion, most notably Ralph Lauren. During an interview with Metro 88’ revealed that he has worn Polo Ralph Lauren every day for 16 years.