K.O. (Kid Official) was raised in the suburban town of Arroyo Grande, Ca. It was there that he discovered his knack for wordplay and ear for music. However, due to conservative surroundings he couldn't immerse as deeply into the hip-hop culture as he desired. Although Arroyo Grande was devoid of an urban culture K.O. sought influence in his writing from such bands as: The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, The Cranberries, and Counting Crows.