Born and raised in West Oakland’s notorious Acorn housing projects Shady Nate spent his youth surrounded by violence, drug dealings, and robberies. At the age of five Shady Nate would begin writing his thoughts and daily experiences down in a journal. These entries soon became full length poems and eventually would become the classic lyrics he raps today. After entering High School Shady Nate met and formed a friendship with his now longtime friend and mentor Lil Dame.