When he began releasing singles in the late '90s, party rap and gangsta rap were the dominant styles most MCs favored, but Mr. Lif's lyrical agenda was a political and socially conscious one that recalled the rap stars of the late '80s and early '90s -- Public Enemy, Gang Starr, and Boogie Down Productions. Born Jeffrey Haynes, Mr. Lif grew up in the Boston, MA, suburb of Brighton, attending college for two years before focusing on a music career. He released his first single, "Elektro," in 1998, attracting the attention of labels Grand Royal and Def Jux.