The self-proclaimed "Underground King" of Miami hip-hop, Michael Garcia, known simply as just Garcia, ascended from underground obscurity to be Miami's most prominent and street credible Latino rapper over the course of the 2000s. Born in Miami but raised in Kendall, FL, Garcia is the son of Cuban immigrants who fled to the U.S. during the military dictatorship of General Batista in the '50s. After penning his first rhymes at age 14, Garcia became extremely dedicated to being a rapper. Not putting much value in diplomas, he only focused on the education necessary to release music when he attended high school and then later college. In 1996, while working at a copy center (which was strictly to be able to make CD sleeve printings), he met DJ EFN, informally known as "Miami's Mixtape King." DJ EFN invited him to be a part of his crew, Da All (aka Da Alliance), and to record for his fledgling company, Crazy Hood Productions.