While receiving classical vocal training, he was exposed to modern R&B and rap -- two developments that played significant factors in his future as a performer and recording artist. A scholarship to attend Michigan's Interlochen Arts Academy opened him up to opera. Boyd's personality and the school's formalities proved to be a bad match, which ended in expulsion, but he soon landed a spot on the 2003 season of NBC's talent contest Fame. Once that didn't pan out, he spent several years finding his way as a composer and singer. After connecting with producer Andy Rose, he settled into a retro-modern R&B sound and signed to the Jive label. In August 2012, Boyd's debut single, "I Wish I Knew" -- co-written and produced by Ivan Barias and Carvin Haggins -- reached Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Boyd received significant support from Michael Baisden's syndicated radio program, but his major-label deal did not pan out. In July 2014, he was in a motorcycle accident and died. At the time, he was preparing the release of his debut album. ~ Andy Kellman