Moved to South Central Los Angeles as a teenager

Dropped out of high school to join the U.S. Navy; became a sonar man aboard a nuclear attack submarine

Honorably discharged; returned to Los Angeles

Met screenwriter Wesley Strick, who became his mentor

Scripted first screenplay, "Training Day"; the script earned him an agent and writing assignments

First produced screenplay, "U-571"

Collaborated on the script for "The Fast and the Furious"

First penned script is released, "Training Day" starring Denzel Washington and directed by Antoine Fuqua

Wrote screenplay for the corrupt cop drama, "Dark Blue"

Created a new draft of the screenplay for "S.W.A.T."

Directorial debut, "Harsh Times"; a drama set on the streets of South Central Los Angeles

Directed and co-wrote the crime thriller, "Street Kings"