Raised in South Central Los Angeles

Went to live with his father in the Chicago area in order to attend high school

Became involved with cable access programs while in high school

Moved back to the L.A. area after high school

Worked as cameraman for programs produced in L.A. for Black Entertainment Television (BET) and the Fox network

Directed more than 30 music videos for arts such as Ice Cube, Queen Latifah, Dr. Dre and Mary J. Blige; won several awards for his video work

Feature film directorial debut with "Friday"

Scored critical and box office success with "Set It Off"

Helmed third feature, "The Negotiator", an actioner which teamed Kevin Spacey and Samuel L Jackson

Signed to direct the sequel to the 1996 remake of "The Nutty Professor"; requested to be relieved of duties fue to "creative differences" over the direction of the project

Executive produced and directed "Ryan Caulfield: Year One", a short-lived Fox drama series about a teenaged undercover cop

Helmed "Diablo", starring Vin Diesel

Directed the crime drama "Italian Job," which starred Mark Wahlberg, Ed Norton and Charlize Theron

Directed "Be Cool" the "Get Shorty" sequel starring John Travolta and Uma Thurman