Growing up in New York City while rhyming along to the likes of LL Cool J, Rakim and Big Daddy Kane, Cardan (also know as "Pierre Cardan") was eventually discovered by Bad Boy Recording artist Mase before hitting the age of 18. After spending sometime performing around his neighborhood and MC competitions, Cardan made a deal with Penalty Records in 1998. His first album Jam On It was released that same year with a series of topics that include teen pregnancy, single parenting and other stories of growing up in the projects.
