he was the recipient of the most talented child under twelve years old at the chicago music awards in 1999, 2000, and 2001. harrell was a presenter at the naacp's 25 and act-so awards ceremony in houston, texas, and he received standing ovations as he performed for nabse (national alliance of black school educators) in atlanta, georgia. for a short period of time, harrell attended james e. mcdade classical school in chicago, illinois. he graduated from morgan park academy in chicago before moving to los angeles, california to further pursue his career. for his 16th birthday, harrell held a party august 12, 2007 featured on my super sweet sixteen, airing on mtv, september 25, 2007 at 9:30pm cst.