Born in Atlanta, Georgia, he moved with his family to Europe when he was four. His father was in the U.S. military, and they never stayed long in one place. He transferred between army bases across Germany and England. He performed in talent shows that led to a recording contract with Ariola or BMG when he was 17.[6] A few years later when he returned to the U.S. and began writing and recording songs. Garrett insisted he was an artist, not a songwriter but went back to school, graduated from college with an A.A. degree in business from the University of Maryland's program in Germany. He then took a job as a mortgage broker in South Carolina.
Career
Garrett embarked on a career as a performer. His debut album, Turbo 919, was released June 21, 2008, on his Bet I Penned It Music imprint, through Interscope Records. Garrett's catchphrase, which is featured in multiple songs he has produced, is "Smash on the radio, bet I penned it".
Ludacris appeared on Garrett's debut single, "Grippin'". In return,[citation needed] Garrett was featured on Ludacris's "What Them Girls Like", alongside Chris Brown. He also wrote and produced a song called "I Did It for Love" for South Korean pop singer BoA for her first eponymous English album. Garrett is featured and appears in the music video. In March 2010, Garrett released the first single from his mixtape The Inkwell, "Get It All", which features Nicki Minaj. The lead single for Garrett's 2011 album previously titled Courtesy Of, was released February 4, 2011, featuring J. Cole entitled "Feel Love". In April 2011 the single entitled "In da Box" featuring Rick Ross was released.
