Jelani was born in Kansas City Missouri to an Air Force mother and
father. The military life took him from Kansas City to Florida, Guam,
California, and eventually Texas. Jelani's mother operated film reels
at the base theater when he was around 6 years old and he would go to
work with her. This is where Jelani's love for movies was born.
Has a passion for motorcycles. His first bike was a Kawasaki zx6r. Rides a Harley Davidson Night Rod Special.
Has three brothers and one sister.
Went to Tom C. Clark High School in San Antonio, Texas.
Grew up in the Air Force.
Played college basketball at St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas
and then at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas where he got
his B.A. in Kinesiology.