McClurkin was born and raised in Louisville, Mississippi. When he was eight years old, his two-year-old brother was hit and killed by a speeding driver and the night of the funeral, McClurkin's uncle raped him. Domestic violence and drug abuse took hold in the family. At the age of thirteen, McClurkin was again raped, this time by his cousin, his uncle's son. McClurkin found comfort through an aunt who sang background vocals with gospel music musician Andraé Crouch. drug abusegospel musicAndraé Crouch