Rodney LaMarr Wallace was born in Detroit, Michigan, on July 5, 1965, to Earleen "Lucy" Wallace. He was adopted by his father, George Wallace, who preceded him in death. He was the oldest of his siblings Nicoa, Willie, and Crystal. 

As a child, Rodney found music early, and it became a big part of his life. He could pick up almost any instrument and play it by ear, though he gravitated most toward the organ, where he began playing at age five. He took lessons at Grinnell's Music Store in downtown Detroit, where he learned to read music and picked up the clarinet as well. 

Rodney's love for music and for people deepened as a teenager at St. Paul Apostolic Church, where he attended with his family. In his twenties and thirties, he returned to host a number of gospel concerts and visited with his mother from time to time for many years.  

He loved football and was a stellar player. He played for the Eastside Raiders, joining at the team's inception and playing all the way until he aged out.  

When his parents divorced, Rodney stepped into a role far bigger than his years, helping to manage the household and care for his siblings while his mother worked long days and nights. Because of this, he obtained a unique set of life skills such as deep cleaning, doing hair—including perfecting using a hot comb—and cooking which became a lifelong love. He took great pride in introducing the people around him to new meals and new restaurants, always eager to find or share something good.