 A defensive tackle and competitor in discus and track at high school, Drake began to train as a wrestler at the invitation of a friend operating a small Californian wrestling promotion in Oakland.Drake has competed for numerous organisations in the California area, including Xtreme Pro Wrestling under the ring name Saleem Jihad, Ultimate Pro Wrestling, NWA Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla.Drake received his greatest exposure competing for MTV's Wrestling Society X, in which he formed a team with Ruckus named Keepin' It Gangsta.