Khefa Nosakhere (Born as Kef Ventress Marks) is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. He graduated from McMain Magnet High School, holds a BA in Literature and Language from the University of Southern California as well as a graduate degree in English. His literary passion includes: 20th century American literature, creative writing, major authors and African American literature. He credits Michael Jackson, A Tribe Called Quest, Jack Kirby, Stan Lee, Chinua Achebe, Billy Wilder, Stanley Kubrick, Africa Bambatta, Langston Hughes, Rod Serling, Marvin Gaye, Maurice White and Chuck D as his major creative influences.