Born and raised in Memphis, TN Justin McGowan aka Protégé fell in music at a young age. Influenced heavily by the sounds of Three Six Mafia, Playa Fly, Gangsta Boo, Eightball & MJG, UGK, The Hot Boys, and various other southern artist, he moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Fl at the age of 12 with enough courage to begin rapping in class. Upon hitting Florida he was introduced to various regions of hip hop, from the east to the west. It was upon this time that Protégé began aspire to become a lyricist. At the age of 16 he became a member of N.I.C. (Niggas In Charge). After a few internal disputes, the group disbanded before anything could happen. Protégé kept writing and eventually hooked up with former N.I.C. member Top Dolla. The two's lyrical wordplay, aggressive punchlines, and hardcore message and delivery worked well together so they formed the company Q.o.Q. Believing Quality is better than Quantity, they set out to prove that Hip-Hop is still alive and well. They linked up with P.M.G. Ceo Young Presidential, and O.T.M.G. Ceo Yba Guttah, Hot'Heaad, and their promoter Big Boi Hustle, they've proceeded to take over southern Florida with original hip-hop.