He was drafted into the United States Army and served in Vietnam War.
He was raised in Harlem in New York City. He studied violin at school and played drums and flute. He studied at the Stockbridge Prep School in Massachusetts and dropped out, moved to the Bronx, New York.
He is survived by his companion, Maria Arias; two daughters, Hoshi Walker and Chanyez Chamberlain; and two sons, Jay Walker and Ghazal Walker; and a granddaughter.