Brooklyn native Safaree Samuels began his rap career under the name Scaff B, as a member of the Hoodstars. alongside fellow member Nicki Minaj. Samuels worked as Minaj's hype man and co-wrote several songs with her, most notably the 2011 single "Did It On'em," a number three Billboard R&B/hip-hop chart hit. After Samuels and Minaj parted ways, Samuels started issuing hard-edged mixtapes, beginning in 2015 with It Is What It Is. Shortly thereafter, he became heavily involved with reality television via K. Michelle: My Life and the Hollywood and New York versions of Love & Hip Hop.