Shepherd grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he was active in Tindley Temple United Methodist Church and graduated from Evelyn Graves Christian Academy.
His mother, Cheryl Shepherd, is a dancer and choreographer who left her work in Philadelphia's public schools to manage his career.
[1] He played John Hamilton on 7th Heaven,[3] had a recurring role as Trey Wiggs on The Game, and portrayed Raymond "Piranha" Jones in the second season of Luke Cage.
He was also a guest lead vocalist on Judith Christie McAllister's first album, "Send Judah First" track 7, The Prayer of Recommitment, released in 2000.
Shepherd appeared on film in Set It Off in the role of Stevie,[1] On Broadway, he portrayed Billy Flynn in Chicago (2018) and Harpo in The Color Purple (2005).