While attending college at Bronx Community College and Rutgers University, he joined the percussion ensemble at the Dance Theatre of Harlem, and began working with singer Eartha Kitt.
Throughout his career, Hampden toured and performed with a number of celebrated artists, including Roberta Flack, Chaka Khan, Jennifer Lopez, Bonnie Raitt, India Arie, Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick, Little Richard, Gladys Knight, Vanessa Williams, among many others.
Today, he lives with his wife in Clayton, NC which is a suburb of Raleigh, North Carolina.
He offers private drum lessons at a local music academy and has founded a school of percussion in Clayton, NC.
[1] Hampden plays Yamaha drums[2] with Vic Firth sticks[3] and records with Samson Technologies gear.