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Born and raised in the small town of Pontotoc, MS, DeSean started playing percussion at age 10. But when he was introduced to the trumpet at age 10 by his cousin, who attended Jackson State University, he was hooked. Ever since then, music has been DeSean's passion. During high school DeSean achieved First Chair in the Mississippi All-State Lions Band. He was lead trumpet in the Northeast Mississippi Community College Jazz ensemble. Then, in 1995, DeSean entered Jackson State University as a Music Major. He quickly became a first trumpet player in JSU's world famous "Sonic Boom of the South" marching band. DeSean was also the lead trumpet for JSU's premiere jazz ensemble. But those weren't enough to satisfy DeSean. He was also lead trumpet in the brass ensemble, brass quintet, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and principle trumpet for the University Orchestra. Furthermore, DeSean wrote several musical arrangements for the Sonic Boom, which were featured in halftime shows and bowl games. In 1998 DeSean joined the Army. As a member of the Army Band, DeSean played in numerous shows across the United States and overseas, always as lead or principle trumpet. DeSean gigged on the side in all sorts of bands (ranging from Pop, Salsa/Meringue, Jazz, and Blues), always as lead, touring in places like Seoul, South Korea, Dallas, Austin, and New York. He also played piano and wrote/arranged for various Pop and R&B ensembles. DeSean also wrote an official military march for the 94th Engineer Battalion entitled "The Mighty Wolverines". DeSean returned to JSU in 2003 in order to complete his degree in music. He quickly resumed his status as lead and principle trumpet for all ensembles he was in. He also became the principle student conductor for the Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Then in 2004 he auditioned, and was chosen as the lead trumpet in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) All-Star jazz Ensemble for two years in a row. DeSean was also a charter member of the Pi Nu chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity Inc. In 2005, he graduated Magna Cum Laude and a Dean's List Scholar from Jackson State University, with a Bachelor's Degree in Music. After graduation DeSean received his commission in the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant.