As a youngster growing up in Palmer Park, Maryland, Marcus Canty developed loves for acting, basketball, and singing. The last of the three won out. While working on an album for an independent label, Canty was sidetracked by a successful audition for the U.S. version of The X Factor. Mentored by L.A. Reid, he advanced through the first season of the talent contest. By the end of 2012, Canty signed a recording contract with Epic, appeared on the soundtrack for Think Like a Man with "Won't Make a Fool Out of You" (which peaked at number 69 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart), and released This Is Marcus Canty, an EP featuring the single "In & Out" (a number 56 hit on the same chart). ~ Andy Kellman