The Philadelphia native sang his first note at 4 years-old, jumpstarting a journey that has led him to industry mogul will.i.am, who signed the now 17 year-old to his label will.i.am Music Group.
“I think this profession chose me,” says Cody. ”I’ve been doing this my whole life. It’s like breathing.”
The 6’1 entertainer is a rarity in an industry increasingly flooded with one-dimensional acts masquerading as artists: Cody is a true multi-hyphenate. He sings, dances and acts all with enviable and awe-striking ability. “I just really love what I do,” he says easily.
And will.i.am loves it as well. Cody’s demo floated in a few circles around L.A., eventually landing in the hands of the former BEP front man. After listening, he signed Cody immediately. “will.i.am is a genius, in the truest sense,” Cody says of his musical mentor. “Will has taught me to not to limit myself and explore and branch out.”
Cody also finds motivation in visionaries like James Brown and fellow Philadelphian Kenny Gamble (one half of the writing team Gamble & Huff, the architects of the Sound of Philadelphia). “I really admire those who have had the ability to control their careers,” he says.
Philly has spawned a parade of superstars including The Roots, Pink! and Boyz II Men and the city was crucial to Cody’s artistic chrysalis. “I don’t think that it’s possible to grow up in Philly and not be influenced by all the remarkable artists from there.”
Cody is a model of the new millennial star: a singer, songwriter (he co-writes many of his songs), musician (his fingers can expertly sprite about the piano keys), dancer (he studied ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop and as appeared in music videos for both LMFAO and Kanye West), actor (has starred in a litany of productions on both the stage and television, including The Scottsboro Boys, The Wizard of Oz ,The Lion King, Sesame Street and The Electric Factory).

A lover of photography and designing games, Cody has Tumblr’d taste: He is infinitely curious and only fearful of limitation. “When people ask what kind of artist I am, I hope the question is not easily answered,” says Cody, who listens to a wide range of artists such as Prince, Sting, The Electric Wire Hustle, B.B. King, Nas, James Blake, Erykah Badu, TLC and The InkSpots. Soon they may have his album, which will be a high-energy, eclectic mix of electro-pop, dance, R&B.