Director John Daniel Singleton was born on January 6, 1968 in Los Angeles, California. Singleton grew up in South Central Los Angeles and his work as a film director, producer and screenwriter often depicts these turbulent, often violent roots. He studied screenwriting at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, winning three writing awards from the university, which lead to a contract with Creative Artists Agency during his sophomore year.

In 1991, Columbia Pictures bought his script for Boyz n the Hood and budgeted it at $7 million. The film portrayed life in crime-ridden South Central L.A. and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director in 1991, making Singleton the first African-American and the youngest person ever nominated for the award. The film also garnered a nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

Singleton followed the win with Poetic Justice in 1993 and Higher Learning in 1995. Both films examined modern race relations, and while they enjoyed success at the box office, they were not as highly praised by critics as his debut effort. Subsequent works include 1997’s historical drama  Rosewood, 2000’s Shaft remake starring Samuel L. Jackson, and 2001’s Baby Boy. In 2005, he produced the critically acclaimed indie film Hustle & Flow and directed the box office hit Four Brothers.

Singleton was married to Ghanaian princess and actress Akosua Cyamama Busia from 1996 to 1997; they have a daughter.

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