Jamaal Tatum was born the son of internationally known sculptor and painter, Professor Emeritus, James E. Tatum, and Dr. Patricia Wright-Tatum, in Jefferson City, Missouri.

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He graduated from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in 2007, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications. That same year, he was named the Missouri Valley Conference Basketball Player of the Year, Honorable Mention All-American, and Academic All-American.

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Jamaal went on to briefly play professional basketball in the NBA for the New Jersey Nets, Atlanta Hawks, and the Portland Trailblazers. He also played 3 years professionally in Europe, and with the NBA Developmental League team the Idaho Stampede.

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Although Jamaal enjoyed working extremely hard at being the best basketball player he could possibly be, his true passion and gift from God is his artistic creativity. Jamaal has painted and created various forms of art since his childhood days, but began taking his love of art more seriously after basketball.

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Jamaal has served as Creative Director for Gals and Fellas Clothing (sold in Urban Outfitters); appeared in Renegade Assassins (short film) with Jay Mewse; and also starred in, co-wrote, and produced the reality series “Free Agent.” During his time in Idaho with the Idaho Stampede, Jamaal worked with a modeling agency.