Stephen Joseph was born on December 2, 1988 in Chicago, Illinois; his mother, Carolyn, was a singer, and his father, Albert, was a high school football, track, and baseball standout. Stephen inherited both his mother's talent for singing and his father's gift of athletics. Both of his parents were truck drivers to support Stephen and his brothers, Al Jr. and Chris, growing up. He is of Trinidadian, Indian, Irish, and African descent. Joseph was brought up in Factoryville, Pennsylvania.

Stephen spent his teen years as an All-District track and field standout while maintaining exceptional grades. He went on to spend his college years as a wide receiver and cornerback at Penn State University under Defensive Coordinator, Tom Bradley, and the legendary, Joe Paterno. He graduated with a BA in Political Science in 2011.

Joseph is based in Los Angeles, California, and is known for his roles in the series Betrayed and the award-winning film, Pieces, out of Yarbrough Studios. His brothers, Al and Chris, are known musicians in Los Angeles and around the country after touring with their band, Hyvmine. Al is known around the world as a Jam Track Central artist and is endorsed by Keisel Guitars. All three continue to make music together.