Tyrell Slappey was born and raised on the Eastside of Detroit. His education was through Detroit Public Schools where he graduated from Cass Tech in 2006 and went on to continue to bleed green at Michigan State University. Tyrell joined Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc in Fall 2007 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Food Industry Management in 2011. He then went on to graduate with a Master of Arts in Entertainment Business.

 

Tyrell always knew he wanted to do something unique, he just didn't know what exactly. With passion for gaming and using it as a means to support his life financially, he opened 1Up Gaming Lab in 2017. It went under due to some complications. During this transitional period, Tyrell did substitute teaching as a side job. He ended up loving it and started working for DPS at the end of 2019. During COVID the plans began with new partners to open up Round 1 Gaming Lab. In 2021, they introduced it to the world. The response from the community has been 10x what it was with 1Up Gaming Lab. 

 

He continues to connect with the youth through his career and business. Tyrell wants to show them that it's possible to elevate beyond your surroundings while still staying true to your roots.