Karlie Lewis was born in New York City to a Trinidadian mother and African–American father. Redd's birthday is April 15, though her age and year of her birth is debated, with reports from Redd and others suggesting her birth year is between 1978–1981. Redd spent her childhood between Trinidad and New York City until returning to New York permanently at age 12. For education, Redd attended The Harlem School of the Arts and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.