He attended the Professional Children's School in Manhattan with his best friend, actor Dash Mihok.
His parents were active with the National Black Theatre in Harlem. His middle name stems from the words 'ade' (meaning 'crown') and ' osun' (meaning 'river of life') in the west African language of Yoruba. He is the older brother of singer/musician Olamide Faison.
Faison was born in Harlem in New York City, the son of Shirley, a talent agent, and Donald Faison, a building manager.
