Born in Newark, New Jersey, his father, Ozzie Cadena, was a well-known A&R man in the music industry, and the co-founder of iconic jazz label Savoy Records.

At age thirteen, Cadena moved to Hermosa Beach, California. While tending a yard sale at his father's house, Cadena met Ron Reyes and the two became friends. Reyes introduced Cadena to the local punk scene and they both started watching the early incarnation of Black Flag when they were still going by the name Panic. Soon Reyes replaced Keith Morris as vocalist of the band.