While serving prison time for a crime he didn't commit, former gang member Carl Lucas volunteered for an experiment that gave him enhanced strength and unbreakable skin. He promptly used his new abilities to escape prison, returning to his boyhood streets of Harlem.Marvel Source
Rather than returning to crime, he took the name Luke Cage and became a mercenary "hero for hire," using his powers to help anyone who could afford his asking price.
Eventually cleared of his criminal charges, Cage has distinguished himself in various superhero groups (including, most recently, the New Avengers), but in the end, he's nobody's man but his own and is currently a loving and devoted father to his daughter Danielle whom his wife and fellow superhero Jessica Jones gave birth to.
For gear, a grants higher level Tactical Offense, Vehicular Manslaughter, Cage was Here or Cold Shoulder would be great, in order of importance.
Also, resummoning an ally currently resets their skill to be able to use it immediately after they land again. The aura seems to stay in effect while they are returning. However, I'm not sure how useful it would be to abuse this as the animation takes about 2 seconds until they are back in the fight.