Boldy James is an Atlanta-born but Detroit raised emcee who is signed to Mass Appeal Records and has worked with legendary artists like Nas, Kool G Rap, and Ghostface Killah. After signing to Mass Appeal in 2014, Boldy James released a recent EP titled The Art of Rock Climbing and yesterday released his first full-length mixtape in two years, House of Blues.
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James' career has developed and evolved a lot since his early beginnings in the streets of Detroit. "I've been making music since I been about 6 six years old." He didn't start as an emcee, but instead began looping, making beats and then gradually transitioned into making raps. "I've been doing this rap shit since it wasn't cool to do it" he says jokingly.
Even as a kid in school, the teacher would snatch his raps off of his desk and read them to the class. Looks like those lucky students were given an early preview performance from a rapper in the making. From classroom lyrics to signing with Mass Appeal Records, James has had a long journey that's led him to where he is today. If anyone knows this about the hip-hop game, it doesn't come easy. A big break, however came with his signing to Mass Appeal and taking hold of the opportunity to work with and learn from legendary artists was an easy decision. "They are still building and getting better day by day," he said. "Plus I always wanted to work with the CEO (Nas)."
"It was a no brainer" Boldy James said. "Where else can you meet DJ Khaled, 2 Chainz, Wyclef [Jean], Manny Fresh, Yo Gotti" he said.
He has a unique perspective on the current state of hip-hop, calling it a "state of emergency" but that it remains fighting through the industry work of people like Jay Z, Nas, and Rick Ross among others.
As the hip-hop scene continues to change, Boldy James' sound continues to evolve. His newest tape sees him toy with modern sounding melodies mixed in with his gritty sound. It's filled with fine-tuned lyricism and cinematic stories of the streets. He said he is "going to have fun this year," and that "it's a good feeling to know that the music is working and taking me in the right direction."
Connect with Boldy James: Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram | Facebook
