This month, We meet up with Grammy Award Recording Artist, Producer, and Songwriter James Worthy.
Lyrics, and emotion are the first modes of this Atlanta-based modern R&B artist. The singer, and songwriter toiled for years earlier than he struck a good distribution take care of Sony Orchard to get his profession shifting in the suitable trajectory.
James Worthy, born James Allen Worthy was born on March 28, 1992, in Queens, New York. He grew up in a non musical family, however all the time had music of various genres in the home. This fostered his ardour for music at a younger age. He finally moved to Atlanta together with his mom. Though he was introverted, he turned identified in center faculty as a musician and competed all through his teenagers, persevering with whereas enrolled at The Artwork Institute of Atlanta.
His early publicity to numerous genres impressed his distinctive sound, mixing parts of hip-hop, R&B, and pop. He rose to fame within the mid 2000’s, shortly turning into a wanted determine within the music scene. You a lot not know however James can be an extra member of the Atlanta Dungeon Household.
Worthy achieved his breakthrough in 2019 with the EP “Blu Leisure” which featured the likes of Tony Terry, Sonna Rele, Kalenna Harper, and Whodini. “Cups Of Koffee”, his forth EP, topped the Apple iTunes R&B/Soul Chart in 2024, and spawned one primary single on Amazon Music “Intimate Privateness”.
James is a Grammy awarded, multi-platinum producer who’s acknowledged for working with elite artists similar to Whitney Houston, Frankie Beverly, T-Ache, Bobby Brown, 112, 6LACK, Ecstacy of Whodini, Yo Gotti, Kurupt, Daz Dillenger, Huge Gipp, Lil Zane, Jaden Smith, Justin Bieber, Travis Scott, Future, Dr. Dre, Fetty Wap, Robin S, amongst many others.
In 2024 he based, and launched his personal label imprint Humble Sound Information which is distributed by The Orchard, a division of Sony Leisure. The label homes artists similar to: James Worthy, Tynisha Keli, B Angie B, and Robin S.
He’s bought a brand new mission “Nevermind What They Stated” dropping later this 12 months and we go contained in the thoughts of this multi-faceted artist.
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How did you get into music?
I started taking an curiosity in music round age 6. All through my childhood there was all the time music of various genres round me that made me fall in love with the artwork of music. I keep in mind visiting document shops each weekend to hear, and buy an album I’ve by no means heard earlier than to learn the credit, and research the craft.
At what age did you turn out to be a scholar of the sport? When did you notice that is what you have been meant to do?
I feel once I began listening to music intimately was once I turned a scholar of music creation once I was round 6 or 7 years previous. As soon as I really began to create music that’s once I turned a scholar of the sport on how I’d carve my very own lane within the business.
Is it true you met Michael Jackson at age 11? What was that have like? How did the encounter come about?
Sure that’s true. I met Michael at Webster Corridor in New York, and that second modified all the things within the sense of figuring out that music was what I wished to pursue. At that age assembly an idol of that stature was unprecedented so I by no means took that without any consideration. Myself, and my father ended up assembly him backstage after the occasion for Michael was over. The encounter was very fast, however positively impactful.
You produced music with Bobby Brown and his son Bobby Brown Jr. How’d you guys hyperlink up?
Sure. I’ve identified Bobby Jr since I used to be an early teenager. We each form of grew up collectively musically, and helped one another develop. I’ve all the time identified about his household struggles which was all the time a motive why music clicked for us. All through us working collectively I’ve linked together with his father as nicely, and all of us stayed cool all through the years.
In your EP “Cups of Koffee,” You’ve got Brian McKnight Jr on the observe “Metropolis Love.” How did you guys get collectively for that? Ever work together with his pops Brian McKnight?
That document is considered one of my favorites. Brian, and I linked years in the past via mutual buddies within the business. Paradoxically we each are actually signed to the identical label. I feel he’s very proficient through which “Metropolis Love” showcases our vocal vary, and brings one other stage of creativity for younger artists like us.
You’ve additionally labored with Justin Bieber? Are you able to discuss a bit bit about that?
One other proficient artist as nicely. I linked with him across the time he was engaged on his “Function” album. It was a cool expertise to only be a part of the method, and see what went into creating pop data which at the moment I used to be slowly moving into.
Individuals could not know however you’re an extra member of the Atlanta Dungeon Household, are you able to develop on that?
Shoutout to the dungeon. Relaxation in peace Rico Wade. The collective has proven me a lot love via the years, and I’m honored to be a part of Atlanta historical past. I’ve linked with many members at totally different instances which all the time lead again to Stankonia the place all of the magic occurs.
You and Huge Gipp have labored collectively on music ( Gipp N Worthy ). Something new from the 2 of you we should always look out for?
Gipp N Worthy, Vol. 2. Coming quickly!
What different hip hop artists are you at present working with?
So many initiatives however to title just a few: Huge Gipp, Khujo Goodie, MGK, Bigg Baggz, Lil Xan, and lots of others.
You’ve got a brand new album within the works slated to launch this August via Common Music Group? Inform us concerning the new mission, What can we count on?
Sure, that is my debut album. I’m tremendous excited as a result of that is the mission that I’m actually showcasing my lyrical, and vocal means like I by no means have earlier than. It’s additionally an idea album detailing actual issues about my life, love, and profession.
You’ve labored with a bevy on elite artists. Is there any story that stands out to you that you just’d wish to share with our viewers?
Each artist has their very own methods of working so I’ve realized to adapt whereas working. Whether or not it’s good or dangerous.
What’s most satisfying for you? writing, singing, audio engineering, producing or scoring?
All of them go collectively. You’ll be able to’t have one with out the opposite. The distinction is balancing all these hats directly in the event you’re independent.
Are you continue to prominently song-writing for giant title artists?
Presently I’ve been specializing in the James Worthy model, however sometimes there are alternatives that pop up for me to work with sure artists.
How about manufacturing? Any artists that you’re at present working with exterior of your present mission?
Not a lot. The main focus has been the debut album.
Do you suppose R&B fell again by way of the 90’s “attractive vibe”? In that case, what will get us again there? I imply we had severe story tellers/crooners again then, Keith Sweat, Al B Certain!, Joe, Brian McKnight, D’Angelo, Maxwell, Chico Debarge, 112, BabyFace, the listing goes on.
I feel we’re in an experimental, and inventive part of music now. I don’t suppose the notion is to return to the 90’s, it’s extra so staying modern to not recreate what has already been carried out. Although the 90’s period is what gave start to lots of newer acts we have now to provide one thing new an opportunity as nicely.
What up and coming musicians are you listening to proper now?
I’m the worst at remembering names, however I all the time keep in mind songs. I hear new acts all the time through which there are just a few that I actually like.
You’ve dabbled in Movie scores too, What’s the mindset going into a movie mission? Any new scores you’re engaged on?
It’s a cool course of. Relying on what the mission is or what the manufacturing studio is in search of it may be tough or enjoyable. In my expertise scoring is far more fulfilling, and musical. Nevertheless, licensing music for movie is nice as nicely.
Do you even have pursuits exterior of music as nicely? Discuss your varied enterprise ventures.
I personal my very own label imprint “Humble Sound Information” in partnership with Sony Orchard. That has additionally been a terrific expertise to place out older, and newer acts.
Who’s your prime 5 R&B artists of all time?
That’s powerful: Dru Hill, Chris Brown, The Weeknd, Usher, Earth Wind & Fireplace
Who’s your prime 5 Producers of all time?
Pharrell Williams, Q-Tip, Kanye West, Nile Rodgers, Timbaland
What’s the perfect recommendation you may give an artist making an attempt to make it?
Love the craft first, and foremost. Be taught the enterprise aspect of it, and be affected person.
Respect the time, Any final phrases?
New album “Nevermind What They Stated” on the way in which!
