Written By Monte Hieke
Christian James is a artist from Raleigh, NC who has been rapping for 10 years and it shows. The artist who is only 22, brings back rap in a way that can only be seen as innovative and pure. Christian James states that he “started just for fun and something to do with my homies in the summer in highschool”. Though with the end result being the artist today, one can only imagine what those summer songs must have sounded like because this artist is only getting started and there’s doesn’t seem to be any loss of wind in his sails. The artist sounds energized and quite elegant to say the least.
Christian James began making wakes in High School but he didn’t let that wave get to his head. Despite his boastful nature and bars of confidence he only used his wave to get better over time. The artist showing he’s in it for longevity never changed his way of making music putting in time while others may have taken a more microwaveable approach, this artist serves music like entrees, made to last. The artist known for tracks such as “Michael Spear-Lavish”, “John Lennon”, “Too Smooth”, and “Elegance”, continues to lead his charge of originality, “What sets me apart is, I really sound like no one else, my flow versatility, stage presence, and overall style you cant really find anywhere else”, and consistency with tracks that sound fun, inspiring, and at times a certain level of intimacy where he sounds like he’s talking to you one on one. There is further proof of this in his Tiny Desk Concert contest video, covering his track “Cinematic Day Dreams” which is available to watch on YouTube.
Notable Songs & Lyrics:
On My Mind:
“Being with you makes me feel alive
the greatest gift that you could give
is giving precious time”
“Your dad said hey don’t date a black guy
you know they do not act right , the hood rats live a bad life”.
“And Hate comes from that ignorance, ignorance is the needle that is threading through America makin racism lethal”
“He's black, I'm white like really what's the difference?
The difference is nothing you are just sickened Infected by the division that has segregated kids from meeting other kids and learning different ways to live
I hold true to my promises
My pride I'll never swallow it, he’s black he's got a lot to give, and if you try stoppin me
I'm shootin you with hallow tips”
Young Elegance:
“Contents in undergarments
stretch longer than 9 twizzlers
If you ain't watching, might find it in yo fine sister”
“I spit that sizzling third degree ear
blistering
if you look over
you’ll find a young nigga whispering
in the ear of a very high quality breasted chick
can I sign your bussums to brandish my poor penmanship?”
Oh My Ft. Well$:
“I give her good D like the Broncos
she talked me up like a talk show
but a nigga play no games
left the console”
“I got ladies that’s bad as felonious criminals”
Cinematic Day Dreams:
“this that times new Roman,
this that blunt straight forward,
Iove your face it’s gorgeous”
“Euphoria lives in your smile
I live to make you smile”
“Can we not blink?
can we just think?
if it’s not real can we just..dream?”
“Capture your essence with that iPhone
doesn’t do you justice
I’m a still frame it though”
“Forever with you.. nah I need a little more”
John Lennon:
“I’m on your momma shopping list!
Nigga C James on her shopping list!
Yo momma married and she got 4 kids!
and her husband ... like..she..well.. He.. does well in marketing”
“Hustled that n*gga who said I sell white
Crumbling all of his stereotypes”
Christian James isn’t one dimensional which can be seen in songs like “Land Of Women” & “On My Mind” where the music is themed with what could commercial or television show worthy ideas that are nailed to the wall on topic from start to finish. This artist has become a craftsman of sorts with his craft, when speaking on his versatility having this to say “I want people to get a refreshing sound that’s different but still dope, I have a versatile style so I have a little something that everyone can enjoy”. This shouldn’t come to a surprise when the artist’s main motivation “is creating something unique that hasn’t been done”, being full of ideas he brings them to the table and executes on a very high level. As a artist who prides hisself on “elegance”, it seems only right he sets his standards higher than most. As sure as his rapid fire lyricism, this is one artist you shouldn’t miss out on.
The artist has garnered well over 36,000 streams on SoundCloud alone, with some tracks being removed. Outside of audio, the artist has visuals for songs “Too Smooth” and “Junie B. Jones” amongst others that are visually compelling and entertaining to watch. The young artist has also been making his rounds making connections and sharing his energy with crowd after crowd in the area.The music you hear when you play Christian James is feel good music with a occasional hype and aggression which is a nod to the many hats he can wear to switch up his style. Though don’t confuse this with senseless violence and ignorance, there seems to be method and reasoning towards each bar, even if it’s lyrical sparring or expression. There are layers to this artist and it’s all available to choose from down below. This being said, this isn’t your typical young artist with short mind numbing antics and wordplay, Christian is bound to stimulate your mind and open you up to new sounds, and possibly a new perspective. Need something refreshing and fun? Go check out the elegant one Christian James down below!!
