Trinidad James - Hip Hops Latest Golden Boy [FREQUENCY NEWS MAGAZINE]

Trinidad James’ unique style, nonchalant stance, and bodacious vernacular have garnered attention from all corners of the music world.  Recently branded as one of MTV’s 13 artists to watch in 2013, he is one of the most talked about subjects in the Hip Hop world today.

Within a matter of months he went from rapping inside an Atlanta clothing boutique to becoming one of the most venerated talents in the world of Hip Hop.  After considering an array of offers, he ultimately signed an exclusive deal in December 2012 with Def Jam Records.  Joie Manda, President of Def Jam, shares “Trinidad James represents the cutting-edge of what’s happening in the culture today. We are thrilled to have him at the label, and look forward to growing his already massive buzz.”

There’s no second-guessing this compelling Hip Hop star as he leaves nothing to the imagination when it comes to expressing his thoughts.  In summation, he’s raw, genuinely real, and in this hour all that he touches turns to… “All Gold – Everything”.

You had several labels vying for you to sign with them. What made you decide to sign with Def Jam?

Being able to do the same things I wanted to do as an independent artist.

What’s life in the industry been like for you so far?

People have problems with me being me. Years after being heckled as a kid, I come out with music and folks don’t understand it.  I look weird and people judge and once again I’m just doing me.  I’m not faking the funk.  It’s no need for me to feel some kind of way because that won’t change them.  When I wasn’t signed to a label, it was like being a kid and not having any credit.  It’s not that it’s bad, its just that you don’t have any.  Now I have a huge deal with Def Jam and working with superstars.  I came at the right time doing the right thing.  The reality is that if you don’t make it in the industry, it’s because it wasn’t meant to be or some is doing it better than you.

Speaking of looking weird, what is your inspiration when you get dressed in the morning?

I guess over time subconsciously I’ve been inspired – especially by the styles of the ‘90’s.  Nothing is truly new under the sun.  It’s all been done.  I can’t say that I saw one person or any one fashion and embraced it.

Haters come with the territory of being a talented artist, tell us how you deal with it?

For everyone who hates this artist, there’s one that loves.  For every one that doesn’t love, there’s one that appreciates. You can’t let anyone stop you or persuade you from moving in the direction you’re going in.  Say you have three doors to choose from. You can have people without your best interest at heart telling you “Man, don’t pick door number three.  Take one or two.  Don’t take three. Don’t go that route”. They don’t want what’s best for you and are trying to keep you from getting all that’s out there for you.  I went from 1,000 Twitter followers to 120,000 in about 6 months.  Some people follow me just to hate on me.  It’s crazy but it’s true.  Artists in the game don’t realize that when they tweet something, their followers are impressionable and will agree with what you say.  You can tweet that you can’t stand someone – and they will end up hating someone just to emulate you.  People can say stuff and smack you in the face. Whether you are a huge artists or the smallest, it’s simply not fair.

You have a very carefree attitude when it comes to other people’s opinion.  Were you always that way?

I had to build tough skin.  I had an accent as a child and instead of saying “one, two, three” my accent had me saying, “one, two, tree” and people couldn’t wait for me to say that number.  Me coming to Atlanta, the south, with a Trinidad accent got me heckled a lot.  I figured a way to give witty responses and by 4th grade I had it ready for you.  I would just find out what their flaws were and I exposed them.   They talked about me back then and fast forward to 2013 – people still talk about me.

One of the things you emphasize is the importance of ‘being real’.  In your experience, do you see ‘realness’ lacking in the industry?

Yes, definitely. I’m not saying I’m coming into the game as the realest ni**a, but I feel if the foundation was more real, things would be different.  That’s my personal opinion. Everyone’s definition of “real” is different.  If you’re real, you’ll say what you mean. I’m the type that will say “yes” or “no” from the start.  I’m not going to tell you that I’m going to do something and then avoid you at the BET Awards or something.  Music is one highway and everyone has a lane. You have to make your mark in your lane.  I’d rather have no Grammy and no identity and be real than to fight for a Grammy and never get it – and then have you never even get to know me.  I’m a real ni**a every day.  Real is despite what a million people are saying, they are not changing me no matter what.

Besides being real and brutally honest, how would you describe yourself?

Humility is something I live by.  I consider myself down to earth and I’m competitive in the things that I take seriously.

One more question. What’s the real reason you wear the gold fronts? Is it true you were in a fight?

(Laughing) No!  I wear grills because that’s what I like.  I’m from the south and it’s just a part of my ensemble. I have teeth under these!

A Modern Day Gold Rush

Nicholaus Williams aka Trinidad James has forged his way into hip hop’s mainstream with unprecedented style and flare.  The Atlanta native’s debut album, “Don’t Be S.A.F.E,” featuring the tracks, “All Gold Everything,” and “Gold On My MacBook,” has dawned a modern day gold rush amongst curious fans in search for more.

Certified gold by datpiff.com, “Don’t Be S.A.F.E.,” has been downloaded over 100,000 times from its website since the album’s release.

The album’s lead hit single, “All Gold Everything,” has become not only a staple on national airwaves but it has also taken the club scene by storm.

“I get two to three requests per night to play, “All Gold Everything,” stated D.C. native DJ T-Why?. I’ve even played the record three straight times before. I think they are fascinated by his music.”

That very fascination and public demand for more James have prompted the artist to announce his first ever headlining, “Don’t Be S.A.F.E.” tour.

For those who don’t believe him and want to watch, the tour is scheduled to kick off in Cleveland Ohio and will make stops in Chicago, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C along the way.

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