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Trinidad James

Trinidadian-American rapper

Summary

Trinidadian-American rapper

FieldValue
nameTrinidad James
imageTrinidad James 2013.jpg
captionJames performing in 2013
birth_nameNicholaus Joseph Williams
birth_date
birth_placePort of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
originAtlanta, Georgia, U.S.
genreSouthern hip-hop
occupation
years_active2011–present
label{{flatlist
website
  • APG
  • Warner
  • Gold Gang
  • Think It's a Game (T.I.G.)
  • Def Jam

Nicholaus Joseph Williams (born September 24, 1987), better known by his stage name Trinidad James (often stylized as Trinidad Jame$), is a Trinidadian-American rapper, songwriter and music video director. In December 2012, he signed with Def Jam Recordings to commercially release his debut single, "All Gold Everything" that same month. The song peaked within the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100, received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and spawned a remix featuring fellow Georgia-based rappers T.I., Jeezy and 2 Chainz. He was dropped from the label in 2014 after failing to promptly release a debut album.

In the late 2010s, he shifted from recording to songwriting. He has been credited as a ghostwriter for releases by recording artists including City Girls, Kehlani, Flo Milli, Queen Naija, and Lakeyah; namely, he has co-written Mark Ronson's "Uptown Funk", Fifty Fifty's "Barbie Dreams", and Bhad Bhabie's "Hi Bich". He signed with Artist Publishing Group in 2018. Furthermore, he has directed music videos for the songs "Made for Me" by Muni Long and "Gas You Up" by Kaliii.

Early life

Nicholaus Williams was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. His family moved to Canada and Florida before settling in the Bronx, New York City. As a child, he went to Catholic school. He has stated he cannot remember any parts of his life before the age of seven because of a head injury. In the eighth grade, he moved to Atlanta, where he began playing basketball. He began rapping in November 2011. He has listed Jay-Z, Cam'ron, T.I., and Young Jeezy as his influences.

Career

In December 2012, James released his debut single, "All Gold Everything", which charted in the top 40 of the US Billboard Hot 100. The song was taken from his debut mixtape, Don't Be S.A.F.E. (Sensitive As Fuck Everyday), which was released on July 31, 2012, and re-released with a music video on October 16, 2012. On December 13, 2012, it was announced James had signed a record contract with Def Jam Recordings worth approximately US$2 million. In January, Def Jam re-released Don't Be S.A.F.E to iTunes, which included the remix to "All Gold Everything" featuring 2 Chainz, T.I., and Young Jeezy. In the same month as his record deal signing, he made guest appearances on Gucci Mane's single "GuWop Nigga" and Wale's eighth mixtape Folarin. In February 2013, he would also make a guest appearance on Def Jam labelmate August Alsina's debut single, "I Luv This Shit", which became a hit on Rhythmic Contemporary radio, reached number thirteen on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, and number forty-eight on the Billboard Hot 100. This would later mark his final song to reach the latter chart to date. Later that year, he would perform alongside French Montana, ASAP Rocky, and Schoolboy Q for the remix of ASAP Ferg's single, "Work". Both features would receive platinum certification from the RIAA.

In August 2013, he announced and subsequently released his second mixtape, titled 10 PC Mild, through Def Jam and Think It's A Game Entertainment. The mixtape garnered generally mixed reviews, although many of whom considered it an improvement from his previous effort and praised the slew of guest performers which included Childish Gambino, Travis Scott, Fabo, Cyhi the Prynce, and Gucci Mane. After months of not releasing any new music, James announced that he had been dropped from Def Jam on August 1, 2014. He also indicated that instead of releasing his album through the label, he would make it available for free, and that the producers and rappers who contributed to the project should not expect any compensation because he had "no money." In April 2016, James released the single "Just a Lil' Thick (She Juicy)" featuring Mystikal and Lil Dicky. On December 31, 2016, James released a mixtape "The Wake Up 2" to streaming services such as Spotify and to mixtape websites alike.

On June 9, 2018, James released a single titled "M.M.M. (Marilyn Maryland Marilyn)" to streaming services. The music video, directed by Mike Marasco was uploaded to YouTube on the same day.

On November 27, 2019, in an interview with popular rap talk show "No Jumper", James stated that his current favorite rappers were "Doja Cat and Lil Nas X, I love those guys, partly because their flows remind me of myself" and later in the interview when asked about what his hopes for his current favorite rappers James proclaimed "I would hate to see them quit. You know. The last thing I'd want to see is for them to fall off just like I have."

Until the shows series finale in December 2023, James was a host on the YouTube talk show, Full Size Run. He appeared as himself in the Safdie Brothers' film Uncut Gems (2019).

Discography

Mixtapes

TitleDetailsPeak chart positionsUS
US
R&B/HH
US Rap
Don't Be S.A.F.E.10 PC MildThe Wake Up EPNo One Is SafeTrips to Trinidad EPTrappy Mother's Day EPThe Wake Up 2Father FiGGaDaddy IssuesBlack Filter
1032313
———
———
———
———
———
———
———
———
———
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Singles

As lead artist

TitleYearPeak chart positionsCertificationsAlbumUS
US
R&B/HH
US Rap
"All Gold Everything""Females Welcomed""Palm Trees"
(featuring Cavie)"Just a Lil' Thick (She Juicy)"
(featuring Mystikal and Lil Dicky)"M.M.M. (Marilyn Maryland Marilyn)""Get Up"
(with Lion Babe)
20123696Don't Be S.A.F.E.
2013———
2015———Non-album single}}
2016———
2018———
2021———Rainbow Child
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
TitleYearPeak chart positionsCertificationsAlbumUS
US
R&B/HH
US
Rap
"I Luv This Shit"
(August Alsina featuring Trinidad James)"Work (Remix)"
(ASAP Ferg featuring ASAP Rocky, French Montana, Trinidad James, and Schoolboy Q)"Be Ok"
(Earlly Mac featuring Trinidad James)"Don't Stop"
(LunchMoney Lewis featuring Trinidad James)
20134813—Testimony
1003023Trap Lord
2015———Cousin Trap
2022———
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Guest appearances

TitleYearOther artist(s)Album"GuWop Nigga""That Turn Up""Flat Out""Fukk Off""Fugginhudumarra""Jackie Joyner""M.O.E." (Remix)"N.I.Y.S.""I Can't Wait""Who You Rollin' Wit""No Room""4 My Niggas""My Last Molly Song Ever I Promise""Purple Haze""My Girl Pussy""Conversations On That Brown""Game""My Trunk""Pimp Scholar""On the Low""Hoodrich Anthem" (HxV Remix)"Killers""Groupie""Make It Mine""FDB" (Remix)"Pablo""Make Ya Scream""미친놈 (Success Crazed) Feat. Gray, Loco, Simon Dominic & Trinidad James""Uptown Funk" (Remix)"The Gun""Amy""Mission"
2012Gucci Mane
Mike WiLL Made ItEst. In 1989 2.5
WaleFolarin
Grip Plyaz, Go DreamerPurp, Wind & Fire
Grip Plyaz, Aleon Craft
2013Cash Outrowspan="3"
Ducko McFli
Young Scooter
Mach FiveArt of Rap
8BallPremro 2
Travis PorterMr. Porter
Problem, GunplayThe Separation
Curren$y, LloydNew Jet City
BangladeshPonzi Scheme
ScottyFaith
Scotty, Big K.R.I.T.
Big K.R.I.T.King Remembered In Time
Mach Five''We Ballin'''
Logic, Kid InkYoung Sinatra: Welcome to Forever
DJ Scream, 2 Chainz, Future, Waka Flocka Flame, Yo GottiThe Ratchet Superior
Curren$y
Young Dro, B.o.BDay Two
Kirko BangzProgression III
Young Dro, DJ Drama, T.I., French Montana
Gucci Mane, E-40Diary of a Trap God
Chevy WoodsGang Land 2
2014Jay ParkEvolution
2015Mark Ronson, Bruno MarsUptown Special
2016Cash Cash, Dev, ChrishBlood, Sweat & 3 Years
2017David BannerThe God Box
2019JadenErys

Music videos

TitleYearDirector(s)"Gold On My Macbook""All Gold Everything""Southside"
(featuring ForteBowie)"All Gold Everything" (Remix)
(featuring T.I., Young Jeezy and 2 Chainz)"Females Welcomed""Just A Lil' Thick (She Juicy)"
(featuring Mystikal and Lil Dicky)"M.M.M. (Marilyn Maryland Marilyn)"
2012Corey Davis
Motion Family
2013Decatur Dan
Motion Family
Jonathan Mannion
2016Jon J
2018Mike Marasco

Notes

References

References

  1. (March 7, 2013). "Trinidad James Explains It All".
  2. Horowitz, Steven. (December 12, 2012). "Trinidad James Officially Announces Signing To Def Jam". HipHopDX.
  3. Markman, Rob. (August 28, 2014). "Trinidad James Reveals The Real Reason He Got Dropped By Def Jam". MTV.com.
  4. (July 19, 2022). "Why Trinidad James Earns a Percentage Every Time Grammy Award-Winning Record 'Uptown Funk' Gets Played".
  5. (December 7, 2012). "Growing Up in Atlanta — Who Is Trinidad James?". Complex.
  6. "Learning To Rap — Who Is Trinidad James?". Complex.
  7. "Musical Influences — Who Is Trinidad James?". Complex.
  8. (July 31, 2012). "Dont Be S.A.F.E. | Trinidad Jame$". Trinidadjames.bandcamp.com.
  9. 12 May 2012 15:40:18. (December 13, 2012). "Trinidad James Signs Joint Venture With Def Jam – Music, Celebrity, Artist News". MTV.com.
  10. (January 29, 2013). "iTunes – Music – Don't Be S.A.F.E. by Trinidad James". [[iTunes]].
  11. "Welcome to the Recording Industry Association of America".
  12. (August 6, 2013). "Trinidad Jame$ Reveals His New Project In An Exclusive Sitdown with Miss Info #10PCMild". MissInfo.tv.
  13. (August 2, 2014). "Trinidad Jame$ Dropped From Def Jam After Two Years". XXL.
  14. (April 15, 2016). "Just a Lil' Thick (She Juicy) [feat. Mystikal & Lil Dicky] – Single by Trinidad James". [[iTunes]].
  15. (July 9, 2018). "M.M.M. (Marilyn Maryland Marilyn) – Single by Trinidad James on Apple Music".
  16. (July 9, 2018). "Trinidad James – M.M.M. (Marilyn Maryland Marilyn)". [[YouTube]].
  17. (November 27, 2019). "Trinidad James Speaks on Blowing Up, If He Fell Off, His Impact, Joe Budden & More".
  18. (November 27, 2019). "YouTube".
  19. (August 16, 2018). "Full Size Run Returns With a New Co-Host I Season 2 Trailer". [[YouTube]].
  20. (December 23, 2019). "'Uncut Gems': The Making Of This Year's Best Film".
  21. "Trinidad James – Chart History: Billboard 200". [[Prometheus Global Media]].
  22. "Trinidad James – Chart history – Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums".
  23. "Trinidad James – Chart history – Rap Albums".
  24. "Trinidad James – Don't Be S.A.F.E". DatPiff.
  25. "Trinidad James – The Wake Up EP". DatPiff.
  26. (January 7, 2015). "Trinidad James Announces Free 'No One Is SaFe' Album To Come And Drops New 'Blackman Pt. 2′ Track". KarenCivil.com.
  27. "Trinidad James – Trips To Trinidad EP". DatPiff.
  28. "Trinidad James – Trappy Mother's Day". RateYourMusic.
  29. {{cite certification
  30. "Trinidad James – Chart History for Females Welcomed".
  31. "Trinidad James – Chart History for Just a Lil' Thick (She Juicy)".
  32. (2022). "Gold & Platinum". [[Recording Industry Association of America]].
  33. "I Luv This S**t".
  34. "Single Certification Search – RadioScope".
  35. "Dropbox".
  36. "Canadian single certifications for "Work"".
  37. "Work".
  38. "Don't Stop (feat. Trinidad James) – Single by LunchMoney Lewis".
  39. (December 23, 2012). "Gucci Mane f. Trinidad James "GuWop Nigga". Cheri Media Group.
  40. (December 23, 2012). "New Music: Trinidad James – 'That Turn Up'". Devin Lazerine.
  41. (December 23, 2012). "Tracklisting: Wale – 'Folarin'". Devin Lazerine.
  42. Frydenlund, Zach. (January 5, 2013). "Mixtape: Grip Plyaz "Purp, Wind & Fire". Complex Media.
  43. (January 3, 2013). "Cash Out f. Trinidad James "M.O.E. Remix". Cheri Media Group.
  44. Frydenlund, Zach. (January 9, 2013). "Listen: Ducko McFli f/ Trinidad Jame$ "N.I.Y.S.". Complex Media.
  45. (January 9, 2013). "Young Scooter f. Trinidad James "I Can't Wait". Cheri Media Group.
  46. (January 10, 2013). "Mach Five f. Trinidad James "Who You Rollin' Wit". Cheri Media Group.
  47. (January 25, 2013). "8Ball "Premro 2" Mixtape Download & Stream". Cheri Media Group.
  48. (January 30, 2013). "Travis Porter f. Trinidad James "4 My Niggas". Cheri Media Group.
  49. Isenberg, Daniel. (January 30, 2013). "Listen: Problem f/ Gunplay and Trinidad James "My Last Molly Song Ever, I Promise". Complex Media.
  50. Isenberg, Daniel. (February 3, 2013). "Mixtape: Curren$y "New Jet City". Complex Media.
  51. Paine, Jake. (March 14, 2013). "Bangladesh "Ponzi Scheme" Mixtape Stream & Download Link". HipHopDX.
  52. (April 4, 2013). "Listen: Scotty f/ Trinidad James "Conversations On That Brown"". Complex.
  53. (May 1, 2013). "Scotty f. Trinidad Jame$ & Big K.R.I.T. - GAME". HipHop DX.
  54. Paine, Jake. (April 10, 2013). "Big K.R.I.T. "King Remembered In Time" Stream & Download Link". HipHop DX.
  55. (April 10, 2013). "Mach Five f. Trinidad James – Pimp Scholar". HipHop DX.
  56. (May 7, 2013). ["Logic Releases New Mixtape "Young Sinatra: Welcome To Forever" Download Now] - XXL". Xxlmag.com.
  57. (May 31, 2013). "DJ Scream – The Ratchet Superior EP // Free Mixtape @". Datpiff.com.
  58. (June 12, 2013). "Curren$y Trinidad James Killer$". Complex.
  59. (June 19, 2013). "Young Dro f. B.o.B. & Trinidad Jame$ - Groupie". HipHop DX.
  60. (October 18, 2010). ["New Music: Kirko Bangz – 'Progression 3′ Mixtape]". Rap-Up.com.
  61. (August 27, 2013). "Young Dro f. DJ Drama, French Montana, T.I. & Trinidad James – FDB Remix". HipHop DX.
  62. Mayorga, Dean. (September 11, 2013). "Gucci Mane "Diary Of A Trap God" Cover Art, Tracklisting, Download & Mixtape Stream". HipHop DX.
  63. (October 24, 2013). "Chevy Woods – Gang Land 2 Hosted by DJ Drama // Free Mixtape @". Datpiff.com.
  64. (July 18, 2012). "Trinidad James – Gold on My MacBook". [[YouTube]].
  65. (January 10, 2013). "Trinidad James "All Gold Everything". [[Vevo]].
  66. (January 29, 2013). "Video: Trinidad James ft. Forte Bowie – Southside". Nah Right.
  67. (February 27, 2013). "Video: Trinidad James f/ T.I., Young Jeezy, & 2 Chainz – 'All Gold Everything (Remix)'". Devin Lazerine.
  68. (March 27, 2013). "Video: Trinidad James – 'Female$ Welcomed'". Devin Lazerine.
Wikipedia Source

This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page.

1987-births living-people american-music-industry-executives american-rappers-of-trinidad-and-tobago-descent apra-award-winners businesspeople-from-georgia-(u.s.-state) def-jam-recordings-artists rappers-from-atlanta southern-hip-hop-musicians trinidad-and-tobago-emigrants-to-the-united-states 21st-century-american-rappers
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