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Trinidad James

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Trinidad James
James performing in 2013
James performing in 2013
Background information
Birth nameNicholaus Joseph Williams
Born (1987-09-24) September 24, 1987 (age 37)
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago[1]
OriginAtlanta, Georgia, U.S.
GenresHip hop
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
  • music video director
Years active2011–present
Labels
Websitetrinidadjames.co

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 release his debut single, "All Gold Everything" commercially that same month.[2] 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 record a debut album.[3]

In the late 2010s, he shifted from recording to songwriting. He has been credited as a co-writer for primarily female artists such as City Girls, Kehlani, Flo Milli, Queen Naija, and Lakeyah, among others. Trinidad James has co-written songs including 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.[4]

Early life

[edit]

Nicholaus Williams was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.[1] His family moved to Canada and Florida before settling in the Bronx, New York City.[5] As a child, he went to Catholic school.[5] He has stated he cannot remember any parts of his life before the age of seven because of a head injury.[5] In the eighth grade, he moved to Atlanta, where he began playing basketball.[5] He began rapping in November 2011.[6] He has listed Jay-Z, Cam'ron, T.I., and Young Jeezy as his influences.[7]

Career

[edit]

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,[8] 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.[9] 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.[10] 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.[11]

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.[12][13] 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."[14] In April 2016, James released the single "Just a Lil' Thick (She Juicy)" featuring Mystikal and Lil Dicky.[15] 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.[16] The music video, directed by Mike Marasco was uploaded to YouTube on the same day.[17]

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" [18] 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."[19]

As of 2018, James is a host on a YouTube talk show, Full Size Run.[20] and he appeared in the Safdie Brothers' film Uncut Gems.[21]

Discography

[edit]

Mixtapes

[edit]
List of mixtapes, with year released
Title Details Peak chart positions
US
[22] 		US
R&B/HH
[23] 		US Rap
[24]
Don't Be S.A.F.E.[25] 103 23 13
10 PC Mild[13]
  • Released: August 13, 2013
  • Label: Gold Gang
  • Format: Digital download
 — — —
The Wake Up EP[26]
  • Released: January 3, 2015
  • Label: Gold Gang
  • Format Digital Download
 — — —
No One Is Safe[27]
  • Released: January 20, 2015
  • Label: Gold Gang
  • Format: Digital Download
 — — —
Trips to Trinidad EP[28]
  • Released: April 18, 2015
  • Label: Gold Gang
  • Format Digital Download
 — — —
Trappy Mother's Day EP[29]
  • Released: May 8, 2016
  • Label: Gold Gang
  • Format: Digital Download
 — — —
The Wake Up 2
  • Released: December 31, 2016
  • Label: Gold Gang
  • Format: Digital Download
 — — —
Father FiGGa
  • Released: July 28, 2017
  • Label: Gold Gang
  • Format: Digital Download
 — — —
Daddy Issues
  • Released: October 31, 2018
  • Label: Gold Gang
  • Format: Digital download
 — — —
Black Filter
  • Released: August 14, 2020
  • Label: Gold Gang
  • Format: Digital download
 — — —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Singles

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As lead artist

[edit]
List of singles, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
US
 US
R&B/HH
 US Rap
"All Gold Everything" 2012 36 9 6 Don't Be S.A.F.E.
"Females Welcomed" 2013 — —[A] —
"Palm Trees"
(featuring Cavie) 		2015 — — — Non-album single
"Just a Lil' Thick (She Juicy)"
(featuring Mystikal and Lil Dicky) 		2016 — —[B] — TBA
"M.M.M. (Marilyn Maryland Marilyn)" 2018 — — — TBA
"Get Up"
(with Lion Babe) 		2021 — — — Rainbow Child
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
[edit]
List of singles as featured performer, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
US
 US
R&B/HH
 US Rap
"I Luv This Shit"
(August Alsina featuring Trinidad James) 		2013 48 13 — Testimony
"Work (Remix)"
(ASAP Ferg featuring ASAP Rocky, French Montana, Trinidad James and Schoolboy Q) 		— — — Trap Lord
"Be Ok"
(Earlly Mac featuring Trinidad James) 		2015 — — — Cousin Trap
"Don't Stop"
(LunchMoney Lewis featuring Trinidad James)[36] 		2022 — — — Non-album single
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Guest appearances

[edit]
List of non-single guest appearances, with other performing artists, showing year released and album name
Title Year Other artist(s) Album
"GuWop Nigga"[37] 2012 Gucci Mane —
"That Turn Up"[38] Mike WiLL Made It Est. In 1989 2.5
"Flat Out"[39] Wale Folarin
"Fukk Off"[40] Grip Plyaz, Go Dreamer Purp, Wind & Fire
"Fugginhudumarra"[40] Grip Plyaz, Aleon Craft
"Jackie Joyner"[40]
"M.O.E." (Remix)[41] 2013 Cash Out —
"N.I.Y.S."[42] Ducko McFli
"I Can't Wait"[43] Young Scooter
"Who You Rollin' Wit"[44] Mach Five Art of Rap
"No Room"[45] 8Ball Premro 2
"4 My Niggas"[46] Travis Porter Mr. Porter
"My Last Molly Song Ever I Promise"[47] Problem, Gunplay The Separation
"Purple Haze"[48] Curren$y, Lloyd New Jet City
"My Girl Pussy"[49] Bangladesh Ponzi Scheme
"Conversations On That Brown"[50] Scotty Faith
"Game"[51] Scotty, Big K.R.I.T.
"My Trunk"[52] Big K.R.I.T. King Remembered In Time
"Pimp Scholar"[53] Mach Five We Ballin'
"On the Low"[54] Logic, Kid Ink Young Sinatra: Welcome to Forever
"Hoodrich Anthem" (HxV Remix)[55] DJ Scream, 2 Chainz, Future, Waka Flocka Flame, Yo Gotti The Ratchet Superior
"Killers"[56] Curren$y —
"Groupie"[57] Young Dro, B.o.B Day Two
"Make It Mine"[58] Kirko Bangz Progression III
"FDB" (Remix)[59] Young Dro, DJ Drama, T.I., French Montana —
"Pablo"[60] Gucci Mane, E-40 Diary of a Trap God
"Make Ya Scream"[61] Chevy Woods Gang Land 2
"미친놈 (Success Crazed) Feat. Gray, Loco, Simon Dominic & Trinidad James" 2014 Jay Park Evolution
"Uptown Funk" (Remix) 2015 Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars Uptown Special
"The Gun" 2016 Cash Cash, Dev, Chrish Blood, Sweat & 3 Years
"Amy" 2017 David Banner The God Box
"Mission" 2019 Jaden Erys

Music videos

[edit]
List of music videos, with directors, showing year released
Title Year Director(s)
"Gold On My Macbook" 2012 Corey Davis[62]
"All Gold Everything" Motion Family[63]
"Southside"
(featuring ForteBowie) 		2013 Decatur Dan[64]
"All Gold Everything" (Remix)
(featuring T.I., Young Jeezy and 2 Chainz) 		Motion Family[65]
"Females Welcomed" Jonathan Mannion[66]
"Just A Lil' Thick (She Juicy)"
(featuring Mystikal and Lil Dicky) 		2016 Jon J
"M.M.M. (Marilyn Maryland Marilyn)"
 2018 Mike Marasco

Notes

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  1. ^ "Females Welcomed" did not enter the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, but peaked at number nine on the Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart.[31]
  2. ^ "Just a Lil' Thick (She Juicy)" did not enter the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, but peaked at number two on the Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart.[32]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Trinidad James Explains It All". Rolling Stone. March 7, 2013. Retrieved May 22, 2015.
  2. ^ Horowitz, Steven (December 12, 2012). "Trinidad James Officially Announces Signing To Def Jam". HipHopDX. Retrieved December 13, 2012.
  3. ^ Markman, Rob (August 28, 2014). "Trinidad James Reveals The Real Reason He Got Dropped By Def Jam". MTV.com. Archived from the original on August 31, 2014. Retrieved February 1, 2015.
  4. ^ "Why Trinidad James Earns a Percentage Every Time Grammy Award-Winning Record 'Uptown Funk' Gets Played". July 19, 2022.
  5. ^ a b c d "Growing Up in Atlanta — Who Is Trinidad James?". Complex. December 7, 2012. Retrieved February 20, 2013.
  6. ^ "Learning To Rap — Who Is Trinidad James?". Complex. Retrieved February 20, 2013.
  7. ^ "Musical Influences — Who Is Trinidad James?". Complex. Retrieved February 20, 2013.
  8. ^ "Dont Be S.A.F.E. | Trinidad Jame$". Trinidadjames.bandcamp.com. July 31, 2012. Retrieved February 14, 2014.
  9. ^ 12 May 2012 15:40:18 (December 13, 2012). "Trinidad James Signs Joint Venture With Def Jam – Music, Celebrity, Artist News". MTV.com. Archived from the original on December 14, 2012. Retrieved February 14, 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  10. ^ "iTunes – Music – Don't Be S.A.F.E. by Trinidad James". Itunes.apple.com. January 29, 2013. Retrieved February 14, 2014.
  11. ^ https://www.riaa.com/ [bare URL]
  12. ^ "10 PC. Mild by Trinidad James - RYM/Sonemic".
  13. ^ a b "Trinidad Jame$ Reveals His New Project In An Exclusive Sitdown with Miss Info #10PCMild". MissInfo.tv. August 6, 2013. Retrieved August 29, 2013.
  14. ^ "Trinidad Jame$ Dropped From Def Jam After Two Years". XXL. August 2, 2014.
  15. ^ "Just a Lil' Thick (She Juicy) [feat. Mystikal & Lil Dicky] – Single by Trinidad James". iTunes. April 15, 2016. Retrieved May 19, 2016.
  16. ^ "M.M.M. (Marilyn Maryland Marilyn) – Single by Trinidad James on Apple Music". Itunes.apple.com. July 9, 2018. Retrieved April 14, 2020.
  17. ^ "Trinidad James – M.M.M. (Marilyn Maryland Marilyn)". YouTube. July 9, 2018. Retrieved April 14, 2020.
  18. ^ Trinidad James Speaks on Blowing Up, If He Fell Off, His Impact, Joe Budden & More, November 27, 2019, retrieved June 3, 2020
  19. ^ "YouTube". www.youtube.com. November 27, 2019. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  20. ^ "Full Size Run Returns With a New Co-Host I Season 2 Trailer". YouTube. August 16, 2018. Retrieved April 14, 2020.
  21. ^ "'Uncut Gems': The Making Of This Year's Best Film". Complex.com. December 23, 2019. Retrieved April 14, 2020.
  22. ^ "Trinidad James – Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved August 30, 2016.
  23. ^ "Trinidad James – Chart history – Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums". Billboard. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
  24. ^ "Trinidad James – Chart history – Rap Albums". Billboard. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
  25. ^ "Trinidad James – Don't Be S.A.F.E". DatPiff.
  26. ^ "Trinidad James – The Wake Up EP". DatPiff.
  27. ^ "Trinidad James Announces Free 'No One Is SaFe' Album To Come And Drops New 'Blackman Pt. 2′ Track". KarenCivil.com. January 7, 2015. Archived from the original on January 7, 2015. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  28. ^ "Trinidad James – Trips To Trinidad EP". DatPiff.
  29. ^ "Trinidad James – Trappy Mother's Day". RateYourMusic.
  30. ^ "American certifications – Trinidad James". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  31. ^ "Trinidad James – Chart History for Females Welcomed". Billboard. Retrieved August 16, 2016.
  32. ^ "Trinidad James – Chart History for Just a Lil' Thick (She Juicy)". Billboard. Retrieved August 16, 2016.
  33. ^ "Gold & Platinum". www.riaa.com. Recording Industry Association of America. 2022. Archived from the original on January 22, 2023. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
  34. ^ "American single certifications – August Alsina – I Luv This S**t". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  35. ^ "American single certifications – A$AP Ferg – Work". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved October 9, 2016.
  36. ^ "Don't Stop (feat. Trinidad James) – Single by LunchMoney Lewis". Apple Music. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  37. ^ "Gucci Mane f. Trinidad James "GuWop Nigga". HipHopDX. Cheri Media Group. December 23, 2012. Retrieved December 5, 2012.
  38. ^ "New Music: Trinidad James – 'That Turn Up'". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. December 23, 2012. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
  39. ^ "Tracklisting: Wale – 'Folarin'". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. December 23, 2012. Retrieved December 23, 2012.
  40. ^ a b c Frydenlund, Zach (January 5, 2013). "Mixtape: Grip Plyaz "Purp, Wind & Fire". Complex. Complex Media. Retrieved December 12, 2012.
  41. ^ "Cash Out f. Trinidad James "M.O.E. Remix". HipHopDX. Cheri Media Group. January 3, 2013. Retrieved January 3, 2013.
  42. ^ Frydenlund, Zach (January 9, 2013). "Listen: Ducko McFli f/ Trinidad Jame$ "N.I.Y.S." Complex. Complex Media. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  43. ^ "Young Scooter f. Trinidad James "I Can't Wait". HipHopDX. Cheri Media Group. January 9, 2013. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  44. ^ "Mach Five f. Trinidad James "Who You Rollin' Wit". HipHopDX. Cheri Media Group. January 10, 2013. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  45. ^ "8Ball "Premro 2" Mixtape Download & Stream". HipHopDX. Cheri Media Group. January 25, 2013. Retrieved January 25, 2013.
  46. ^ "Travis Porter f. Trinidad James "4 My Niggas". HipHopDX. Cheri Media Group. January 30, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
  47. ^ Isenberg, Daniel (January 30, 2013). "Listen: Problem f/ Gunplay and Trinidad James "My Last Molly Song Ever, I Promise". Complex. Complex Media. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
  48. ^ Isenberg, Daniel (February 3, 2013). "Mixtape: Curren$y "New Jet City". Complex. Complex Media. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
  49. ^ Paine, Jake (March 14, 2013). "Bangladesh "Ponzi Scheme" Mixtape Stream & Download Link". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on March 17, 2013. Retrieved March 13, 2013.
  50. ^ "Listen: Scotty f/ Trinidad James "Conversations On That Brown"". Complex. April 4, 2013. Retrieved April 10, 2013.
  51. ^ "Scotty f. Trinidad Jame$ & Big K.R.I.T. - GAME". HipHop DX. May 1, 2013. Retrieved May 1, 2013.
  52. ^ Paine, Jake (April 10, 2013). "Big K.R.I.T. "King Remembered In Time" Stream & Download Link". HipHop DX. Archived from the original on October 12, 2014. Retrieved April 10, 2013.
  53. ^ "Mach Five f. Trinidad James – Pimp Scholar". HipHop DX. April 10, 2013. Retrieved April 10, 2013.
  54. ^ "Logic Releases New Mixtape "Young Sinatra: Welcome To Forever" [Download Now] - XXL". Xxlmag.com. May 7, 2013. Retrieved June 20, 2013.
  55. ^ "DJ Scream – The Ratchet Superior EP // Free Mixtape @". Datpiff.com. May 31, 2013. Retrieved June 20, 2013.
  56. ^ "Curren$y Trinidad James Killer$". Complex. June 12, 2013. Retrieved June 20, 2013.
  57. ^ "Young Dro f. B.o.B. & Trinidad Jame$ - Groupie". HipHop DX. June 19, 2013. Retrieved June 20, 2013.
  58. ^ "New Music: Kirko Bangz – 'Progression 3′ [Mixtape]". Rap-Up.com. October 18, 2010. Retrieved August 14, 2013.
  59. ^ "Young Dro f. DJ Drama, French Montana, T.I. & Trinidad James – FDB Remix". HipHop DX. August 27, 2013. Retrieved August 29, 2013.
  60. ^ Mayorga, Dean (September 11, 2013). "Gucci Mane "Diary Of A Trap God" Cover Art, Tracklisting, Download & Mixtape Stream". HipHop DX. Retrieved September 12, 2013.
  61. ^ "Chevy Woods – Gang Land 2 Hosted by DJ Drama // Free Mixtape @". Datpiff.com. October 24, 2013. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
  62. ^ "Trinidad James – Gold on My MacBook". YouTube. July 18, 2012. Retrieved February 21, 2013.
  63. ^ "Trinidad James "All Gold Everything". Vevo. January 10, 2013. Retrieved November 30, 2012.
  64. ^ "Video: Trinidad James ft. Forte Bowie – Southside". Nah Right. January 29, 2013. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
  65. ^ "Video: Trinidad James f/ T.I., Young Jeezy, & 2 Chainz – 'All Gold Everything (Remix)'". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. February 27, 2013. Retrieved February 27, 2013.
  66. ^ "Video: Trinidad James – 'Female$ Welcomed'". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. March 27, 2013. Retrieved March 27, 2013.
[edit]
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