Nicholaus Joseph Williams September 24, 1987 Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
In Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Nicholas Williams was born. His family lived in Canada and Florida before moving to the Bronx, New York City. In his childhood, he attended Catholic school. As a result of a head injury, he claims he cannot remember anything prior to the age of seven. In eighth grade, he moved to Atlanta, where he began playing basketball. In November 2011, he began rapping. He lists Jay-Z, Cam’ron, T.I., and Young Jeezy as influences.
He released his official debut single in 2012, titled “All Gold Everything”. The song was taken from his official debut mixtape, titled Don’t Be S.A.F.E. (Sensitive As Fuck Everyday), which was released on July 31, 2012,[7], and accompanied by a music video on October 16, 2012. James signed a joint venture deal with Def Jam Records for approximately $2 million on December 13, 2012. Don’t Be S.A.F.E. was rereleased on iTunes in January, which included a remix of “All Gold Everything” by 2 Chainz, T.I., and Young Jeezy.
After months without releasing any new music, James announced on August 1, 2014 that he had been dropped from Def Jam. Additionally, he stated that his album wouldn’t be distributed through the label but would be available for free. The producers and rappers who contributed to the project would not receive compensation, as he didn’t have any money. James released the single “Just a Lil’ Thick (She’s’ Juicy)” with Mystikal and Lil Dicky in April 2016. A mixtape “The Wake Up 2” was released by James on December 31, 2016, through streaming services such as Spotify as well as mixtape websites.
James released a single titled “M.M.M. (Marilyn Maryland Marilyn)” on June 9, 2018. The music video, directed by Mike Marasco, was uploaded to YouTube the same day.
James stated in an interview with “No Jumper”, on November 27, 2019, that his favorite rappers are “Doja Cat and Lil Nas X; I love their flows because they remind me of me.” When asked what his hopes were for his current favorite rappers, James replied, “I would hate to see them quit.” It would be the last thing I’d want for them to fall off like I have.
A YouTube talk show host in 2018, James appeared in Uncut Gems[18] by the Safdie Brothers.