Boldy James facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Boldy James
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Jones in 2017
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| Birth name | James Clay Jones III |
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| Born | August 9, 1982 Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Origin | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
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| Years active | 2009–present |
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James Clay Jones III (born August 9, 1982), known as Boldy James, is an American rapper. He is part of the hip hop group called Griselda. People know him for his deep voice and calm way of telling vivid stories. He often shares tales about life in the city.
After his first album, My 1st Chemistry Set (2013), Boldy James has released many albums and mixtapes. He often releases several music projects each year. His album The Price of Tea in China (2020), made with the Alchemist, helped him become more famous. He also released Manger on McNichols that same year, which mixed his rap style with jazz music. He often works with other artists from Griselda and many different music producers.
Early Life
Boldy James was born James Clay Jones III on August 9, 1982. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia. His parents were James Clay Jones Jr. and Toni K. Broadus. In 1983, his parents moved back to Detroit, Michigan, with him. His father had been hurt while working as a police officer. They lived on the Eastside of Detroit with James' grandmother.
In 1989, James' parents separated. His mother sent him and his younger sister to live with their father. They lived on Detroit's westside near McNichols Road. James loved music from a young age. When he was 12, he performed in a middle school talent show. He started writing his own raps soon after that. He went to Detroit Cooley High School but left after ninth grade.
He got the name Boldy James from a friend named James Osely III. People in their neighborhood called his friend "Boldy." Boldy James said, "I liked the name because his name was James too." When his friend was sadly murdered, he decided to keep using the name for his music.
Career Highlights
Boldy James got his first big chance in 2009. He was featured on two songs from The Cool Kids and Don Cannon's mixtape. In 2010, he was on another song called "Fat Raps" remix. This song also featured other famous rappers like Big Sean and Asher Roth.
On May 24, 2011, he released his first solo mixtape, Trappers Alley Pros and Cons. A music website called Pitchfork said it was one of the most overlooked projects of 2011. He released more mixtapes and an EP (Extended Play) in the following years.
On October 15, 2013, Boldy James released his first full album, My 1st Chemistry Set. The entire album was produced by The Alchemist. In 2014, he signed with Nas's Mass Appeal Records. Later, in 2020, he joined Westside Gunn's Griselda Records. With Griselda, he has released several popular albums. These include The Price of Tea in China, Manger on McNichols, and Bo Jackson.
Personal Life
On January 9, 2023, Boldy James was in a car accident in Detroit. He broke a bone in his back and needed surgery. He is now recovering well.
On August 24, 2023, Boldy James shared some interesting family news. He found out he is related to the famous American rapper Snoop Dogg. He is also a cousin of Chuck Inglish, another musician.
His Music
Boldy James has released many different types of music. He has put out studio albums, which are full-length music collections. He has also released EPs, which are shorter collections of songs. And he has released mixtapes, which are often free collections of songs. He frequently works with other artists and producers to create his unique sound.
