James Prince facts for kids

James Prince (born James Andre Smith on October 31, 1964) is an American record executive, music promoter, and talent manager. He is famous for starting the Houston-based Southern hip hop record label Rap-A-Lot Records in 1986.

Through his label, Prince helped discover and sign many famous artists. These include groups like the Geto Boys, Do or Die, and UGK. ..... More recently, he and his son Jas helped mentor the Canadian rapper Drake early in his career.

Prince has also worked as a manager for professional boxers, including champions like Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Andre Ward.

Early Life and Background

James Prince was born in Houston, Texas. He grew up in the Fifth Ward, a neighborhood known for its poverty and challenges. To earn money as a kid, he mowed lawns and worked on welding trucks.

Prince's childhood was difficult. His older sister Zenia sadly died after being hit by a train. He moved between different schools and homes. He played football at Kashmere High School and graduated in 1982.

Music Career

Starting Rap-A-Lot Records

After high school, Prince worked at a bank but was laid off at age 20. He wanted to help his younger stepbrother, a rapper named Sir Rap-A-Lot, stay focused on music and out of trouble. They started practicing with friends on his grandmother's porch.

Prince bought an old building and turned it into a used car dealership. This business became successful, and he used the same building to start recording music in 1986. In 1987, he co-founded Rap-A-Lot Records with Cliff Blodget, an engineer who helped produce the music. Prince was inspired by Russell Simmons and his famous label, Def Jam Recordings.

Finding the Geto Boys

The first group Prince put together for his label was the Geto Boys. He found the members in unique ways. He saw Bushwick Bill dancing at a club, his barber recommended Willie D, and he met Scarface in a club parking lot.

Prince's brother was originally in the group, but Scarface took his place after winning a freestyle battle. The group's music started getting played on local radio stations, which helped the label grow.

Working with Drake

Years later, Prince's son, Jas, discovered a singer named Drake on Myspace. Jas showed his father Drake's music and suggested he work with artists like Lil Wayne and Bun B.

This connection led to a record deal for Drake. As a thank you for the introduction, J. Prince and his son were listed as executive producers on some of Drake's hit albums, including Thank Me Later and Nothing Was the Same.

Helping Other Artists

In 2018, Prince released his book, The Art & Science of Respect: A Memoir. The book's introduction was written by Drake. That same year, Prince advised Drake to end a public disagreement with another rapper, Pusha T, helping to calm the situation.

In 2021, Prince helped bring Drake and Kanye West together to perform at a benefit concert. The concert was held to raise awareness about the need for changes in the justice system and to support Larry Hoover.

Boxing Management

Prince has always been a big fan of boxing. He even opened a boxing gym in Houston's Fifth Ward. He decided to become a manager for boxers to get involved in the sport.

He met a young Floyd Mayweather Jr., who was a fan of Rap-A-Lot Records. Prince managed Mayweather from the beginning of his professional career until 2003. He also managed Andre Ward after Ward won a gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics. Prince has managed over 15 boxers, helping many of them achieve great success in their careers.

Community Work and Philanthropy

J. Prince is known for giving back to his community. In January 2007, the city of Houston honored him for his 20 years of dedication. The mayor created an official "James Prince Day" to celebrate his work.

This honor was partly for a recreation center Prince built in the 5th Ward. The center hosts holiday events and back-to-school drives for local families. In 2007, he also donated $100,000 to a Houston program that provides meals to people in need.

Legacy and Impact

J. Prince is often called one of the "godfathers" of the rap music industry. He helped make Southern hip hop popular around the world. His success inspired other famous record label owners like Birdman of Cash Money Records and Master P of No Limit Records.

In 2010, VH1 honored Prince at its annual Hip Hop Honors Awards for his work in music and his efforts to help his community. In 2019, he received an honorary doctorate degree from Texas Southern University for his support of the school and its students.

Personal Life

Prince has seven children, including three sons: J Prince Jr., Jas, and Jay "Baby Jay." His sons also work in the music and boxing industries. He has been married to his wife since the late 1980s.

Prince is a practicing Christian. He owns a 1,200-acre ranch where he raises cattle and an island in Belize.

Selected Discography

J. Prince has served as an executive producer on many albums. This means he helped guide the creative and business sides of the projects. Here are some of the albums he has worked on.

1980s

• Geto Boys - Making Trouble (1988)
• Geto Boys - Grip It! On That Other Level (1989)

1990s

• Geto Boys - We Can't Be Stopped (1991)
• Scarface - Mr. Scarface Is Back (1991)
• Scarface - The World Is Yours (1993)
• Big Mike - Somethin' Serious (1994)
• Scarface - The Diary (1994)
• Do or Die - Picture This (1996)
• Geto Boys - The Resurrection (1996)
• Scarface - The Untouchable (1997)
• Do or Die - Headz or Tailz (1998)
• Scarface - My Homies (1998)

2000s

• Scarface - The Last of a Dying Breed (2000)
• Bun B - Trill (2005)
• Trae tha Truth - Restless (2006)
• UGK - Underground Kingz (2007)
• Bun B - II Trill (2008)
• UGK - UGK 4 Life (2009)

2010s

• Bun B - Trill OG (2010)
• Drake - Thank Me Later (2010)
• Drake - Nothing Was the Same (2013)