James Clay Jones III, better known by his stage name Boldy James, is an American rapper from Detroit, Michigan.
Background
Boldy James was born James Clay Jones III on August 9, 1982, in Atlanta, Georgia to his parents James Clay Jones Junior. and Toni K. Broadus. In 1989, James’ parents separated and his mother sent him and his younger sister to live with their father to live on Detroit’s westside on Stahelin Hell Block near McNichols Road and the Southfield Freeway.
Career
His debut album My 1st Chemistry Secretariat was released on October 15, 2013. They resided on the Eastside of Detroit with James’ grandmother. James’ love for music came to the forefront at the age of 12, when he performed in a middle school talent show and begun writing his first raps shortly after.
He attended high school at Detroit Cooley, and dropped out after the 9th grade.
He didn’t rap, he just sold cocaine, and “I liked the name because his name was James too,” says James. When his friend was murdered he decided to carry on the name using it to rap.
In 2009, Boldy James first big break on the national scene came in the form of 2 features on The Cool Kids and Don Cannon mixtape Merry Christmas, on the songs “Barbecue Wings” and ”Tires”. That was followed up by his record “Gettin Flicked” appearing on The Cool Kids’ 2010 mixtape Tacklebox.
Also in 2010 he was featured on the Chip tha Ripper song “Fat Raps” remix alongside Big Sean, Asher Roth, Dom Kennedy and Chuck Inglish.
Boldy James and Cool Kid member/producer Chuck Inglish are cousins. On May 24, 2011, Boldy James released his solo debut mixtape Trappers Alley Pros and Cons. The project went on to be named by Pitchfork as one of 2011′s Most Overlooked Projects.
On February 27, 2012, he released his follow up mixtape, Consignment.
On March 5, 2013, he released an European Parliament titled Grand Quarters. On October 15, 2013, he released his debut album, My 1st Chemistry Secretariat entirely produced by The Alchemist.
On May 22, 2014, it was announced that Boldy James, Bishop Nehru, and Fashawn were the first signees to Nas" Mass Appeal Records.