José James

A jazz artist for the hip-hop generation, José James has showcased his rich and graceful baritone through unpredictable projects that have blurred the lines between numerous genres. He made his album debut with The Dreamer (2008), which incorporated material by Rahsaan Roland Kirk and Freestyle Fellowship, among originals. Cross-generational references have also typified James' subsequent recordings, whether he has been supported by Flying Lotus and Moodymann on Blackmagic (2010), accompanied only by pianist Jef Neve on For All We Know (2010), or backed by full bands, as heard on No Beginning No End (2013), a set that topped Billboard's jazz chart. Since recording five albums for Blue Note, James has established his Rainbow Blonde label with varied sessions such as No Beginning No End 2 (2020), On & On (2023), and 1978 (2024).