Today we have @TheeIsaiahJames visiting The Hive. With catchy anthems like “I Know” and “Chosen”, Isaiah is breathing a new life into the rap game.
“I Feel Like I’m Chosen”
What’s good man, welcome to The Hive. First off, tell me who Isaiah James really is. Where you from?
It’s an honor, bro. You know, it’s always a weird feeling when I hear that question. Overall, I’m just a laid back guy who loves music and making a difference for those around me. I feel like it’s so many little experiences that make me a good portion of who I am. .
Some of those little things come from growing up in a backwoods area like Inverness, Florida. Me, my parents and my brother lived there for my most of my childhood in this conservative, white area with hardly any black people.
Then when I was 12, in 2009, we moved to Tampa which is hella different in terms of its diversity and metropolitan makeup. So having that background in both those worlds has really shaped me in a unique way.
Okay, Why did you start making music?
My brother. We’ve always shared a deep love for music and when we came to Tampa, we got the chance to buy some cheap gear and create this lane for ourselves. He’s always pushed me to express myself through my writing and rapping abilities. I’m always grateful for that because I find a lot of fulfillment in sharing myself through my music and my brother helped me believe at a young age that I have something worth sharing.
Who were some of your early influences? [rappers, producers, genres, whatever]
Man, I could name so many different influences but I’ll do my best to keep it brief lol Before I moved to Tampa, I grew up on Christian music and whatever was poppin’ on the radio. Artists like Lecrae, Switchfoot, Chris Brown and so on.
It wasn’t until I was almost in high school that I connected with rap so heavily. That time period is where I got into the big names like Drake, J. Cole, John Legend, Kanye. Those and smaller acts like Big KRIT, Mick Jenkins, Reconcile, NAV.
Besides rap/R&B, I also love alternative, folk and jazz. There’s something calming and serene in a lot of those songs that hits different for me. The folk part is probably my country roots coming out lol
Tell me a lil more about the #BringTheSubstance campaign. You tired of today’s mumble rap?
Actually, I’m not. You might think that by the way I post but I really don’t have negative thoughts on that lane. If someone were to look through some of my playlists, they’d say, “Huh, I didn’t expect you to like that song or that artist.” Mumble rap has its place, for all its faults, just like other genres. Sometimes I enjoy the crossing over of two genres the most, like the Bas/J. Cole/Lil Tjay song from last year, “The Jackie”.
#BringTheSubstance comes from a place of wanting to place meaningful content at the forefront of our culture. You and I both scroll online so many times and find so much junk and nonsense being celebrated. Don’t get me wrong, I love to laugh, find memes, joke around and enjoy light-hearted things. Ask any of my friends, they’ll tell you how goofy I can be. Those things have its place.
But #BringTheSubstance represents the spotlight being put on words, music, art, people, etc. that go a little deeper than the surface. That challenge the status quo or offer another perspective to a popular topic. Again, not everything needs to be serious. I’ll never say that. I just think we all could benefit from finding the deeper meaning in the world around us as opposed to just surface-level entertainment 24/7.
Okay, so with all of that being said, let’s talk more about your sound. I’ve noticed a recurring dark theme or message behind your songs that seems to draw your audience in. Like being in a really dark place and creating your own light… How would you describe your music? [what is the “Substance” you bring to the rap game]
I like how you put that lol. I would describe my music as eclectic and passionate. Between the melodic stuff like “U Mine” or the straightforward rap like “Black America”, I take pride in being able to dabble in different lanes.
As far as the dark themes and mature messages, I absolutely embrace that tone especially as I get older and go through more life. Without sounding too morbid or depressing, a lot of my life has revolved around me finding the light when things feel dark and pointless. Learning how to manage my depression and anxiety ever since I dropped out of high school has been equally challenging and enlightening.
So when it comes to the production I’m most drawn to, I find a lot of comfort in creating to those moody soundscapes. Whether that be R&B or rap. I definitely want the audience to be captured by the production off rip in part because frankly I don’t have the clout to waste time lol
Dope. So what do you have planned next for your fans?
Well, I have another single on the way soon with an artist by the name of Xay Hill. Dude is an incredible talent and I’m glad I could collab with him for this banger. No confirmed date yet but people won’t have wait too long this time around.
Man that Motives collab with KalebPierre was crazy. You definitely spazzed on that verse. Any other artists that you want to work with in ‘22?
I appreciate that, bro. Very very proud of that collab and video.
I don’t know if you could get a hold of this guy, but it’d be cool to work with Trae 'Nem…lolol but seriously, I do want to try and branch out a little more because I’ve been pretty reclusive musically. If I can find the right situation, I’d love to crossover with more singers especially.
I just described Xay Hill but Kaleb is also incredibly special and so gifted at creating soundscapes for me and him to float over. I’m proud to be able to make songs with such a close friend. TRiiPP as well because like Kaleb he always gets the best out of me creatively.
One particular artist I want to cook with is Austin Gleason. We were able to repurpose his vocals for “Lonely” off of the SlowFi tape. There’s also an old record we have from 2015 on his SoundCloud that really shows our chemistry. I’d love to tap into that pop-rap space with him again because he’s easily one of the most talented vocalists I know.
For people I’ve never officially worked with, I’d love to cook up a banger with Drock. Young Saturday and Demy as well. All three of those guys are gifted rappers and I think we could put out something hard.
Bucket list collabs would be Ty Dolla $ign, GAWVI, Jhene Aiko, Childish Gambino and Gwen Bunn. Just to name a few.
Where can we hear more from you?
You can check out all of my music on the major services like Apple Music, Spotify, SoundCloud and YouTube. Then my newest project The New Year’s Freestyles is out for streaming on every one of those sites.
You can find me on Twitter and Instagram @theeisaiahjames. Always ready to connect!
Man, I appreciate you opening this space to chat and let me
Preciate it brother. [you can add anything else if you want]
- Simon Stickyfingers aka DJ Yung
Isaiah James - @TheeIsaiahJames
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