James Hamlett Bio

James Hamlett's career in the music industry started in 1993 when he was brought on as a circulation manager for BEAT-DOWN magazine. BEAT-DOWN magazine was one of the premier, grass-roots hip-hop publications in the 1990s, and launched the careers of publishing luminaries Haji Akhigbade, Elliot Wilson and Sacha Jenkins who worked alongside Mr. Hamlett. After significantly increasing the circulation of BEAT-DOWN and securing international distribution, James assisted in the transition of the publication from a newspaper into the glossy magazine format in 1994. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Hamlett assumed the role as the magazine's Associate Publisher and penned a popular, thought-provoking monthly column within the "Droppin' Science" section of the publication. This editorial piece served as a spiritual, motivational and philosophical force during this peak time in the hip-hop era. James also conducted one-on-one interviews with a host of hip-hop legends including Rakim & KRS-One.

After completing his journey at the urban music publication in 1998, James went on to work for EMAP USA for the next six years which was later acquired by PRIMEDIA. While James worked full-time during the days, his nights were reserved for his overriding passion: music. In his teen years, James made a firm decision to slowly, humbly and diligently develop the melodies, ear and patience required to compose quality music. He started by purchasing Casio keyboard, and taught himself how to play. James keyed melodies and chords over the radio hits of the day. The aim was to create counter melodies to "enhance" the song. Listening to his favorite songs through headphones enabled James to hear the subtle details of the music, arrangements, and the mix. The idea was to listen beyond the overall sound of the song and into the individual parts that made certain timeless songs the soundtrack of our lives.

James has a forthcoming Alternative Hip Hop Album. The collection of work is categorized as "alternative" because the music does not follow any trend but that of what feels good and resonates musically within the soul. James feels that you cannot attach or create a formula for music that people will love. When people feel sound or melodies deeply within, they somehow will respond to it. James has been rapping since he was 13 years old, so to him rapping is nothing new. After many years of searching for artists to pair with his compiled tracks, James' cousin producer / filmmaker SEK2012 urged him to rhyme over the tracks himself. After much reluctance, James conceded and it was a perfect fit. Hence, the idea and vision for the first album, appropriately entitled "Timeless" produced, written, engineered and performed by James Hamlett, is now complete.

James' vision is not only to be an artist. Hamlett sees his first album as a creative, audio and visual work of art, made for the listener's heart. He is not competing with any current artists. Beatwise, his music has the Hip-Hop underpinning. Musically, it flows in many directions all at once, using influences from the past and present with sound innovations for the future. In other words, for the truly creative person, Hip-Hop has no limitations - only those imposed by a lack of vision and thought. For James Hamlett, his music is done for the love of this art, while always respecting and learning from the great masters of the past, who continue to live through their compositions and music.