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Every once and again an artist emerges from a given genre representing something fresh, challenging the idea of what it means to be a musician in his or her field. Individuals such as this are a rarity in a profession where poor imitations of greatness and lackluster artistry are celebrated year after year. In 2005, J.A.M.E.S.Watts was such an artist. Virtually appearing out of nowhere, this upstart MC/Producer from New Jersey placed his talent on the map, once again redefining what it means to be relevant in the saturated market that is contemporary hip-hop.

Writing rhymes since the age of ten, he grew up on the sounds of some of rap music's most prolific artists; people who aimed to make a definitive statement, whether it violent or political, gangster or revolutionary. Under the influence of his older cousin, a DJ at the time, J.A.M.E.S. began to study albums ranging from Dr. Dre's West Coast opus The Chronic to Nasty Nas' Illmatic. From this, he developed a well rounded idea of what hip hop meant. He began to see it as an art form without restrictions or borders, and used its diverse influences to immerse himself in a plethora of other types of music. Of this time in his life, he states, "I was fortunate to be exposed to all of this great music at an early age," he says. "I started really loving hiphop at a time when it was pure, raw, and honest, before it reached the mainstream and became the dominant youth culture. At the same time, I was able to be there for that transition, and I watched it grow into what it is today; I think it's still beautiful. I'd like to think I'm a product of both worlds."