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Trinidad James’ unique style, nonchalant stance, and bodacious vernacular have garnered attention from all corners of the music world.  Recently branded as one of MTV’s 13 artists to watch in 2013, he is one of the most talked about subjects in the Hip Hop world today.

Within a matter of months he went from rapping inside an Atlanta clothing boutique to becoming one of the most venerated talents in the world of Hip Hop.  After considering an array of offers, he ultimately signed an exclusive deal in December 2012 with Def Jam Records.  Joie Manda, President of Def Jam, shares “Trinidad James represents the cutting-edge of what’s happening in the culture today. We are thrilled to have him at the label, and look forward to growing his already massive buzz.”

There’s no second-guessing this compelling Hip Hop star as he leaves nothing to the imagination when it comes to expressing his thoughts.  In summation, he’s raw, genuinely real, and in this hour all that he touches turns to… “All Gold – Everything”.

You had several labels vying for you to sign with them. What made you decide to sign with Def Jam?

Being able to do the same things I wanted to do as an independent artist.

What’s life in the industry been like for you so far?

People have problems with me being me. Years after being heckled as a kid, I come out with music and folks don’t understand it.  I look weird and people judge and once again I’m just doing me.  I’m not faking the funk.  It’s no need for me to feel some kind of way because that won’t change them.  When I wasn’t signed to a label, it was like being a kid and not having any credit.  It’s not that it’s bad, its just that you don’t have any.  Now I have a huge deal with Def Jam and working with superstars.  I came at the right time doing the right thing.  The reality is that if you don’t make it in the industry, it’s because it wasn’t meant to be or some is doing it better than you.

Speaking of looking weird, what is your inspiration when you get dressed in the morning?

I guess over time subconsciously I’ve been inspired – especially by the styles of the ‘90’s.  Nothing is truly new under the sun.  It’s all been done.  I can’t say that I saw one person or any one fashion and embraced it.

Haters come with the territory of being a talented artist, tell us how you deal with it?

For everyone who hates this artist, there’s one that loves.  For every one that doesn’t love, there’s one that appreciates. You can’t let anyone stop you or persuade you from moving in the direction you’re going in.  Say you have three doors to choose from. You can have people without your best interest at heart telling you “Man, don’t pick door number three.  Take one or two.  Don’t take three. Don’t go that route”. They don’t want what’s best for you and are trying to keep you from getting all that’s out there for you.  I went from 1,000 Twitter followers to 120,000 in about 6 months.  Some people follow me just to hate on me.  It’s crazy but it’s true.  Artists in the game don’t realize that when they tweet something, their followers are impressionable and will agree with what you say.  You can tweet that you can’t stand someone – and they will end up hating someone just to emulate you.  People can say stuff and smack you in the face. Whether you are a huge artists or the smallest, it’s simply not fair.

Trinidad James – Hip Hop’s Latest Golden Boy [FREQUENCY NEWS MAGAZINE]  was originally published on theurbandaily.com

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