This month, We catch up with Grammy Award Recording Artist, Producer, and Songwriter James Worthy.

Lyrics, and emotion are the primary modes of this Atlanta-based contemporary R&B artist. The singer, and songwriter toiled for years before he struck a favorable distribution deal with Sony Orchard to get his career moving in the right trajectory.

James Worthy, born James Allen Worthy was born on March 28, 1992, in Queens, New York. He grew up in a non musical household, but always had music of different genres in the house. This fostered his passion for music at a young age. He eventually moved to Atlanta with his mother. Although he was introverted, he became known in middle school as a musician and competed throughout his teens, continuing while enrolled at The Art Institute of Atlanta.

His early exposure to various genres inspired his unique sound, blending elements of hip-hop, R&B, and pop. He rose to fame in the mid 2000’s, quickly becoming a sought after figure in the music scene. You many not know but James is also an additional member of the Atlanta Dungeon Family.

Worthy achieved his breakthrough in 2019 with the EP “Blu Leisure” which featured the likes of Tony Terry, Sonna Rele, Kalenna Harper, and Whodini. “Cups Of Koffee”, his forth EP, topped the Apple iTunes R&B/Soul Chart in 2024, and spawned one number one single on Amazon Music “Intimate Privacy”.

James is a Grammy awarded, multi-platinum producer who is recognized for working with elite artists such as Whitney Houston, Frankie Beverly, T-Pain, Bobby Brown, 112, 6LACK, Ecstacy of Whodini, Yo Gotti, Kurupt, Daz Dillenger, Big Gipp, Lil Zane, Jaden Smith, Justin Bieber, Travis Scott, Future, Dr. Dre, Fetty Wap, Robin S, among many others.

In 2024 he founded, and launched his own label imprint Humble Sound Records which is distributed by The Orchard, a division of Sony Entertainment. The label houses artists such as: James Worthy, Tynisha Keli, B Angie B, and Robin S.

He’s got a new project “Nevermind What They Said” dropping later this year and we go inside the mind of this multi-faceted artist.

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How did you get into music?

I began taking an interest in music around age 6. Throughout my childhood there was always music of different genres around me that made me fall in love with the art of music. I remember visiting record stores every weekend to listen, and purchase an album I’ve never heard before to read the credits, and study the craft.

At what age did you become a student of the game? When did you realize this is what you were meant to do?

I think when I started paying attention to music in detail was when I became a student of music creation when I was around 6 or 7 years old. Once I actually started to create music that’s when I became a student of the game on how I would carve my own lane in the industry.

Is it true you met Michael Jackson at age 11? What was that experience like? How did the encounter come about?

Yes that is true. I met Michael at Webster Hall in New York, and that moment changed everything in the sense of knowing that music was what I wanted to pursue. At that age meeting an idol of that stature was unheard of so I never took that for granted. Myself, and my father ended up meeting him backstage after the event for Michael was over. The encounter was very quick, but definitely impactful. 

You produced music with Bobby Brown and his son Bobby Brown Jr. How’d you guys link up?

Yes. I’ve known Bobby Jr since I was an early teenager. We both kind of grew up together musically, and helped each other grow. I’ve always known about his family struggles which was always a reason why music clicked for us. Throughout us working together I’ve connected with his father as well, and we all stayed cool throughout the years. 

On your EP “Cups of Koffee,” You have Brian McKnight Jr on the track “City Love.” How did you guys get together for that? Ever work with his pops Brian McKnight?

That record is one of my favorites. Brian, and I connected years ago through mutual friends in the industry. Ironically we both are now signed to the same label. I think he is very talented in which “City Love” showcases our vocal range, and brings another level of creativity for young artists like us. 

You’ve also worked with Justin Bieber? Can you talk a little bit about that?

Another talented artist as well. I connected with him around the time he was working on his “Purpose” album. It was a cool experience to just be part of the process, and see what went into creating pop records which at that time I was slowly getting into. 

People may not know but you are an additional member of the Atlanta Dungeon Family, can you expand on that?

Shoutout to the dungeon. Rest in peace Rico Wade. The collective has shown me so much love through the years, and I’m honored to be part of Atlanta history. I’ve connected with many members at different times which always lead back to Stankonia where all the magic happens. 

You and Big Gipp have worked together on music ( Gipp N Worthy ). Anything new from the two of you we should look out for?

Gipp N Worthy, Vol. 2. Coming soon!

What other hip hop artists are you currently working with?

So many projects but to name a few: Big Gipp, Khujo Goodie, MGK, Bigg Baggz, Lil Xan, and many others.

You have a new album in the works slated to release this August through Universal Music Group? Tell us about the new project, What can we expect?

Yes, this is my debut album. I’m super excited because this is the project that I am truly showcasing my lyrical, and vocal ability like I never have before. It’s also a concept album detailing real things about my life, love, and career. 

 

 

You’ve worked with a bevy on elite artists. Is there any story that stands out to you that you’d like to share with our audience?

Every artist has their own ways of working so I’ve learned to adapt while working. Whether it’s good or bad. 

What is most satisfying for you? writing, singing, audio engineering, producing or scoring?

They all go together. You can’t have one without the other. The difference is balancing all those hats at once if you’re self sufficient.

Are you still prominently song-writing for big name artists?

Currently I have been focusing on the James Worthy brand, but occasionally there are opportunities that pop up for me to work with certain artists.

How about production? Any artists that you are currently working with outside of your current project?

Not so much. The focus has been the debut album. 

Do you think R&B fell back in terms of the 90’s “sexy vibe”? If so, what gets us back there? I mean we had serious story tellers/crooners back then, Keith Sweat, Al B Sure!, Joe, Brian McKnight, D’Angelo, Maxwell, Chico Debarge, 112, BabyFace, the list goes on.

I think we are in an experimental, and creative phase of music now. I don’t think the notion is to go back to the 90’s, it’s more so staying innovative to not recreate what has already been done. Even though the 90’s era is what gave birth to a lot of newer acts we have to give something new a chance as well.

What up and coming musicians are you listening to right now?

I’m the worst at remembering names, but I always remember songs. I hear new acts all of the time in which there are a few that I really like. 

You’ve dabbled in Film scores too, What’s the mindset going into a film project? Any new scores you’re working on?

It’s a cool process. Depending on what the project is or what the production studio is looking for it can be difficult or fun. In my experience scoring is much more fulfilling, and musical. However, licensing music for film is great as well. 

Do you also have interests outside of music as well? Talk about your various business ventures.

I own my own label imprint “Humble Sound Records” in partnership with Sony Orchard. That has also been a great experience to put out older, and newer acts. 

Who’s your top 5 R&B artists of all time?

That’s tough: Dru Hill, Chris Brown, The Weeknd, Usher, Earth Wind & Fire

Who’s your top 5 Producers of all time?

Pharrell Williams, Q-Tip, Kanye West, Nile Rodgers, Timbaland

What’s the best advice you can give an artist trying to make it?

Love the craft first, and foremost. Learn the business side of it, and be patient. 

Appreciate the time, Any last words?

New album “Nevermind What They Said” on the way!