Boldy James
Jones in 2017
Background information
Birth name	James Clay Jones III
Also known as	Bo Jack Mr. Ten08
Born	(1982-08-09)August 9, 1982 (age 42)[1] Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Origin	Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Genres	Underground rap hardcore hip hop jazz rap alternative hip hop
Occupations	Rapper songwriter
Years active	2009–present
Labels	Griselda Decon Mass Appeal
Member of	Boldy James & The Alchemist Boldy Bad Man

James Clay Jones III (born August 9, 1982), better known by hisstage nameBoldy James, is an American rapper.^[2] He is a member of the hip hop collectiveGriselda. Recognized for his deep voice and laid-back delivery of vivid stories, he often explores themes of drug trade andstreet life. After his debut albumMy 1st Chemistry Set (2013), James has since released a wide discography of both studio albums as well as mixtapes and EPs, often releasing multiple projects in a year.

His reunion withthe Alchemist—who also produced his debut—onThe Price of Tea in China (2020) saw him gain significant recognition, along with hisjazz-infused collaboration album with Sterling Toles,Manger on McNichols, released that same year. He frequently collaborates with other members of the Griselda collective, and has worked with producers such asConductor Williams,Jay Versace,Harry Fraud,Nicholas Craven, Real Bad Man and Futurewave, among others.

Jones was born on August 9, 1982, inAtlanta, to James Clay Jones Jr. and Toni K. Broadus.^[3][4] In 1983, Jones and Broadus returned to their original home of Detroit, with their son after Jones was wounded in the line of duty serving as a police officer.^[4] They resided on the Eastside of Detroit with Jones' grandmother.^[4] In 1989, Jones' parents separated and his mother sent him and his younger sister to live with their father on Detroit's westside on Stahelin Hell Block near McNichols Road and theSouthfield Freeway.^[4] Jones' love for music came to the forefront at the age of 12, when he performed in a middle school talent show and began writing his first raps shortly after.^[5] He attended high school at Detroit Cooley, and dropped out after the ninth grade.^[5] He got the name "Boldy James" from his friend, James Osely III, whom people in the neighborhood called "Boldy".^[5] Jones said, "he didn't rap, he just sold cocaine. I liked the name because his name was James too". When his friend was murdered, he decided to carry on with the name, using it to rap.^[5]

In 2009, Jones's first big break on the national scene came in the form of two features onThe Cool Kids andDon Cannon's mixtapeMerry Christmas, on the songs "BBQ Wings" and "Tires".^[6] That was followed up by his record "Gettin Flicked" appearing on The Cool Kids's 2010 mixtapeTacklebox.^[7] Also in 2010, he was featured on theChip tha Ripper song "Fat Raps" remix alongsideBig Sean,Asher Roth,Dom Kennedy andChuck Inglish.^[8] On May 24, 2011, Jones released his solo debut mixtapeTrappers Alley Pros and Cons.^[9] The project went on to be named byPitchfork as one of 2011's Most Overlooked Projects.^[10] On February 27, 2012, he released his follow up mixtape,Consignment.^[11] On March 5, 2013, he released an EP titledGrand Quarters.^[12] On October 15, 2013, he released his debut album,My 1st Chemistry Set, entirely produced byThe Alchemist.^[13] On May 22, 2014, it was announced that Jones,Bishop Nehru, andFashawn were the first signees toNas'sMass Appeal Records.^[14] He left Mass Appeal in 2020 to sign withWestside Gunn'sGriselda Records. With Griselda, he has releasedThe Price of Tea in China,Manger on McNichols andBo Jackson, among other albums. His new album "Token of Appreciation" releases on February 27.^[15]

On January 9, 2023, Jones was involved in acar accident in Detroit, leaving him with a brokenvertebrae, requiring intensive surgery.^[16]

On August 24, 2023, Jones revealed that he is related to American rapperSnoop Dogg through word of his family.^[17][18] He is also a cousin ofChuck Inglish.^[7]

Wikimedia Commons has media related toBoldy James.

• Boldy James discography atDiscogs

• 1982 births
• African-American male rappers
• 21st-century American male rappers
• Living people
• Midwest hip-hop musicians
• Rappers from Atlanta
• Rappers from Detroit
• 21st-century American rappers
• 21st-century American male musicians
• 21st-century African-American musicians
• 20th-century African-American musicians

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