Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, is where Nicholaus Williams was born. His family lived in Florida and Canada before settling in the Bronx in New York City. He went to Catholic school as a youngster. He claims he can’t recall anything before the age of seven due to a head injury. In the seventh grade, he relocated to Atlanta and started playing basketball. November 2011 saw the start of his rapping.
He lists Jay-Z, Cam’ron, T.I., and Young Jeezy as influences. “All Gold Everything,” James’ official debut single, peaked at number 40 on the 2012 U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
The track was taken from Don’t Be S.A.F.E., his official debut mixtape, which was released on July 31, 2012, and was re-released on October 16, 2012, along with a music video.
James and Def Jam Records agreed to a $2 million joint venture, it was revealed on December 13, 2012. In January, Def Jam re-released Don’t Be S.A.F.E. on iTunes. This time, it featured the remix of “All Gold Everything,” which included 2 Chainz, T.I., and Young Jeezy.
