Atlanta rapper Trinidad James has inked a new record deal with Def Jam Recordings. The deal is reportedly worth $2 million and is being reported as a joint venture with James’ own Gold Gang Records. “We’re excited to welcome a young talent like Trinidad James to the Def Jam family,” said Def Jam president Joie Manda in a statement. “Def Jam prides itself as both a cornerstone of hip-hop’s rich tradition, and as a vital, forward-thinking label dedicated to breaking and nurturing emerging artists. 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.”
James has been receiving a tremendous amount of attention since his single “All Gold Everything” garnered over a million views on YouTube; with several record executives attending the rapper’s performance at Santo’s Party House in New York City on Dec. 4.
“Def Jam, thank you for believing,” says James.
Of course, James’ music has received its fair share of criticism from some supposed hip-hop “purists” who deride his simplistic rhymes and the materialistic subject matter of “All Gold Everything.” Its important to remember that, while signing a major deal is a huge step for a young artist, there are no guarantees.
The jury’s still out as to whether or not James can spin gold consistently in terms of record sales and sustaining a credible hi- hop career. And before anyone goes too far off the deep end, proclaiming James to be the face of everything some people despise about hip-hop circa 2012, its important to remember that he is only one voice.
But right now, it’s his moment. And he seems to be primed for something big.
Don’t believe me? Just watch.
