Clay James has been making a name for himself in the entertainment business for quite some time. James burst onto the scene and was immediately recognized because of his different style and sound. The southern playa rapper provided a since of nostalgia and a breath of fresh air in a game that is currently dominated by drill and trap artists. Due to the over saturation of drill and trap artists, James and his team are able to stick out like a sore thumb. Clay James released a series of mixtapes on Datpiff and LiveMixtapes to help build his buzz in Atlanta. These mixtapes have recently been re-released on all digital streaming platforms for your listening pleasure. This uniqueness of his music has garnered Clay James co-signs from rap legends Big Boi, Snoop Dogg, and Missy Elliot.
In 2013, Outkast member Big Boi was the first major co-sign James received, he became somewhat of a mentor to the rising Savannah artist, and they’re good friends til this day. In 2016, James performed at SXSW and caught the attention of some associates of Snoop Dogg. Snoop took a liking to James and gave him a record deal with Doggystyle Records. Since James was based out of the south he later became apart of Doggystyle South Records which was ran by CEO Papa Loc and President Snoop Dogg. After that, Clay James started his own label Playas Club Music Group which he released his first single ‘Can’t F Witchu’ and this song was tweeted out by hip hop legend Missy Elliott. In 2019, Clay James made an appearance in Missy Elliott’s ‘DripDemeanor’ music video. James did a freestyle over Missy’s ‘DripDemeanor’ beat which went viral on Instagram and was reposted by Missy.
Over the years Clay has garnered millions of streams and views on multiple platforms, headlined his own national tour with Dream More Events, made multiple appearances on MTV & BET, and received the award for ‘Best Rap Song’ by the Indie Music Channel for his song ‘Hallelujah’ produced by super producer 30 Roc. James has started to put more attention on building up his Playas Club Music Group imprint. The PCMG roster includes: King Elway, Charlise J, Big Smitty, Young Bo, Respekk, and Pimpin Pablo. PCMG just left from SXSW in Austin, Texas where multiple artists on the roaster including Clay James had stellar performances during the festival. King Elway had a stand out performance on Scotty ATL & OG Ron C’s ‘Young Legends & OG’s’ Stage at Soho Lounge. Charlise J left the room in awe during her performance on the ‘Blazy House’ Stage at Tellers sponsored by Ethika. Both Charlise J and King Elway were featured artists on ‘Clay James’ & Friends’ Stage alongside Harlem rising star Neek Bucks and Ethika Music’s latest signee Paperboy Casino.
Outside of music Clay James has ventured into acting. He recently had a role in ‘Out On A Lim’ starring The Wire’s Tray Chaney and Notorious’ Jamal Woolard. James is currently shooting a film with hip hop legend Webbie entitled ‘It’s A Cold Ass World’. PCMG’s Pimpin Pablo and Pimp Sweet Tooth also have roles in this movie alongs side Clay James and rising star Elijah Lamar. ‘It’s A Cold Ass World’ written by Tony Snow and directed by Drop And Roll Films is set to release this summer in select theaters and streaming platforms. Clay James and his business partner Pimp Sweet Tooth are seeing success in the fashion industry as well. Their new clothing brand ‘Playas Only Clothing Co.’ is becoming one of Atlanta’s favorite indie street wear brands. In a span of 5 months, the duo has sold over 1000 hats straight out the trunks of their cars and doing pop up shops. If you know James’ story then you know the fashion industry was the first place he saw major success as the Vice President of Bliss Skate Company alongside CEO/President Darius Graham. Clay James is also the co-owner of ‘Sound Lynk Studios’ with Roger Vidal and Chad Hampton in Decatur, Georgia. Sound Lynk is becoming a recording hot spot for upcoming and major talent in the Atlanta metro area. Current and past clients include: T-Rell, Gold Mouf, Akbar V, Translee, Robyn Hood, Money Mu, Runway Richy, Ali of the St. Lunatics, and more. Currently James is preparing to release his next single ‘How I Rock’ featuring Pimp Sweet Tooth and produced by Fki’s Saucelord Rich.
To stay in tune with Clay James and the entire Playas Club Music Group, follow @PlayasClubMG on all social media.
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