Native James

Native James is an alternative-rap artist from Ipswich, U.K who transcends genre boundaries, melding hip-hop, grime, punk, rock, metal, and garage into a unique sound that is distinct as it is magnetic.

With an impressive blend of raw energy and lyrical power, Native James has carved his own path, captivating audiences at some of the U.K's most iconic festivals and live events such as the BBC Introducing stage at Reading and Leeds Festival, and on-stage as special guest with Skindred. Native made a huge impact being booked as a solo grime artist but instead turning up to Reading Festival with a full band ready to cause chaos in the alternative scene with his hard-hitting live performance.

Native James was chosen to be part of BBC Radio 1 Xtra's Touchdown Tour, in which the national network shone a spotlight on artists from across different regions in the U.K - personally selected by pioneering grime DJ and broadcaster, DJ Target. He has since garnered the attention of BBC Radio 1's Alyx Holcombe, Daniel P Carter, and Nels Hylton, as well as features in Kerrang! Magazine, and has been nominated for a Celebmix Award 2025. He was recently nominated for his first MOBO award for Best Alternative Music Act and continues to make waves, representing Black culture, metal and rap as an infusion to include everyone.

From instinct to identity, we are all Native.

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