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{{Short description|American music executive, promoter and manager}}
{{Short description|American music executive, promoter and manager}}
{{redirect|James L. Smith|the author of the 1881 slave narrative|James Lindsay Smith}}
{{for|the Gospel Soca artiste and music producer from Trinidad and Tobago |J Prince}}
{{for|the Gospel Soca artiste and music producer from Trinidad and Tobago |J Prince}}
⚫
{{Infobox musical artist

{{Infobox person
| name = J. Prince
| name = J. Prince
| image =
| image =
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| birth_name = James L. Smith
| birth_name = James L. Smith
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1965|10|31}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1965|10|31}}
| birth_place = Houston, Texas
| birth_place = [[Houston]], Texas, U.S.
| alias = {{flatlist|
| alias = {{flatlist|
* Lil J
* Lil J
}}
}}
| occupation = {{flatlist|
| occupation = {{flatlist|
* [[Music executive]]
* Record executive
* [[music manager]]
* talent manager
* music promoter
* investor
Boxing manager
* entrepreneur
* [[A&R]]
}}
}}
| years_active = 1986–present
| years_active = 1986–present
⚫
| module = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed = yes
| background = solo_singer
|
| genre = {{flatlist|
| genre = {{flatlist|
* [[Hip hop]] <!-- As per Wikipedia guidelines, "aim for generality (e.g. [[Hip hop music|Hip hop]] rather than [[East Coast hip hop]]) when noting genres"-->
* [[Hip hop]] <!-- As per Wikipedia guidelines, "aim for generality (e.g. [[Hip hop music|Hip hop]] rather than [[East Coast hip hop]]) when noting genres"-->
}}
}}
| label = {{flatlist|
| label = {{flatlist|
* [[Rap-A-Lot]]
* [[Rap-A-Lot Records|Rap-A-Lot]]
* [[Fontana Distribution|Fontana]]
* [[Fontana Distribution|Fontana]]
* [[Virgin Records|Virgin]]
* [[Virgin Records|Virgin]]
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* [[Asylum Records|Asylum]]
* [[Asylum Records|Asylum]]
* [[RED Distribution|RED]]
* [[RED Distribution|RED]]
}}
| associated_acts = <!-- Only add artists with most SIGNIFICANT/NOTABLE collaborations to J. Prince. -->{{flatlist|
* [[Geto Boys]]
* [[Scarface (rapper)|Scarface]]
* [[Do or Die (group)|Do Or Die]]
* [[UGK]]
* [[Pimp C]]
* [[Bun B]]
* [[Yukmouth]]
* [[Big Mike (rapper)|Big Mike]]
* [[Drake (rapper)|Drake]]
}}
}}
}}
}}
}}


'''James L. Smith''' (also referred to as '''James Prince''', '''J. Prince''', or '''Lil J.'''<ref name="Chadbourne">{{cite web | last=Chadbourne | first=Eugene | title=James "Lil. J." Smith Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More | website=AllMusic | url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/james-lil-j-smith-mn0001499490 | access-date=2022-11-02}}</ref>) (born October 31, 1965) is an American music executive, promoter and manager. He is the [[Chief executive officer|CEO]] and co-founder of the [[Houston]] based record label [[Rap-A-Lot]]. Smith and his son Jas are known for introducing Canadian rapper [[Drake (rapper)|Drake]] to [[Lil Wayne]] and helping Drake sign to [[Young Money Entertainment]] in 2009. He has also managed prolific boxers such as [[Andre Ward]], [[Floyd Mayweather Jr.]], and [[Shakur Stevenson]].
'''James Prince''' (born '''James L. Smith'''; October 31, 1965)<ref name="Chadbourne">{{cite web | last=Chadbourne | first=Eugene | title=James "Lil. J." Smith Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More | website=AllMusic | url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/james-lil-j-smith-mn0001499490 | access-date=2022-11-02}}</ref> is an American record executive, music promoter and talent manager. He founded the [[Houston]]-based record label [[Rap-A-Lot Records]] in 1986, which has signed artists including [[UGK]], [[Geto Boys]], [[Scarface (rapper)|Scarface]], [[Bun B]], [[Juvenile (rapper)|Juvenile]], [[Z-Ro]], [[Finesse2tymes]], and [[Devin the Dude]]. He and his son Jas have been credited as an early career mentors for Canadian rapper [[Drake (musician)|Drake]].<ref name="Donahue 2018">{{cite web | last=Donahue | first=Ann | title=James Prince Opens Up About Drake and Beyonce | website=Entertainment Tonight | date=2018-12-05 | url=https://www.etonline.com/james-prince-opens-up-about-drake-beyonce-and-new-memoir-the-art-science-of-respect-115149 | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref><ref name="Dazed 2021">{{cite web | title=Behind the scenes with Houston rap royalty, the Prince family | website=Dazed | date=2021-05-04 | url=https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/52644/1/behind-the-scenes-with-houston-rap-royalty-the-prince-family-pablo-lopez | access-date=2022-11-02}}</ref><ref name="ESPN 2021"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/arts-culture/2018/12/04/314074/houston-rap-mogul-james-prince-was-never-content-with-just-getting-by/|title=Houston Rap Mogul James Prince Was Never Content With Just Getting By|website=Houstonpublicmedia.com|date=December 4, 2018}}</ref>


Prince has also managed professional boxers such as [[Floyd Mayweather Jr.]], [[Andre Ward]], and [[Shakur Stevenson]].
Prince is known as one of the 'godfather's of the rap music industry',<ref name="Donahue 2018">{{cite web | last=Donahue | first=Ann | title=James Prince Opens Up About Drake and Beyonce | website=Entertainment Tonight | date=2018-12-05 | url=https://www.etonline.com/james-prince-opens-up-about-drake-beyonce-and-new-memoir-the-art-science-of-respect-115149 | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref><ref name="Dazed 2021">{{cite web | title=Behind the scenes with Houston rap royalty, the Prince family | website=Dazed | date=2021-05-04 | url=https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/52644/1/behind-the-scenes-with-houston-rap-royalty-the-prince-family-pablo-lopez | access-date=2022-11-02}}</ref> and inspired other [[southern hip hop]] label executives including [[Birdman (rapper)|Birdman]] of [[Cash Money Records]] and [[Master P]] of [[No Limit Records]]. Artists that have had careers shaped by him included [[Scarface (rapper)|Scarface]], [[Geto Boys]] and [[Bun B]].<ref name="ESPN 2021"/>


==Early life==
==Early life==
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==Career==
==Career==
Prince was working as a bank teller in 1985 in the fault department, then getting laid off at the age of 20.<ref name="Knapp 2018"/><ref name="WP GB 1991">{{cite web | title=The Geto Boys, Beating the Murder Rap | website=Washington Post | date=1991-12-15 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/style/1991/12/15/the-geto-boys-beating-the-murder-rap/1f7c6694-0efb-4b9f-a288-3cc51fadfe22/ | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref> The initial goal prior to the label was to keep his younger stepbrother known as the rapper [[Sir Rap-A-Lot]] out of street life, as well as friends Raheem and Jukebox from skipping school. They would meet on the porch of his grandmothers house to perform and practice.<ref name="Kenner 2011"/> After purchasing an abandoned building, he turned the property into on a used car dealership, known as Smith Auto Sales on the west side of Houston. At first he sold bucket cars then moving on to exotic cars which athletes would come and purchase.<ref name="Knapp 2018"/> The same rundown 2 storey building that Prince owned, was where the artists then moved on to record into during 1986.<ref name="Red Bull Music Academy Daily 2019"/>
Prince was working as a bank teller in 1985 in the fault department, then getting laid off at the age of 20.<ref name="Knapp 2018"/><ref name="WP GB 1991">{{cite news | title=The Geto Boys, Beating the Murder Rap | newspaper=Washington Post | date=1991-12-15 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/style/1991/12/15/the-geto-boys-beating-the-murder-rap/1f7c6694-0efb-4b9f-a288-3cc51fadfe22/ | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref> The initial goal prior to the label was to keep his younger stepbrother known as the rapper [[Sir Rap-A-Lot]] out of street life, as well as friends Raheem and Jukebox from skipping school. They would meet on the porch of his grandmothers house to perform and practice.<ref name="Kenner 2011"/> After purchasing an abandoned building, he turned the property into a used car dealership, known as Smith Auto Sales on the west side of Houston. At first he sold bucket cars,then moving on to exotic cars which athletes would come and purchase.<ref name="Knapp 2018"/> The same rundown two-story building that Prince owned, was where the artists then moved on to record into during 1986.<ref name="Red Bull Music Academy Daily 2019"/>


Prince co-founded Rap-A-Lot Records with Cliff Blodget, a Seattleite,<ref name="Red Bull Music Academy Daily 2019">{{cite web | title=Pen & Pixel: The Graphic Design Duo That Helped Bling Hip-Hop| website=Red Bull Music Academy Daily | date=2019-08-13 | url=https://daily.redbullmusicacademy.com/2019/08/pen-and-pixel-feature | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref><ref name="Patoski 2013">{{cite web | last=Patoski | first=Joe Nick | title=Money in the Making | website=Texas Monthly | date=2013-01-21 | url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/money-in-the-making/ | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref><ref name="Washington Post 1991">{{cite web | title=Brewer's Ads Rapped | website=Washington Post | date=1991-09-04 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1991/09/04/brewers-ads-rapped/e2c892ed-8f42-46d9-9794-3cb40f1e4664/ | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref> in 1987. Bloget was a computer science major,<ref name="WP GB 1991" /> who was an electrical engineer by trade and acted as the label's in-house engineer and producer alongside fellow producer Carl Stephenson.<ref name="Rowland 1997">{{cite web | last=Rowland | first=Hobart | title=Static | website=Houston Press | date=1997-12-04 | url=https://www.houstonpress.com/music/static-6570408 | access-date=2022-11-02}}</ref><ref name="Red Bull Music Academy Daily 2019"/> Prince used his last bit of funds to invest into the label. He was inspired by [[Russell Simmons]] and the label he founded [[Def Jam Recordings]]. He moved the company in 1988 to New York City with Blodget. Around this time Lyor Cohen would show Prince check books of Def Jam artists [[LL Cool J]] and [[Whodini]] which showed him the potential revenue to be made in the music industry enlightening him to continue his vision with the Geto Boys moving the whole label back to Houston.<ref name="Knapp 2018"/><ref name="Kenner 2011"/>
Prince co-founded Rap-A-Lot Records with Cliff Blodget, a Seattleite,<ref name="Red Bull Music Academy Daily 2019">{{cite web | title=Pen & Pixel: The Graphic Design Duo That Helped Bling Hip-Hop| website=Red Bull Music Academy Daily | date=2019-08-13 | url=https://daily.redbullmusicacademy.com/2019/08/pen-and-pixel-feature | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref><ref name="Patoski 2013">{{cite web | last=Patoski | first=Joe Nick | title=Money in the Making | website=Texas Monthly | date=2013-01-21 | url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/money-in-the-making/ | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref><ref name="Washington Post 1991">{{cite news | title=Brewer's Ads Rapped | newspaper=Washington Post | date=1991-09-04 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1991/09/04/brewers-ads-rapped/e2c892ed-8f42-46d9-9794-3cb40f1e4664/ | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref> in 1987. Bloget was a computer science major,<ref name="WP GB 1991" /> who was an electrical engineer by trade and acted as the label's in-house engineer and producer alongside fellow producer Carl Stephenson.<ref name="Rowland 1997">{{cite web | last=Rowland | first=Hobart | title=Static | website=Houston Press | date=1997-12-04 | url=https://www.houstonpress.com/music/static-6570408 | access-date=2022-11-02}}</ref><ref name="Red Bull Music Academy Daily 2019"/> Prince used his last bit of funds to invest into the label. He was inspired by [[Russell Simmons]] and the label he co-founded [[Def Jam Recordings]]. He moved the company in 1988 to New York City with Blodget. Around this time Lyor Cohen would show Prince check books of Def Jam artists [[LL Cool J]] and [[Whodini]] which showed him the potential revenue to be made in the music industry enlightening him to continue his vision with the Geto Boys moving the whole label back to Houston.<ref name="Knapp 2018"/><ref name="Kenner 2011"/>


The first group he formed in the label was the [[Geto Boys]]. Prince found members Bushwick Bill when he was performing as a dancer at a club, Willie D through the recommendation of his barber,<ref name="Chadbourne"/> and Scarface in the parking lot of a club he owned playing demos to a DJ who worked there. His brother was a member but then was replaced at Prince's discretion with Scarface. This was confirmed from a [[freestyle battle]] against each other where Scarface outperformed Sir Rap-A-Lot, with the younger brother then agreeing that was the better direction for the group also.<ref name="Kenner 2011"/> Using local radio stations like [[KTSU]] to spread the reach of the label's music,<ref name=" TSU 2011"/> his first deal came in 1989 via [[Rick Rubin]] working with the Geto Boys on their 2nd album [[Grip It! On That Other Level]].<ref name="NPR.org 2012">{{cite web | title='It Was Like Flies To Honey': 25 Years Of Rap-A-Lot Records | website=NPR.org | date=2012-02-10 | url=https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2012/01/23/143799814/it-was-like-flies-to-honey-25-years-of-rap-a-lot-records | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref>
The first group he formed in the label was the [[Geto Boys]]. Prince found members Bushwick Bill when he was performing as a dancer at a club, Willie D through the recommendation of his barber,<ref name="Chadbourne"/> and Scarface in the parking lot of a club he owned playing demos to a DJ who worked there. His brother was a member but then was replaced at Prince's discretion with Scarface. This was confirmed from a [[freestyle battle]] against each other where Scarface outperformed Sir Rap-A-Lot, with the younger brother then agreeing that was the better direction for the group also.<ref name="Kenner 2011"/> Using local radio stations like [[KTSU]] to spread the reach of the label's music,<ref name=" TSU 2011"/> his first deal came in 1989 via [[Rick Rubin]] working with the Geto Boys on their 2nd album [[Grip It! On That Other Level]].<ref name="NPR.org 2012">{{cite web | title='It Was Like Flies To Honey': 25 Years Of Rap-A-Lot Records | website=NPR.org | date=2012-02-10 | url=https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2012/01/23/143799814/it-was-like-flies-to-honey-25-years-of-rap-a-lot-records | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref>


[[Geffen Records]] who had been working with Rubin pulled the project a week before its release to the lyrical nature of the album, despite claims of racism and [[hypocrisy]] made by the Geto Boys and the fact that independently the album already had sold over 500,000 copies.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pareles |first1=John |title=Distributor Withdraws Rap Album Over Lyrics |url=http://www.nytimes.com/1990/08/28/arts/distributor-withdraws-rap-album-over-lyrics.html |access-date=1 November 2022 |publisher=The New York Times |date=August 28, 1990}}</ref> The controversy lead to Rubin splitting from Geffen and signing with [[Warner Records]] with the album being pushed there instead, it tripled the total sales of the project.
[[Geffen Records]] who had been working with Rubin pulled the project a week before its release to the lyrical nature of the album, despite claims of racism and [[hypocrisy]] made by the Geto Boys and the fact that independently the album already had sold over 500,000 copies.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pareles |first1=John |title=Distributor Withdraws Rap Album Over Lyrics |url=http://www.nytimes.com/1990/08/28/arts/distributor-withdraws-rap-album-over-lyrics.html |access-date=1 November 2022 |work=The New York Times |date=August 28, 1990}}</ref> The controversy lead to Rubin splitting from Geffen and signing with [[Warner Records]] with the album being pushed there instead, it tripled the total sales of the project.


Prior to the success of [[Ice Ice Baby]], Prince wanted to sign rapper [[Vanilla Ice]] after seeing him perform in 1990 at [[Lakewood Church Central Campus|The Summit]]. He did not follow through as a result of his business partner Blodget feeling that the artist lacked talent.<ref name="Miller Miller 2016"/>
Prior to the success of [[Ice Ice Baby]], Prince wanted to sign rapper [[Vanilla Ice]] after seeing him perform in 1990 at [[Lakewood Church Central Campus|The Summit]]. He did not follow through as a result of his business partner Blodget feeling that the artist lacked talent.<ref name="Miller Miller 2016"/>
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Prince signed a deal with [[Priority Records]] in 1991 for distribution,<ref name="NPR.org 2012" /> releasing the Geto Boys third album [[We Can't Be Stopped]].<ref name="Patoski 2013" /> By the mid-1990s co-founder Blodget had parted ways from Rap-A-Lot.<ref name="Rowland 1997" /> In 1995 Prince signed the next distribution deal with [[Noo Trybe Records]] and [[Virgin Records]].<ref name="Patoski 2013"/>
Prince signed a deal with [[Priority Records]] in 1991 for distribution,<ref name="NPR.org 2012" /> releasing the Geto Boys third album [[We Can't Be Stopped]].<ref name="Patoski 2013" /> By the mid-1990s co-founder Blodget had parted ways from Rap-A-Lot.<ref name="Rowland 1997" /> In 1995 Prince signed the next distribution deal with [[Noo Trybe Records]] and [[Virgin Records]].<ref name="Patoski 2013"/>


During the 1990s, two [[Drug Enforcement Administration|DEA agents]] placed a probe on Prince and his label, believing the label was a front for a major trafficking network. At this time a concept for a music distribution label that would have acted dually as a union for recording artists was being planned between Prince, [[Suge Knight]], and [[Irv Gotti]] which was eventually cancelled. The two agents were later convicted of [[corruption|corrupt conduct]].<ref name="Department of Justice 2021">{{cite web | title=Former DEA Special Agent Sentenced to Over 13 Years in Prison for Corruption-Related Charges | website=Department of Justice | date=2021-08-12 | url=https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/former-dea-special-agent-sentenced-over-13-years-prison-corruption-related-charges | access-date=2022-11-02}}</ref><ref name="McCONNAUGHEY 2021">{{cite web | last=McConnaughey | first=Janet | title=Former DEA agent sentenced to 13 years in corruption case | website=Los Angeles Times | date=2021-08-12 | url=https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2021-08-12/dea-agent-sentenced-to-13-years-in-corruption-case | access-date=2022-11-02}}</ref><ref name="Lilah 2020">{{cite web | last=Lilah | first=Rose | title=J. Prince Details How DEA Targeted Him, Suge Knight & Irv Gotti Over Black-Owned Distribution Business | website=HotNewHipHop | date=2020-12-23 | url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/338558-j-prince-details-how-dea-targeted-him-suge-knight-and-irv-gotti-after-they-tried-to-start-black-owne-news | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref><ref name="Markman 2011">{{cite web | last=Markman | first=Rob | title=Irv Gotti And Suge Knight Planned To Unionize Artists - News | website=MTV | date=2011-10-10 | url=https://www.mtv.com/news/sn1u54/irv-gotti-suge-knight-union | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref>
During the 1990s, two [[Drug Enforcement Administration|DEA agents]] placed a probe on Prince and his label, believing the label was a front for a major trafficking network. At this time a concept for a music distribution label that would have acted dually as a union for recording artists was being planned between Prince, [[Suge Knight]], and [[Irv Gotti]] which was eventually cancelled. The two agents were later convicted of [[corruption|corrupt conduct]].<ref name="Department of Justice 2021">{{cite web | title=Former DEA Special Agent Sentenced to Over 13 Years in Prison for Corruption-Related Charges | website=Department of Justice | date=2021-08-12 | url=https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/former-dea-special-agent-sentenced-over-13-years-prison-corruption-related-charges | access-date=2022-11-02}}</ref><ref name="McCONNAUGHEY 2021">{{cite web | last=McConnaughey | first=Janet | title=Former DEA agent sentenced to 13 years in corruption case | website=Los Angeles Times | date=2021-08-12 | url=https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2021-08-12/dea-agent-sentenced-to-13-years-in-corruption-case | access-date=2022-11-02}}</ref><ref name="Lilah 2020">{{cite web | last=Lilah | first=Rose | title=J. Prince Details How DEA Targeted Him, Suge Knight & Irv Gotti Over Black-Owned Distribution Business | website=HotNewHipHop | date=2020-12-23 | url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/338558-j-prince-details-how-dea-targeted-him-suge-knight-and-irv-gotti-after-they-tried-to-start-black-owne-news | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref><ref name="Markman 2011">{{cite web | last=Markman | first=Rob | title=Irv Gotti And Suge Knight Planned To Unionize Artists - News | website=MTV | date=2011-10-10 | url=https://www.mtv.com/news/sn1u54/irv-gotti-suge-knight-union | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220831014457/https://www.mtv.com/news/sn1u54/irv-gotti-suge-knight-union | url-status=dead | archive-date=August 31, 2022 | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref>


While the [[East Coast–West Coast hip hop rivalry]] was going on, Prince had suggested out of concern that [[The Notorious B.I.G.]] and manager [[Puff Daddy]] leave Los Angeles for their safety, weeks before the 1997 [[Murder of the Notorious B.I.G.|murder of the rapper]].<ref name="Payne 2018"/>
While the [[East Coast–West Coast hip hop rivalry]] was going on, Prince had suggested out of concern that [[The Notorious B.I.G.]] and manager [[Puff Daddy]] leave Los Angeles for their safety, weeks before the 1997 [[Murder of the Notorious B.I.G.|murder of the rapper]].<ref name="Payne 2018"/>


During [[Destiny's Child]] formative years in the early 1990s, Prince was approached by [[Mathew Knowles]] and one of their managers asking if he would join in, but he declined as their sound did not match his more hip-hop oriented label.<ref name="Donahue 2018"/> Decades later another opportunity came to his 19-year-old son Jas who had reached out to Lil Wayne and Bun B, alerting him of the singer [[Drake (musician)|Drake]] after finding him on [[Myspace]],<ref name="Penrose Penrose 2018" /> suggesting they collaborate together which lead to a label deal with Lil Wayne and features with Bun B on the albums [[So Far Gone (mixtape)|So Far Gone]] and [[Trill OG]].<ref name="Dazed 2021"/><ref name="Miller Miller 2016">{{cite web | last=Miller | first=Jeff | title=Bun B Interviews Rap-A-Lot Records Founder James Prince at SXSW 2016 Keynote | website=Billboard | date=2016-03-18 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/bun-b-sxsw-rap-a-lot-records-founder-james-prince-7263848/ | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref> Jas and Prince Sr. were listed as executive producers or contributors for points on Drake's [[Thank Me Later]], [[Nothing Was the Same]], and other follow up projects as a result of the introduction, as well as entitlement to 33% of his earnings.<ref name="Caldwell 2015">{{cite web | last=Caldwell | first=Brandon | title=A Brief History of Houston Rap Executive J. Prince Defending Everyone from The Geto Boys to Drake | website=Vice | date=2015-02-17 | url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/695wv7/a-brief-history-j-prince-rap-a-lot-drake-birdman-diddy-diss-courtesy-call | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref>
During [[Destiny's Child]] formative years in the early 1990s, Prince was approached by [[Mathew Knowles]] and one of their managers asking if he would join in, but he declined as their sound did not match his more hip-hop oriented label.<ref name="Donahue 2018"/> Decades later another opportunity came to his 19-year-old son Jas who had reached out to Lil Wayne and Bun B, alerting him of the singer [[Drake (musician)|Drake]] after finding him on [[Myspace]],<ref name="Penrose Penrose 2018" /> suggesting they collaborate together which lead to a label deal with Lil Wayne and features with Bun B on the albums [[So Far Gone (mixtape)|So Far Gone]] and [[Trill OG]].<ref name="Dazed 2021"/><ref name="Miller Miller 2016">{{cite magazine | last=Miller | first=Jeff | title=Bun B Interviews Rap-A-Lot Records Founder James Prince at SXSW 2016 Keynote | magazine=Billboard | date=2016-03-18 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/bun-b-sxsw-rap-a-lot-records-founder-james-prince-7263848/ | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref> Jas and Prince Sr. were listed as executive producers or contributors for points on Drake's [[Thank Me Later]], [[Nothing Was the Same]], and other follow up projects as a result of the introduction, as well as entitlement to 33% of his earnings.<ref name="Caldwell 2015">{{cite web | last=Caldwell | first=Brandon | title=A Brief History of Houston Rap Executive J. Prince Defending Everyone from The Geto Boys to Drake | website=Vice | date=2015-02-17 | url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/695wv7/a-brief-history-j-prince-rap-a-lot-drake-birdman-diddy-diss-courtesy-call | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref>


On February 13, 2015, Prince uploaded a spoken word [[diss track]] entitled "Courtesy Call" as a response to [[Sean Combs]] for a conflict he had involving [[Young Money]] artist [[Drake (rapper)|Drake]].<ref name="Thompson 2015">{{cite web | last=Thompson | first=Paul | title=Rap-A-Lot CEO J. Prince Defends Drake, Disses Diddy in New Record | website=XXL Mag | date=2015-02-12 | url=https://www.xxlmag.com/j-prince-drake-diddy-diss-track/ | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref>
On February 13, 2015, Prince uploaded a spoken word [[diss track]] entitled "Courtesy Call" as a response to [[Sean Combs]] for a conflict he had involving [[Young Money]] artist [[Drake (rapper)|Drake]].<ref name="Thompson 2015">{{cite web | last=Thompson | first=Paul | title=Rap-A-Lot CEO J. Prince Defends Drake, Disses Diddy in New Record | website=XXL Mag | date=2015-02-12 | url=https://www.xxlmag.com/j-prince-drake-diddy-diss-track/ | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref>


In 2018 Prince released his autobiography ''The Art & Science of Respect: A Memoir'' with a foreword written by Drake.<ref name="Penrose Penrose 2018"/> In the spring of 2018 after the release of [[The Story of Adidon]], Prince advised Drake not to respond to [[Pusha T]] helping deescalate the issue between the two parties.<ref name="Saponara Saponara 2018">{{cite web | last=Saponara | first=Michael | title=J. Prince on ‘Rules’ for the Drake & Pusha T Feud: ‘You Would Want It to Be Some Rules’ | website=Billboard | date=2018-10-18 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/j-prince-drake-pusha-t-beef-la-leakers-interview-8480681/ | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref>
In 2018 Prince released his autobiography ''The Art & Science of Respect: A Memoir'' with a foreword written by Drake.<ref name="Penrose Penrose 2018"/> In the spring of 2018 after the release of [[The Story of Adidon]], Prince advised Drake not to respond to [[Pusha T]] helping deescalate the issue between the two parties.<ref name="Saponara Saponara 2018">{{cite magazine | last=Saponara | first=Michael | title=J. Prince on 'Rules' for the Drake & Pusha T Feud: 'You Would Want It to Be Some Rules' | magazine=Billboard | date=2018-10-18 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/j-prince-drake-pusha-t-beef-la-leakers-interview-8480681/ | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref>


In 2021 Prince helped revive Drake and Kanye West's relationship with the goal of all three coming together to help [[Larry Hoover]] by raising awareness on [[incarceration in the United States]]. They threw a [[benefit concert]] in December 2021 with support for [[judicial reform]] advocacy groups.<ref name="Los Angeles Times 2021">{{cite web | title=Kanye West and Drake were sworn enemies. Then J. Prince stepped in | website=Los Angeles Times | date=2021-12-09 | url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2021-12-09/j-prince-kanye-west-drake-concert-larry-hoover | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref> The concert was at the [[Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum]] and produced by [[Donda (company)|DONDA]], [[ITC Entertainment]], and PHNTM. It was played in select [[IMAX]] theatres, including [[Grauman's Chinese Theatre]], while being streamed on Amazon's [[Amazon Music|Music]] and [[Prime Video]] services.<ref name="LAT concert 2021">{{cite web | title=Kanye and Drake go big: How to watch their 'Free Larry Hoover' concert in L.A. | website=Los Angeles Times | date=2021-12-09 | url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2021-12-09/how-to-watch-kanye-west-drake-free-larry-hoover-concert-amazon-imax | access-date=2022-11-03}}</ref>
In 2021 Prince helped revive [[Drake-Kanye West feud|Drake and Kanye West's relationship]] with the goal of all three coming together to help [[Larry Hoover]] by raising awareness on [[incarceration in the United States]]. They threw a [[Free Larry Hoover Benefit Concert|benefit concert]] in December 2021 with support for [[judicial reform]] advocacy groups.<ref name="Los Angeles Times 2021">{{cite web | title=Kanye West and Drake were sworn enemies. Then J. Prince stepped in | website=Los Angeles Times | date=2021-12-09 | url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2021-12-09/j-prince-kanye-west-drake-concert-larry-hoover | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref> The concert was at the [[Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum]] and produced by [[Donda (company)|DONDA]] and PHNTM.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Donahue |first=Bill |date=2022-07-14 |title=Ye 'Weaponized Fame' to Stiff Production Company $7M, Lawsuit Claims |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/kanye-west-ye-lawsuit-phantom-labs/ |access-date=2024-05-11 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> It was played in select [[IMAX]] theatres, including [[Grauman's Chinese Theatre]], while being streamed on Amazon's [[Amazon Music|Music]] and [[Prime Video]] services.<ref name="LAT concert 2021">{{cite web | title=Kanye and Drake go big: How to watch their 'Free Larry Hoover' concert in L.A. | website=Los Angeles Times | date=2021-12-09 | url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2021-12-09/how-to-watch-kanye-west-drake-free-larry-hoover-concert-amazon-imax | access-date=2022-11-03}}</ref>


In March 2022 Prince boycotted the [[64th Annual Grammy Awards|Grammy Awards]] over Kanye West having been banned from attending.<ref name="Fitzgerald 2022">{{cite web | last=Fitzgerald | first=Trent | title=J Prince Calls on Kanye West, Drake, Nicki Minaj and Others to Hold Hip-Hop Show Same Night as the Grammys | website=XXL Mag | date=2022-03-22 | url=https://www.xxlmag.com/j-prince-kanye-west-drake-nicki-minaj-hip-hop-show-grammys/ | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref>
In March 2022 Prince boycotted the [[64th Annual Grammy Awards|Grammy Awards]] over Kanye West having been banned from attending.<ref name="Fitzgerald 2022">{{cite web | last=Fitzgerald | first=Trent | title=J Prince Calls on Kanye West, Drake, Nicki Minaj and Others to Hold Hip-Hop Show Same Night as the Grammys | website=XXL Mag | date=2022-03-22 | url=https://www.xxlmag.com/j-prince-kanye-west-drake-nicki-minaj-hip-hop-show-grammys/ | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref>
Line 93: Line 74:
Prince managed Andre Ward after the [[2004 Summer Olympics]], in 2002 Prince called Ward after hearing he was about to quit boxing due to the passing of his father but convinced him to continue his career. They split ways in 2008 due to financial issues also, with each filing a lawsuit with each other over the matter in 2008.<ref name="ESPN 2021"/>
Prince managed Andre Ward after the [[2004 Summer Olympics]], in 2002 Prince called Ward after hearing he was about to quit boxing due to the passing of his father but convinced him to continue his career. They split ways in 2008 due to financial issues also, with each filing a lawsuit with each other over the matter in 2008.<ref name="ESPN 2021"/>


Prince has supervised the careers of 15 other boxers, leading some of the them to their biggest victories, including [[Winky Wright]], [[Jared Anderson (boxer)|Jared Anderson]], [[Roy Jones Jr.]], [[Diego Corrales]], [[Mark Johnson (boxer)|Mark Johnson]], [[Duke Ragan]], [[Efe Ajagba]] and [[Hasim Rahman]].<ref name="Satterfield 2005">{{cite web | last=Satterfield | first=Lem | title=Accomplished Prince to manage Rahman | website=Baltimore Sun | date=2005-02-24 | url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2005-02-24-0502240071-story.html | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref><ref name="ESPN 2021">{{cite web | last=Woodyard | first=Eric | title=How J. Prince helped bring Floyd Mayweather, Andre Ward and now Shakur Stevenson to boxing glory | website=ESPN.com | date=2021-10-22 | url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/32444822/how-j-prince-helped-bring-floyd-mayweather-andre-ward-now-shakur-stevenson-boxing-glory | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref><ref name="Dazed 2021"/>
Prince has supervised the careers of 15 other boxers, leading some of them to their biggest victories, including [[Winky Wright]], [[Jared Anderson (boxer)|Jared Anderson]], [[Roy Jones Jr.]], [[Diego Corrales]], [[Mark Johnson (boxer)|Mark Johnson]], [[Duke Ragan]], [[Efe Ajagba]] and [[Hasim Rahman]].<ref name="Satterfield 2005">{{cite web | last=Satterfield | first=Lem | title=Accomplished Prince to manage Rahman | website=Baltimore Sun | date=2005-02-24 | url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2005-02-24-0502240071-story.html | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref><ref name="ESPN 2021">{{cite web | last=Woodyard | first=Eric | title=How J. Prince helped bring Floyd Mayweather, Andre Ward and now Shakur Stevenson to boxing glory | website=ESPN.com | date=2021-10-22 | url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/32444822/how-j-prince-helped-bring-floyd-mayweather-andre-ward-now-shakur-stevenson-boxing-glory | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref><ref name="Dazed 2021"/>


===Other ventures===
===Other ventures===
In 2006 Prince founded condom company ''Strapped'', after a close friend contracted [[HIV]] drastically going from 300 pounds to 75 pounds, passing away afterwards. He had the idea for the company since 2002. The company primarily served the Houston area,<ref name="Serrano 2008">{{cite web | last=Serrano | first=Shea | title=Strapped-a-Lot | website=Houston Press | date=2008-03-05 | url=https://www.houstonpress.com/music/strapped-a-lot-6540759 | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref> and has been represented by artists like [[Lil Wayne]].<ref name="Johnson 2008">{{cite web | last=Johnson | first=Nate | title=Strapped Condoms Taps Lil Wayne for Campaign AVN | website=AVN | date=2008-03-01 | url=https://avn.com/business/articles/novelty/strapped-condoms-taps-lil-wayne-for-campaign-25160.html | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref>
In 2006 Prince founded condom company ''Strapped'', after a close friend contracted [[HIV]] drastically going from 300 pounds to 75 pounds, passing away afterwards. He had the idea for the company since 2002. The company primarily served the Houston area, educating youth about HIV/AIDS prevention and hosting events set up to address [[HIV/AIDS in the United States|the issue of AIDS in the Black community]],<ref name="Serrano 2008">{{cite web | last=Serrano | first=Shea | title=Strapped-a-Lot | website=Houston Press | date=2008-03-05 | url=https://www.houstonpress.com/music/strapped-a-lot-6540759 | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref> and has been represented by artists like [[Lil Wayne]].<ref name="Johnson 2008">{{cite web | last=Johnson | first=Nate | title=Strapped Condoms Taps Lil Wayne for Campaign AVN | website=AVN | date=2008-03-01 | url=https://avn.com/business/articles/novelty/strapped-condoms-taps-lil-wayne-for-campaign-25160.html | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref>


For over two decades Prince has operated a 1200-acre ranch for raising [[Aberdeen Angus|black angus cattle]] and [[hay]].<ref name="Kenner 2011"/><ref name="Dazed 2021"/>
For over two decades Prince has operated a 1200-acre ranch for raising [[Aberdeen Angus|black angus cattle]] and [[hay]].<ref name="Kenner 2011"/><ref name="Dazed 2021"/>
Line 104: Line 85:
==Philanthropy==
==Philanthropy==
In January 2007, Houston Mayor [[Bill White (Texas politician)|Bill White]] and the [[Houston City Council|City Council]] honored Prince for over 20 years of commitment and dedication to the city.<ref name="City Council">[http://www.houstontx.gov/citysec/agenda/2007/20070130.pdf City Council Chamber, City Hall, Tuesday, January 30, 2007]</ref> The result of the proclamation named an official James Prince Day in Houston. The recognition came after a recreation center Prince built in Houston's [[Fifth Ward, Houston|5th Ward]]. The facility has since been used to host events relating to Christmas, Thanksgiving, and [[First day of school|back to school]] events.<ref name=" TSU 2011"/>
In January 2007, Houston Mayor [[Bill White (Texas politician)|Bill White]] and the [[Houston City Council|City Council]] honored Prince for over 20 years of commitment and dedication to the city.<ref name="City Council">[http://www.houstontx.gov/citysec/agenda/2007/20070130.pdf City Council Chamber, City Hall, Tuesday, January 30, 2007]</ref> The result of the proclamation named an official James Prince Day in Houston. The recognition came after a recreation center Prince built in Houston's [[Fifth Ward, Houston|5th Ward]]. The facility has since been used to host events relating to Christmas, Thanksgiving, and [[First day of school|back to school]] events.<ref name=" TSU 2011"/>

One week later, he educated youth about HIV/AIDS prevention and testing with the launching of his Strapped condom brand, in coordination with a string of initiatives and events set up to address [[HIV/AIDS in the United States|the issue of AIDS in the Black community]].


In 2007 his condom company Strapped gave over 7,500 free HIV tests for people aged 18–24 at the Hip-Hop 4 HIV concert at [[Reliant Stadium]].<ref name="Serrano 2008"/>
In 2007 his condom company Strapped gave over 7,500 free HIV tests for people aged 18–24 at the Hip-Hop 4 HIV concert at [[Reliant Stadium]].<ref name="Serrano 2008"/>
Line 119: Line 98:


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Prince has 7 children, including 3 sons, J Prince Jr., Jas, and Jay "Baby Jay" who also work in the music and boxing industries.<ref name="Dazed 2021"/><ref name="Penrose Penrose 2018">{{cite web | last=Penrose | first=Nerisha | title=Read the Foreword Drake Penned For J. Prince's ‘The Art & Science of Respect’ | website=Billboard | date=2018-06-07 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/drake-j-prince-foreword-the-art-and-science-of-respect-8459851/ | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref> He has been married to his wife since the late 1980s.<ref name="City Council"/>
Prince has 7 children, including 3 sons, J Prince Jr., Jas, and Jay "Baby Jay" who also work in the music and boxing industries.<ref name="Dazed 2021"/><ref name="Penrose Penrose 2018">{{cite magazine | last=Penrose | first=Nerisha | title=Read the Foreword Drake Penned For J. Prince's 'The Art & Science of Respect' | magazine=Billboard | date=2018-06-07 | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/drake-j-prince-foreword-the-art-and-science-of-respect-8459851/ | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref> He has been married to his wife since the late 1980s.<ref name="City Council"/>


Prince Sr. is a practicing Christian.<ref name="Payne 2018">{{cite web | last=Payne | first=Ogden | title=Inside The Entrepreneurial Rise Of Rap-A-Lot Records CEO James Prince | website=Forbes | date=2018-07-30 | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ogdenpayne/2018/07/30/inside-the-entrepreneurial-rise-of-rap-a-lot-records-ceo-james-prince/ | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref><ref name=" TSU 2011"/> Prince has an island in [[Belize]] known as the Prince Island.<ref name="Kenner 2011"/><ref name="Knapp 2018"/>
Prince Sr. is a practicing Christian.<ref name="Payne 2018">{{cite web | last=Payne | first=Ogden | title=Inside The Entrepreneurial Rise Of Rap-A-Lot Records CEO James Prince | website=Forbes | date=2018-07-30 | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ogdenpayne/2018/07/30/inside-the-entrepreneurial-rise-of-rap-a-lot-records-ceo-james-prince/ | access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref><ref name=" TSU 2011"/> Prince has an island in [[Belize]] known as the Prince Island.<ref name="Kenner 2011"/><ref name="Knapp 2018"/>

Latest revision as of 20:42, 27 June 2024

"James L. Smith" redirects here. For the author of the 1881 slave narrative, see James Lindsay Smith.
For the Gospel Soca artiste and music producer from Trinidad and Tobago, see J Prince.
J. Prince
Birth nameJames L. Smith
Also known as
  • Lil J
Born (1965-10-31) October 31, 1965 (age 58)
Houston, Texas, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Record executive
  • talent manager
  • music promoter
Years active1986–present
Labels

James Prince (born James L. Smith; October 31, 1965)[1] is an American record executive, music promoter and talent manager. He founded the Houston-based record label Rap-A-Lot Records in 1986, which has signed artists including UGK, Geto Boys, Scarface, Bun B, Juvenile, Z-Ro, Finesse2tymes, and Devin the Dude. He and his son Jas have been credited as an early career mentors for Canadian rapper Drake.[2][3][4][5]

Prince has also managed professional boxers such as Floyd Mayweather Jr., Andre Ward, and Shakur Stevenson.

Early life

[edit]

Prince was born to 16 year old mother Sharon Johnson with an older sister Zenia and younger half-brother Thelton. They grew up in Fifth Ward, Houston's 'Bloody Nickel' apartments which were known for cocaine use and poverty.[6] He played football and had an entrepreneurial spirit since a young age. From the age of 7 years old he would mow his neighbours yards in Shady Acres, play craps, sell stolen marijuana plants, and work on a welding truck for money.[3][7]

His sister died from getting hit by a train while walking home from school. Amongst other turbulence, friends and family were going to jail while Prince was rotating from school to school and between different homes. He graduated from Kashmere High School.[8]

Career

[edit]

Prince was working as a bank teller in 1985 in the fault department, then getting laid off at the age of 20.[8][9] The initial goal prior to the label was to keep his younger stepbrother known as the rapper Sir Rap-A-Lot out of street life, as well as friends Raheem and Jukebox from skipping school. They would meet on the porch of his grandmothers house to perform and practice.[7] After purchasing an abandoned building, he turned the property into a used car dealership, known as Smith Auto Sales on the west side of Houston. At first he sold bucket cars,then moving on to exotic cars which athletes would come and purchase.[8] The same rundown two-story building that Prince owned, was where the artists then moved on to record into during 1986.[10]

Prince co-founded Rap-A-Lot Records with Cliff Blodget, a Seattleite,[10][11][12] in 1987. Bloget was a computer science major,[9] who was an electrical engineer by trade and acted as the label's in-house engineer and producer alongside fellow producer Carl Stephenson.[13][10] Prince used his last bit of funds to invest into the label. He was inspired by Russell Simmons and the label he co-founded Def Jam Recordings. He moved the company in 1988 to New York City with Blodget. Around this time Lyor Cohen would show Prince check books of Def Jam artists LL Cool J and Whodini which showed him the potential revenue to be made in the music industry enlightening him to continue his vision with the Geto Boys moving the whole label back to Houston.[8][7]

The first group he formed in the label was the Geto Boys. Prince found members Bushwick Bill when he was performing as a dancer at a club, Willie D through the recommendation of his barber,[1] and Scarface in the parking lot of a club he owned playing demos to a DJ who worked there. His brother was a member but then was replaced at Prince's discretion with Scarface. This was confirmed from a freestyle battle against each other where Scarface outperformed Sir Rap-A-Lot, with the younger brother then agreeing that was the better direction for the group also.[7] Using local radio stations like KTSU to spread the reach of the label's music,[14] his first deal came in 1989 via Rick Rubin working with the Geto Boys on their 2nd album Grip It! On That Other Level.[6]

Geffen Records who had been working with Rubin pulled the project a week before its release to the lyrical nature of the album, despite claims of racism and hypocrisy made by the Geto Boys and the fact that independently the album already had sold over 500,000 copies.[15] The controversy lead to Rubin splitting from Geffen and signing with Warner Records with the album being pushed there instead, it tripled the total sales of the project.

Prior to the success of Ice Ice Baby, Prince wanted to sign rapper Vanilla Ice after seeing him perform in 1990 at The Summit. He did not follow through as a result of his business partner Blodget feeling that the artist lacked talent.[16]

Prince signed a deal with Priority Records in 1991 for distribution,[6] releasing the Geto Boys third album We Can't Be Stopped.[11] By the mid-1990s co-founder Blodget had parted ways from Rap-A-Lot.[13] In 1995 Prince signed the next distribution deal with Noo Trybe Records and Virgin Records.[11]

During the 1990s, two DEA agents placed a probe on Prince and his label, believing the label was a front for a major trafficking network. At this time a concept for a music distribution label that would have acted dually as a union for recording artists was being planned between Prince, Suge Knight, and Irv Gotti which was eventually cancelled. The two agents were later convicted of corrupt conduct.[17][18][19][20]

While the East Coast–West Coast hip hop rivalry was going on, Prince had suggested out of concern that The Notorious B.I.G. and manager Puff Daddy leave Los Angeles for their safety, weeks before the 1997 murder of the rapper.[21]

During Destiny's Child formative years in the early 1990s, Prince was approached by Mathew Knowles and one of their managers asking if he would join in, but he declined as their sound did not match his more hip-hop oriented label.[2] Decades later another opportunity came to his 19-year-old son Jas who had reached out to Lil Wayne and Bun B, alerting him of the singer Drake after finding him on Myspace,[22] suggesting they collaborate together which lead to a label deal with Lil Wayne and features with Bun B on the albums So Far Gone and Trill OG.[3][16] Jas and Prince Sr. were listed as executive producers or contributors for points on Drake's Thank Me Later, Nothing Was the Same, and other follow up projects as a result of the introduction, as well as entitlement to 33% of his earnings.[23]

On February 13, 2015, Prince uploaded a spoken word diss track entitled "Courtesy Call" as a response to Sean Combs for a conflict he had involving Young Money artist Drake.[24]

In 2018 Prince released his autobiography The Art & Science of Respect: A Memoir with a foreword written by Drake.[22] In the spring of 2018 after the release of The Story of Adidon, Prince advised Drake not to respond to Pusha T helping deescalate the issue between the two parties.[25]

In 2021 Prince helped revive Drake and Kanye West's relationship with the goal of all three coming together to help Larry Hoover by raising awareness on incarceration in the United States. They threw a benefit concert in December 2021 with support for judicial reform advocacy groups.[26] The concert was at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and produced by DONDA and PHNTM.[27] It was played in select IMAX theatres, including Grauman's Chinese Theatre, while being streamed on Amazon's Music and Prime Video services.[28]

In March 2022 Prince boycotted the Grammy Awards over Kanye West having been banned from attending.[29]

In November 2022, after the death of rapper Takeoff in Houston, Prince issued condolences[30] and set up a memorial at the site of the incident.[31]

Boxing

[edit]

Prince was an avid fan of boxing growing up, being an amateur fighter and a fan of promoter Don King.[7] He became a manager for boxers as a way to get into that industry. He opened a boxing gym in Fifth Ward, Houston around 1999 known as JPrince Boxing which later became part of the multi-million dollar Prince Boxing Complex,[3] under the umbrella of Prince Boxing Enterprises.[32] Prince had the intention of meeting Mike Tyson in Las Vegas to manage the boxer, he was instead approached by Floyd Mayweather Jr. who was also a fan of his label. After being ignored by Tyson, Prince decided to go with managing Mayweather.[4] They settled on a 20% deal which was 10% higher than the management deal he had with his father Floyd Mayweather Sr. supervising, as well as the potential opportunity to start a rap career over at his record label.[33] The management relationship ended in 2003 due to financial differences between the two.

Prince managed Andre Ward after the 2004 Summer Olympics, in 2002 Prince called Ward after hearing he was about to quit boxing due to the passing of his father but convinced him to continue his career. They split ways in 2008 due to financial issues also, with each filing a lawsuit with each other over the matter in 2008.[4]

Prince has supervised the careers of 15 other boxers, leading some of them to their biggest victories, including Winky Wright, Jared Anderson, Roy Jones Jr., Diego Corrales, Mark Johnson, Duke Ragan, Efe Ajagba and Hasim Rahman.[34][4][3]

Other ventures

[edit]

In 2006 Prince founded condom company Strapped, after a close friend contracted HIV drastically going from 300 pounds to 75 pounds, passing away afterwards. He had the idea for the company since 2002. The company primarily served the Houston area, educating youth about HIV/AIDS prevention and hosting events set up to address the issue of AIDS in the Black community,[35] and has been represented by artists like Lil Wayne.[36]

For over two decades Prince has operated a 1200-acre ranch for raising black angus cattle and hay.[7][3]

In 2020 he launched Loyalty, a liquor and wine brand.[37][3]

Philanthropy

[edit]

In January 2007, Houston Mayor Bill White and the City Council honored Prince for over 20 years of commitment and dedication to the city.[32] The result of the proclamation named an official James Prince Day in Houston. The recognition came after a recreation center Prince built in Houston's 5th Ward. The facility has since been used to host events relating to Christmas, Thanksgiving, and back to school events.[14]

In 2007 his condom company Strapped gave over 7,500 free HIV tests for people aged 18–24 at the Hip-Hop 4 HIV concert at Reliant Stadium.[35]

In December 2007 Prince donated $100,000 to Bread of Life's Meals that Heal program in Houston.[38]

Legacy

[edit]

In June 2010, J Prince was honored alongside Master P, Jermaine Dupri, Timbaland, and Slick Rick at the VH1 7th annual Hip Hop Honors Awards for both his creative contributions and his philanthropic ventures.[39]

In 2011, a limited edition DVD box set was released by Rap-A-Lot with appearances from several rappers, including Rick Ross and Young Jeezy and industry execs such as Lyor Cohen, Russell Simmons among several others praising Prince.[40]

In 2019 Prince received an honorary doctorate degree in the form of a doctorate of humane letters from Texas Southern University. This was received in part to his commitment at the university giving guest lectures to students, offering Rap-A-Lot internships, and endowed scholarships to their students in need of financial assistance.[41][14]

Personal life

[edit]

Prince has 7 children, including 3 sons, J Prince Jr., Jas, and Jay "Baby Jay" who also work in the music and boxing industries.[3][22] He has been married to his wife since the late 1980s.[32]

Prince Sr. is a practicing Christian.[21][14] Prince has an island in Belize known as the Prince Island.[7][8]

At the age of 23 he purchased a house for his mother and a 30 acre ranch.[3]

Discography

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Chadbourne, Eugene. "James "Lil. J." Smith Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More". AllMusic. Retrieved 2022-11-02.
  2. ^ a b Donahue, Ann (2018-12-05). "James Prince Opens Up About Drake and Beyonce". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Behind the scenes with Houston rap royalty, the Prince family". Dazed. 2021-05-04. Retrieved 2022-11-02.
  4. ^ a b c d Woodyard, Eric (2021-10-22). "How J. Prince helped bring Floyd Mayweather, Andre Ward and now Shakur Stevenson to boxing glory". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  5. ^ "Houston Rap Mogul James Prince Was Never Content With Just Getting By". Houstonpublicmedia.com. December 4, 2018.
  6. ^ a b c "'It Was Like Flies To Honey': 25 Years Of Rap-A-Lot Records". NPR.org. 2012-02-10. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g Kenner, Rob (2011-12-04). "Interview: J. Prince Talks About The Rise Of Rap-A-Lot Records". Complex. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  8. ^ a b c d e Knapp, Gwendolyn (2018-10-22). "James Prince Has Made It". Houstonia Magazine. Retrieved 2022-11-02.
  9. ^ a b "The Geto Boys, Beating the Murder Rap". Washington Post. 1991-12-15. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  10. ^ a b c "Pen & Pixel: The Graphic Design Duo That Helped Bling Hip-Hop". Red Bull Music Academy Daily. 2019-08-13. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  11. ^ a b c Patoski, Joe Nick (2013-01-21). "Money in the Making". Texas Monthly. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  12. ^ "Brewer's Ads Rapped". Washington Post. 1991-09-04. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  13. ^ a b Rowland, Hobart (1997-12-04). "Static". Houston Press. Retrieved 2022-11-02.
  14. ^ a b c d "Texas Southern University - Texas Southern to recognize James Prince with Honorary Degree". Home. 2011-12-19. Retrieved 2022-11-07.
  15. ^ Pareles, John (August 28, 1990). "Distributor Withdraws Rap Album Over Lyrics". The New York Times. Retrieved 1 November 2022.
  16. ^ a b Miller, Jeff (2016-03-18). "Bun B Interviews Rap-A-Lot Records Founder James Prince at SXSW 2016 Keynote". Billboard. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  17. ^ "Former DEA Special Agent Sentenced to Over 13 Years in Prison for Corruption-Related Charges". Department of Justice. 2021-08-12. Retrieved 2022-11-02.
  18. ^ McConnaughey, Janet (2021-08-12). "Former DEA agent sentenced to 13 years in corruption case". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2022-11-02.
  19. ^ Lilah, Rose (2020-12-23). "J. Prince Details How DEA Targeted Him, Suge Knight & Irv Gotti Over Black-Owned Distribution Business". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  20. ^ Markman, Rob (2011-10-10). "Irv Gotti And Suge Knight Planned To Unionize Artists - News". MTV. Archived from the original on August 31, 2022. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  21. ^ a b Payne, Ogden (2018-07-30). "Inside The Entrepreneurial Rise Of Rap-A-Lot Records CEO James Prince". Forbes. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  22. ^ a b c Penrose, Nerisha (2018-06-07). "Read the Foreword Drake Penned For J. Prince's 'The Art & Science of Respect'". Billboard. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  23. ^ Caldwell, Brandon (2015-02-17). "A Brief History of Houston Rap Executive J. Prince Defending Everyone from The Geto Boys to Drake". Vice. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  24. ^ Thompson, Paul (2015-02-12). "Rap-A-Lot CEO J. Prince Defends Drake, Disses Diddy in New Record". XXL Mag. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  25. ^ Saponara, Michael (2018-10-18). "J. Prince on 'Rules' for the Drake & Pusha T Feud: 'You Would Want It to Be Some Rules'". Billboard. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  26. ^ "Kanye West and Drake were sworn enemies. Then J. Prince stepped in". Los Angeles Times. 2021-12-09. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  27. ^ Donahue, Bill (2022-07-14). "Ye 'Weaponized Fame' to Stiff Production Company $7M, Lawsuit Claims". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-05-11.
  28. ^ "Kanye and Drake go big: How to watch their 'Free Larry Hoover' concert in L.A." Los Angeles Times. 2021-12-09. Retrieved 2022-11-03.
  29. ^ Fitzgerald, Trent (2022-03-22). "J Prince Calls on Kanye West, Drake, Nicki Minaj and Others to Hold Hip-Hop Show Same Night as the Grammys". XXL Mag. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  30. ^ Price, Joe (2022-11-03). "J. Prince Offers Condolences and Addresses Takeoff's Death". Complex. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  31. ^ Blake, Cole (2022-11-13). "J. Prince Sets Up Memorial At Site Of Takeoff's Death". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  32. ^ a b c City Council Chamber, City Hall, Tuesday, January 30, 2007
  33. ^ "Mayweathers' Rift Beyond Help". Los Angeles Times. 2001-01-13. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  34. ^ Satterfield, Lem (2005-02-24). "Accomplished Prince to manage Rahman". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  35. ^ a b Serrano, Shea (2008-03-05). "Strapped-a-Lot". Houston Press. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  36. ^ Johnson, Nate (2008-03-01). "Strapped Condoms Taps Lil Wayne for Campaign AVN". AVN. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  37. ^ "Money, Power, Respect: Catching up with the multitalented J. Prince". New Pittsburgh Courier. 2020-12-16. Retrieved 2022-11-02.
  38. ^ "Rap-A-Lot Founder J Prince Donates $100,000 to Meals that Heal Program". XXL Mag. 2007-12-18. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  39. ^ Newswire, PR (2010-05-10). "'2010 VH1 Hip Hop Honors: The Dirty South' To Premiere On VH1 Monday, June 7 at 9PM ET/PT --Actor/Comedian Craig Robinson ("The Office") Will Host --Taped from NYC's Hammerstein Ballroom And Featuring Honorees Jermaine Dupri, J Prince of Rap-A-Lot Records". CNBC. Retrieved 2022-11-03.
  40. ^ Kenner, Rob (2011-11-22). "J. Prince Speaks On Rap-A-Lot Anniversary and Doing The Drake Deal". Complex. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  41. ^ Young, Matt (2019-05-14). "TSU to give Rap-A-Lot founder J. Prince honorary doctorate degree". Chron. Retrieved 2022-11-07.

Further reading

[edit]
  • James Prince; Jasmine D. Waters; Pilar Sanders (2018). The Art & Science of Respect: A Memoir by James Prince. N-The-Water Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9998-3701-6.
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