James John
James John is the lead MC of the Cleveland-based hip-hop duo, Divine Minds. Most recently, frequent collaborator SoulKlap and James John formed the group Forever Infinite.
James John and producer Mike A. have been lifelong friends as well as lifelong music fanatics. Their passion for music spawned a partnership after their graduation from Shaker Heights High School in 2004. From that point, they began to create a sound and lane of their own. Their unique and authentic sound has gained a strong reputation amongst fans and industry people, alike.
James John and Mike A. initially took the music world and blogosphere by storm with a divinely sounding, masterful debut album, Divine Intervention. Since the inception of Divine Minds, they have recorded several successful mixtapes including the 2010 release Give Up the Sticks hosted by Mick Boogie and Terry Urban. They also have recorded two underground classic LP’s (Divine Intervention and Divine Minds and SoulKlap present The Quan). It is their devotion to creating genuine music listeners can relate to that keeps the duo hungry, yet grounded. It is easy to tell that each track the duo produces, from the production to the story-telling and creative lyrics, is carefully crafted.
James John is particularly known for his superb delivery and continually garners comparisons to the late, great Big L. Many of his mixtapes showcase his Native Tongues-esque rhyming ability over rare instrumentals that many MCs would not dare to touch, while his LPs are more focus more on the human condition, social issues and relationships.
Since their inception, Divine Minds have thrived off the energy of live performances. Their shows are both memorable and engaging for fans. With over five years of experience performing live, the duo has performed in a wide range of venues, while headlining shows as well as opening for major label artists B.o.B., Wiz Khalifa, Lupe Fiasco, Too $hort, Stalley and Bizzy Bone.
Keep an eye and an ear out for Divine Minds because there is plenty of exciting and original music to be heard from them for a long time to come. Don’t hesitate to book them for your party or show! If you‘re organizing an event, you can rest assured Divine Minds will get the crowd moving. If you haven’t experienced a Divine Minds album or performance, the time is now!
To request an interview, feature or to book James John, contact divineminds.music@gmail.com.
Links:
JamesJohnofDivineMinds.bandcamp.com – Official Music Releases
Twitter.com/jamesjohndm98
Audio: (If audio does not appear right away, please refresh browser.)
St. Free Street – (Official Mixtape) – April 2011
From: Here. To: Pollux. – (Official Mixtape) – December 2010
Divine Minds and SoulKlap present Give Up the Sticks – Hosted by Mick Boogie and Terry Urban presented by The Higher Plane – (Official Mixtape) – August 2010
Badu in the Basement – (Official Mixtape) – February 2010
On: Black Coffee, Peace and Progression – (Official Mixtape) – September 2009
Divine Minds presents Divine Intervention – (Official Album) – June 2009
Divine Minds and SoulKlap present The Quan – (Official Album) – March 2009
Video:
Divine Minds & SoulKlap – NEW KiNG – Official Music Video
Live at The Grog Shop Cleveland (Part 1)
Live at The Grog Shop Cleveland (Part 2)
Live at The Grog Shop Cleveland (Part 3)
Interviews:
Interview with KevinNottingham.com
A Conversation with James John
A Conversation with James John & SoulKlap (Part 1)
A Conversation with James John & SoulKlap (Part 2)
Reviews:
Review of Divine Minds and SoulKlap present Give Up the Sticks by SoulCulture
(4 out of 5)
