We caught up with the brilliant and insightful James Klynn a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
James, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
I’ve been immersed in several projects that are significant to me. One of which, deeply rooted in my love for Hip Hop, is titled “Thus Far.” This project is executive produced by my good brother, Appel Jax. While we were in New York working on a film project in the summer of 2019, I shared some demos with him. He immediately resonated with the music and proposed, “Let me produce a project for you, on some real Hip Hop shit.” This album is a heartfelt tribute to the golden age of our culture, drawing inspiration from legends like Nas, Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def), and Jay-Z. It encapsulates my life experiences up until now. We have released 3 songs from this project, Deja Vu, SHOOK, and When The Darkness Falls which can be streamed at MyFreedomHall.com and all streaming services.
Additionally, I am collaborating on a more experimental project with my brothers PaperWater. Though it remains untitled, this work serves as an ode to Black House music, with its roots deeply planted in Detroit, MI. Our aim is to reignite the joy of dance with powerful rhythms and uplifting affirmations. Working with PaperWater is a seamless and joyous process; we often record three to four tracks within a mere two to three hours.
The third project I’m currently developing also remains untitled. This piece is a more stripped-down version of raw Hip Hop—minimalistic, with barely any drums and no traditional song structures, just pure beats and rhymes. The inception of this project was serendipitous; I was cleaning the house, streaming beats on YouTube, when one particular track captivated me, compelling me to pause everything and find out who made it. I discovered the work of THYO and became an instant fan. I reached out to him, and he graciously agreed to collaborate. Despite the distance—THYO being based in Bulgaria and myself in the U.S.—we’ve been diligently crafting demos and sharing our creative visions over the past few months.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My journey into writing began in high school, when my English teacher read a poem I wrote and encouraged me to continue exploring this creative path. I took that advice to heart, writing diligently every day. With my deep love for Hip Hop, this naturally evolved into writing songs and recording demos.
What distinguishes me from other artists is my unique blend of personal experience and artistic taste. My story, filled with its own challenges and triumphs, is the primary source of inspiration for my work. Each song, each verse, is a reflection of my journey, making my music deeply personal and authentic. I believe that storytelling is at the heart of great music, and my story is one that no other artist can tell. It’s a narrative that is uniquely mine, rich with experiences that have shaped who I am and the music I create.
Growing up in Brooklyn in the 90’s has instilled in me a sense of resilience and determination. This background has fueled my drive to succeed and has been a significant influence on my artistry. I often draw from these experiences to write songs that resonate with authenticity and raw emotion. When I reflect on where I come from and where I am today, I feel an immense sense of pride. The journey has not been easy, but every challenge has contributed to my growth as an artist and as an individual.
One of my proudest achievements is the body of work I’ve created. Each project, each song, is a testament to my dedication and hard work. I’ve poured my heart and soul into my music, striving to create something that not only tells my story but also resonates with others. The process of creating music is profoundly personal for me; it’s about channeling my experiences, my joys, and my struggles into something beautiful and meaningful.
Looking ahead, I am excited about the future and the projects I have in the pipeline. There is so much more I want to explore and express through my music. My journey is far from over, and I am committed to continuing to grow and evolve as an artist. I hope to inspire others with my story and my music, to show that no matter where you come from, with passion and perseverance, you can achieve your dreams.
Have you ever had to pivot?
I wouldn’t say it was a complete pivot; it still remained within the realm of music. In 2016 and 2017, I had the opportunity to teach young men at a detention center in West Palm Beach. This experience was incredibly meaningful to me, and I embraced it wholeheartedly. It was a chance to pass down the rich history of our culture—how young men and women in New York City during the 1970s and 80s created something powerful and transformative for themselves when the world seemed to have given up on them. I was able to mentor a group of young emcees, guiding them on their journey as artists.
More importantly, I wanted to share with them the invaluable gift of expression. Given their circumstances, where their mental health could quickly deteriorate, writing became a crucial tool. It allowed them to articulate their innermost thoughts and feelings, providing a therapeutic outlet when they felt isolated and voiceless. Through writing, they could explore their emotions and experiences, fostering a sense of connection and understanding within themselves and each other.
Building on this experience, I developed a comprehensive curriculum designed to teach the power of expression through writing and music. Since my time at the detention center, I have partnered with various poetry organizations, churches, and schools to bring this curriculum to a wider audience around the country. These partnerships have enabled me to reach diverse groups of young people, helping them find their voices and use writing as a means of self-expression and healing.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
I firmly believe that if people truly understood the pivotal role that art plays in our everyday lives, there would be a deeper appreciation for the work of artists and creatives. We bring beauty into the world, illuminating the shared human experience and reminding people that they are not alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: MyFreedomHall.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesklynn/
- Linkedin: https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/cx/22/04/contact-us-tp?src=li-dynamic&veh=DAxHighxGrowthxIndustriesxENGxALEADSxBLTPx1160xImproveYourCandidateOutreachStarsxACndtStarsGxWCxQ3FY23xNAMERx&trk=DAxHighxGrowthxIndustriesxENGxALEADSxBLTPx1160xImproveYourCandidateOutreachStarsxACndtStarsGxWCxQ3FY23xNAMERx&mcid=7028481942354366465&li_fat_id=708465e0-e85b-4243-898c-a2bfde748068
- Twitter: https://x.com/JamesKlynn?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwoYwedFSqqwQiw_jNRpRSA
Image Credits
Art by Kat Gracés Photos by Passion Ward and Ken