#FMSpotlight: Jake James – “High Grade” (Listen)

Jake James unveils the sacrifices he’s made, which resulted in a successful career in “High Grade.” 

Although others tend to see the glory of making it, James gives them a more realistic view of what happens behind the scenes. The rapper’s lyrics correlate with a preppy instrumental that holds pop/trap elements. 

Not to mention, James showcases a more vulnerable side when talking about the bonds that diminished while chasing stardom. 

He raps, “I wish I could tell you that I f*cked up/Without a doubt look at what it made me/ I know all this money drive you crazy/Had no luck at love/I know I’m the one to blame/I ain’t made it home for months only sleeping.”

However, being a notable figure in the rap game has its perks. Not only is Jake James able to live luxuriously. But he’s also doing what he loves and gets a bag for it. 

“This the life that they dream to get a taste of/Wait until you see the lights in the city of your own,” he spits. 

Rather than work himself up over failed relationships and severed ties, he works harder because “after everything I lost it get hard to feel the pain.”

This summer, Jake James released his debut EP, Letter of Intent. He also performed to a sold-out crowd in Atlanta at his EP release show. Currently, the New York-based artist is teasing his forthcoming EP. 

Listen to “High Grade” by Jake James below: