Do y’all even know who James Blake is? It’s funny to me because I’m starting to see people just now catching the wave, but I’ve watched this guy evolve from an “experimental” niche artist into one of the most diverse powerhouses in the game. He is fully integrated into Hip Hop as a writer, producer, and artist, but it seems like the mainstream never knew!

The Ultimate Collaborator

If you look at the credits, the list is insane. He’s worked with:

• Travis Scott & Kendrick Lamar
• Frank Ocean & Metro Boomin
• Lil Yachty, JID, & Chance the Rapper
• André 3000, Kanye West, & Don Toliver

Some of my personal favorite Hip Hop tracks featuring his touch are Let Her Go (Don Toliver), Life Round Here (Chance the Rapper), Mile High (Travis Scott), and Hummingbird (Metro Boomin). And don’t sleep on Doesn’t Just Happen featuring Dave off the new project—that UK connection is heavy.

From “Wilhelm Scream” to “Retrograde”

I first heard The Wilhelm Scream on a TV show and looked him up immediately. The sound was so different—captivating, really. I kept him in the loop, and when the Overgrown album dropped with Retrograde, I was locked in. That song is absolute fire and it always will be.

Over the years, I’ve followed his journey. I wasn’t drawn in by every single project, but once he linked up with Chance the Rapper, I was like, “Ooohhhhkaaaayyyyy,” and really started watching his growth within the Hip Hop scene. Whether he’s producing behind the scenes or contributing those dope vocals, he compliments the music perfectly. Any beat, Blake will kill it.

The New Album: A Masterclass in Emotion

His new album, Trying Times, is perfectly titled. Every track addresses an emotion or a situation perfectly over a variety of beats and instrumentals. I love how he switches up mid-track to convey the feeling of the topic he’s singing about. To me, this is his most complete body of work, and the visuals are on point.

My Standout Tracks:

• Doesn’t Just Happen
• Walk Out Music
• Through the High Wire
• Days Go By
• Death of Love
• Make Something Up
• Trying Times

The production is so different from his older stuff. The drums are simple and soft, and the strings are heavy—it actually reminds me of Bob Dylan’s Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door. Also, Rest of Your Life stood out because it gives me those NYC Rage Fest (Kid Cudi) vibes.

The Verdict

James Blake’s growth and his impact on Hip Hop deserve way more recognition. Artists clearly love working with him, and I hope more fans start taking notice. Expand your mind and your ears past the high-tempo instrumentals and heavy 808s. Get some of this electronic, soulful Hip Hop blend in your life.