Boldy James Talks About Detroit, Alchemist, Griselda, Social Media Impact On The Streets

Boldy James "Off The Porch" Interview
Last week we sat down with Detroit’s Boldy James fro an exclusive “Off The Porch” interview! During our conversation he talked about currently being on the NBA Leather tour with Action Bronson & Earl Sweatshirt, growing up on the Eastside & Westside of Detroit, jumping off the porch in the 4th grade, his dad being a cop when he was growing up, the new generation in Detroit not having morals, social media’s impact on the streets, starting his rap career with Chuck Inglish (his cousin) of the Cool Kids, clears up when he said he could drop 81 points on Jalen Rose, compares the streets to the music industry, his first 2 singles “JIMBO” & “I Sold Dope All My Life” 2011, coming up during the blog era, not reading comments online, his debut tape Trappers Alley, not seeing his real breakthrough until he signed with Mass Appeal, being one of the first street rappers from Detroit to sign a deal, the new wave of Detroit rappers blowing up the past couple years & not getting involved in other rapper’s issues, having his own sound, his debut album ‘My 1st Chemistry Set’ produced by Alchemist that dropped in 2013, the creative process when working with Alchemist, his career having a resurgence in 2020, having a love for music & never felt like giving up, explains how he got locked in with Griselda , his song “300 Fences” being about a true story, fatherhood, shares advice for the youth, him & Alchemist dropping Bo Jackson trading cards, plans for 2022, and much more!
Boldy James
/ boldyjames
DGB Media
www.dirty-glove.com
/ dirtyglovebastard_
/ dgb_offtheporch
/ dgbastard_
/ dirtyglovebastards
“Dirty Glove Weekly” Playlist
hyperurl.co/v3kt4h
Interview by Haze
/ mike_tall
"Off The Porch" is Dirty Glove Bastard's exclusive interview series where artists, producers, DJs & industry insiders are given a platform to tell their unfiltered story. Dirty Glove Bastard was created in 2007 to shine more light on the buzzing, regional music scenes in the South & Midwest.
"Off The Porch" Interviews Playlist:
• DGB's Exclusive "Off T...
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[@DirtyGloveBastard]

0:48 Currently on NBA Leather tour w/ Action Bronson & Earl Sweatshirt 3:04 Growing up on the Eastside & Westside of Detroit 4:11 Jumping off the porch in the 4th grade, his dad being a cope when he was growing up 5:59 The new generation in Detroit not having morals & social media’s impact on the streets 7:47 Starting his rap career with Chuck Inglish (his cousin) of the Cool Kids 9:14 Clears up when he said he could drop 81 points on Jalen Rose 9:56 Compares the streets to the music industry 10:31 His first 2 singles “JIMBO” & “I Sold Dope All My Life” 2011 12:48 Coming up during the blog era, not reading comments online 13:40 His debut tape Trappers Alley 15:48 Not seeing his real breakthrough until he signed with Mass Appeal 19:02 Being one of the first street rappers from Detroit to sign a deal 21:01 The new wave of Detroit rappers blowing up the past couple years & not getting involved in other rapper’s issues 25:01 Having his own sound 28:44 His debut album ‘My 1st Chemistry Set’ produced by Alchemist that dropped in 2013 30:29 The creative process when working with Alchemist 33:20 His career having a resurgence in 2020, having a love for music & never felt like giving up 36:00 Explains how he got locked in with Griselda 40:29 His song “300 Fences” being about a true story 41:36 Fatherhood & shares advice for the youth 43:47 Him & Alchemist dropping Bo Jackson trading cards 47:39 Plans for 2022

[@Det1911]

Bo Jack absolutely sounds he's from Detroit in his music he's a wordsmith with the Detroit accent true MC

[@jaleahphaneuf5937]

Facts

[@bezeelaw5703]

ALC is the tree that brought me Boldy, Griselda, Freddie, Action B, Currensy. Been with ALC since Mobb Deep. RIP Bandana P. Good music never left, sometimes you either look for it or it finds you. Peace to you reading this 🥂 BOLDY on 🔥🔥🔥

[@Stoney-Jacksman]

So mobb is the tree above that tree. Black.

[@bezeelaw5703]

@Stones Jones Yes Sir, like Conway say. I came up on Mobb Deep.

[@OGCNNDSK]

Peace

[@bezeelaw5703]

@@OGCNNDSK peace homie

[@Thurgood02]

Alchemist is a fucking genius everyone he works with is instant classic joint

[@LTNATER22]

Boldy been on such an insane run over the last couple years. One of the best MC’s in the game rn.

[@Aziz.Hakim.]

FOR SURE

[@billytaylor1006]

Super facts

[@elijahgavin6706]

He’s the real deal live too, crazy breath control

[@Cleanthecityinc]

First discovered him rapping on his cousin Chuck Inglish beats back in 2012. He was fire back then but couldn’t catch a break. Now look at him!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@brendanswanson1574]

@@elijahgavin6706 too fire live him and Al were insane. They are the best act on this tour he's on and they are all really good performers

[@user-tk7rl6hw6c]

Stop sleeping on Boldy! “Super Tecmo Bo” album is still top tier

[@RaEra88]

Alchemist and Boldy are the best producer-rapper duo since Dr. Dre and Eminem

[@efanga6758]

the fact Super Tecmo Bo is B Sides from Bo Jackson is unreal. Boldy is on fire rn

[@user-tk7rl6hw6c]

They are ?

[@roberthorry621]

Price of tea is a classic

[@GoldMoufReel]

@@user-tk7rl6hw6c yeah those were b side cuts and still 🔥🔥🔥

[@Aziz.Hakim.]

ONE OF MY FAVORITE ARTIST. HIM AND ALCHEMIST ARE MAGICAL TOGETHER. PRODIGY IS SMILING 😃

[@Det1911]

It'll be dope if one Day he and Al can Collab with Royce and Primo 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@reesewhite8589]

I can't front P really left him mark with the underground MCs and u can hear it, not taking anything away from anyone.

[@spencergeller2236]

Boldy’s latest record with Nicholas Craven is easily one of the tightest rap records this year. He’s really at his finest on records like Power Nap and Scrabble

[@billygraff8073]

Yeah. Fair Exchange is a fuckin book. Excellent read.

[@mcloven808]

Leaning off this 6 of Tris im finna catch some 💤s

[@illmaddox91]

@@mcloven808 "Drank gotta nigga moving slow like I got special needs, never needed niggas for shit that was my expertise"

[@jhill5591]

Stuck in traffic is crazy

[@omegabreed7822]

​@J Hill Facts. Crazy, because I've been runnin that track back all day

[@wellfedstarvingartist]

People booboo for ignoring this man's music. Hits on every level

[@therealestMSG]

His voice dont change even when he excited or sad. Same voice

[@xaviermccloud4586]

He's a good artist but I hate personas like his because it is just a mask.

[@DCxSkateboarding]

I mean when you do a lot opiates and weed you can actually have vocal inflections like this because of how your timing is messed up.

[@RonaldJames-eo2hc]

That's the same way I am. It's all good

[@OddFuture543]

Been on Boldy for over a decade, so good to see where he's at now. Built an organic fanbase and cultivated it

[@Cleanthecityinc]

Right!! First discovered him rapping on his cousin Chuck Inglish beats back in 2012. He was fire back then but couldn’t catch a break. Now look at him!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@boyquas3505]

🙌🏿 from gone fishing & his gems on the mass appeal channel. Missed I couldn't make the LA show from his recent tour

[@michaeldavis3468]

@@Cleanthecityinc what the fuckkkkk, there's no way that was 10 yrs ago

[@thomasjordan5619]

💯💪

[@ligmabalzack]

Facts been here since fat raps

[@mauriciowendello7411]

One of the few bar masters left

[@cyrusgill1594]

Agreed

[@cyrusgill1594]

Some of the shit he say I be having to bring ⏪ that shit back literally not gon front & I been listening to HIP-HOP bars since black Bart

[@Kev_-qm1je]

Boldy James verse on "It's Possible " Off of "HWH7" still 🔥 til this day!!!

[@laquintinbelser8342]

His verse on Claymore Kick is probably his best feature to me

[@danielwellner7004]

Hell yea. I thought he was a West Coaster at first. That was my intro to dude

[@dingane0039]

One ofy fav slappers

[@PhiladelphiaEAS]

Buffs vs wires verse goes hard

[@jaywalker4097]

Yeah dat joint is 🔥 frfr but, the last verse on moochie yo. He murked dat shit ONG!

[@mr_swayzee6534]

He lit that blunt for a long time!!!😂🤣😂

[@mr_swayzee6534]

@88T True story!!

[@1.--_--.1]

Drugged out, fked up

[@joshbears7499]

Grandma cussin' me out, "Quit runnin' in and out the house What's all the fuss about? It's either cut me in or cut it out" Ain't grow up with no silver spoon, we had to thug it out I hid a half-a-slab in my room, just waitin' for the drought

[@DonMetatron777]

Boy be talkin don't he!?! 👑🗣💥

[@Sentinel_007]

Carruth ⛽️

[@belliott88]

It’s those bars that make me pause and go, “Oh… Oh, okay… He’s been doing this since he was a teenager. I remember moments like that with dudes’ moms, aunts, older sisters, etc.”(Which is when you really get started in that world. Almost nobody shows up late in life to that lifestyle.)

[@bizzleb7524]

This man has such a Dope Rap Voice- Great Lyrics ,wordplay etc. His Joints with Roc Marciano are always Jewels.Badlands 2022

[@glocktavious]

An Underground Legend in the Building 💯🔥

[@jamesfuentes5104]

Boldy SHOULD do a Tiny Desk concert!

[@aaronalexander7856]

Crazy, I was listening to Boldy all day today, and now a fresh interview! 🙏🏾

[@kysamuel24]

Fr Fr

[@Det1911]

💯💯💯

[@fentanyljones6956]

I went from a few all days to listening to mostly Boldy for the better part of 2 years.

[@TheReese989]

Boldy been on a run for a minute but these last couple years have been phenomenal dude hasn't missed on albums or features

[@mjh94]

The humble, lowkey, mind your business vibe of metro Detroit, even though some are flashy. Love my hometown in the world

[@melvintejera196]

Boldy one of my favorite rappers out period 🔥 Price of tea in China, Bo Jackson LP and Super Tecmo all incredible projects

[@michaeldavis3468]

totally agree, insane the shit he's being putting out with Alc

[@jonathandoe1754]

Boldy word play is sick people don't listen hard enough to understand the shit he saying he kills shit while being so relaxed my favorite track so far is Bumps and Bruises love from Texas 💯

[@1ahksama]

Boldy James and The Alchemist are a legendary duo

[@twonrichpo1126]

🔥🔥

[@chucksknowledge2791]

Nope Wes Craven

[@richmoney1574]

It's crazy how ppl in detroit my city don't know about boldy this nigga got bars one of the best albums of the year bo Jackson classic.

[@joeyhiii6326]

Because he dont have that typical detroit sound. Boldy too different for these young nikkas

[@ronaldjames7843]

@@joeyhiii6326 him & Elzhi are the best Detroit rite now

[@DonYoGi8331]

​@@joeyhiii6326most the young Detroit dudes I heard had that old Cash Money sound wit the beats or tried to replicate it. Boldy a different cloth💯

[@DonYoGi8331]

​@@ronaldjames7843facts, El be killin shit. Especially his verse on Conway song "212"🔥

[@josem7402]

One of the hardest bars I’ve ever heard was from Boldy “First come first serve, first through the third no dealins. Mama i apologize I aint mean to hurt yo feelins”

[@vladav313]

THat's a hella weak line. WTF are you talking about.

[@OffDaZoinkyss]

@@vladav313that shit is hard TF are you talking about

[@benjones5166]

Been a fan of Boldy Ever since My 1st Chemistry Set glad he’s finally get the shine he deserves after all these years.

[@mizraimj]

Bo and Alchemist the new Gang Starr

[@bernardlee9643]

Him, Curren$y, Dom, Larry June, Jay Worthy & Premo are my ALL TIMES favorite rappers

[@MasNosral]

Legend has it Boldy’s still trying to light his blunt to this day

[@fentanyljones6956]

Hahahahahaha

[@adambnmg3435]

Really been a fan of this dude for a long time now. Glad he’s starting to get the recognition he deserves. 227

[@billyaverycoffee7843]

The Versace Tape and Bo Jackson classic!

[@laquintinbelser8342]

Price of tea in china too

[@fsued9629]

💯

[@DonYoGi8331]

🎶 "Gooolden laaady!😫....gooolden laaady!😫🎶 🔥

[@boshjulio1628]

Real Goat of Detroit

[@Aziz.Hakim.]

Price of tea is super Vicious

[@warrenjrjr4470]

Have honestly been on boldy since 2011 and his projects are fire

[@christopherrivera4766]

Bravo. This interview was fantastic. I won't act like I have been subbed and have seen all your work; admittedly I haven't. But wow. You have a legendary guest, you let them talk?!?? So many other interviewers constantly cut off the guest and it always seems like a questionnaire rather than a conversation. This was great. Subscribed now.

[@ronnieaustion6777]

Exactly great listen

[@weez231]

Boldy killed the Houston show, such a great performer. The whole show was crazy. Alan even start rappin. Niggas was RAPPIN that night.

[@brendanswanson1574]

They all rap their shit perfectly insane live they were all so good

[@keelowiththesteelo233]

I was supposed to go to that show my bro was gon buy me tickets as a early birthday gift but I HAD TO WATCH MY SON!!!! But it’s all good.

[@Aziz.Hakim.]

GLAD TO SEE MY HOME TOWN ROCKIN WIT BOJACK! D.C. STAND UP!!

[@keepgoing3684]

The city like good music 🎵

[@nesta4749]

Boldy really been one of my favorite rappers ever for a min love to see this man progressing Fr💯‼️

[@Aziz.Hakim.]

Him, Roc Marci and all griselda!!!

[@michealgreene2940]

Yeah I been rocking with him for a minute. His word play immaculate...Midwest best kept secret....

[@danyescobar5801]

Just saw him perform last night, man what a fucking performance. Hard cut lyrics, bumping cherry blossoms beats. Amazing

[@TheRealAnteUp081]

“Tricky Dance moves “ RIP Bris 🙏🏽 🕊

[@MR-bz5ye]

It's crazy to see how rappers progress. I was listening to Boldy 13+ years ago in High School

[@raajbundles]

Pontiac Michigan Tapping In, Shout Out Boldy Glad To See Him Getting His 💐 He Been Doing His Thang For A Min 👌👍

[@TheDwreck1995]

foreal tho bro is on a legendary run also shoutout to the 248 I used to live in Pontiac

[@jordantruxton]

Yo Pontiac good looks. Flint checking in as well 👊

[@Artnhustle]

This made me like Boldy even more. Keep going up

[@PPCCO.]

The price of Tea in China was an instant classic for me

[@DonYoGi8331]

Deluxe version 🔥

[@slapsondeck28]

There is thruth in every lie, joke, or insult...facts

[@joshbears7499]

Niggas whipping Robitussin mixing it with Benadryl Get a brick of blow and cut it, hit it with the fentanyl Baby bottle spoiled up, I ain’t talking Enfamil If it ain’t sealed up, I’ma up-strick a deal ‘Fore I had a record deal, I was real

[@LilWay601]

Real dude whoever he is. He gone make it big factz . Some just want to fame I feel just like you big dogg. Salute to ya and many more blessings.

[@fly3xzistence]

This the motivation right here 💪🏿💯

[@Errolholden_]

Supreme lyricist ,TOP TIER 💯💯💯

[@christopherrivera4766]

That 300 Fences is one of the most masterful examples of storytelling ever.

[@Errolholden_]

@@christopherrivera4766 absolutely

[@1brisk]

boldly been solid in the music game for over a decade. salute i think he gon get the recognition he deserves real soon

[@Rod_7532]

Love the unity y’all got and Great music keep it going bro. Peace ✌🏿💯

[@yk007beats8]

Rolling up to this special occasion 🔥 Boldy's on fire!

[@whogogofd9240]

His word play is immaculate Where we at with it 227 🙏🏼

[@TheTriangleOffense47]

Saw the nba leather tour when they came to NYC, Seeing boldy live and I could say hes legit! I always rocked with him since fat raps remix on finally famous 3 but watching him this time around and listening to his stuff with Alc, Ive became an even bigger fan

[@meche1230]

He sound just like he raps💯

[@phillth5270]

this is a great fuckin example of persistence and dedication to SELF and your mission. from Jammin In The Morning to THIS?? NIGGAZ AINT GOT NO EXCUSE! Keep goin Boldy the world watching bro

[@DiezelFuel08]

Jammin 30 was one of his coldest projects tho no lie

[@MAILMAN01]

I first heard of homie on the Al-Doe “Nose Candy” mixtape, that was like 2012-13ish. Good to see he still going for his, homie dead nice. ⚖️🦂

[@ronnieaustion6777]

Amazing interview, shit is eerily Detroit but so genuine you gotta love it.

[@dessilouu2415]

So glad to see he's doing good ..."go fish " "nautica yatch club" was my favorite 💙💙

[@BonchegoBonchego]

One my favorite MCs

[@meditationhours847]

He the first rapper I seen on a interview where he face a whole j and rolled another one taking his time still answering interviewers questioned and face that one

[@notcylus6783]

boldy easily a top rapper the early 2000’s generation bro literally everything fire. idk how he does it but it’s just back to back i got whole albums in my playlists cuz i just can’t pick. he gon be one of the biggest names easily before he’s done

[@Fvngz187]

That VERSACE TAPE=🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Kev_-qm1je]

Bodly & Payroll been my 2 favorite outta Detroit for a long time, love from Oakland! #Bay2Detroit

[@papapooper1876]

Boldy really has potential to be the biggest voice for Detroit . it seems like he’s already at peace, so what’s the need to change? Much respect to his decision to trust his wits and stay with something that seemingly never failed him 🤝

[@idomazdas]

Shout out my cousin for putting me on to Boldy way back! ESTL got love for Boldy and I brought that out to 402. Need a live show one day! The world is yours BO.

[@joshbears7499]

That money come and go, but who gon' be there when it's gone? When you was off your square but I bet they was there when it was on The moment all your tokens gone, no minutes on your phone God bless the child that hold his own, that shit hit close to home

[@ChaseVercetti]

damn, i was JUST listening to “Consideration” .. then come on KZbin and see this.. Good lookin’! 💯

[@rsmmack]

Been waiting on dis one

[@tedallen7836]

Most slept on artist in the last decade

[@WestsideBrackhead]

When you was raised all through the city and you got them real relationships with the higher uppers it’s easy to get put in the middle of the politics. Bro kept it 100 about the Dugg & Sada shit.

[@IllaMatik222]

Stood across from this man when he was in DC and the moment I walked up to him to dap him up he had to leave. He bodied his set from start to finish and had the whole crowd bobbin their heads.

[@realfroggyfrogg]

💥💜🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 love the interviews DGB 💪💯

[@pacmankells]

Y’all snapped for this one

[@757_Al]

That tecmo bowl album is a classic to me. Bumps and Bruises is my shit!

[@ojscott1983]

One of my new favorites

[@elohimsupreme]

Oh! I musta forgot Chuck Inglish is his cousin knew they were close just not related. S/o Boldy & the Cool Kids man pioneers in this Hip Hop reinvigoration

[@AndrewClawson19]

Sir Mike & Chuck are beasts. Banco & While You Wait are fire ass albums

[@norap71]

That’s how he was introduced to me tbh the contrast of them made me fw them heavy, Boldy sayin real ass shit over unorthodox Cool Kids beats 🔥😂

[@sportsteeme]

shoutout to The Cool Kids fr tho damn

[@dkscott331]

They went to Penn U in Philly, so hearing Boldy related is dope asf.

[@mauravelasco4405]

I just saw him on Sunday in Dallas 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@jibrilbuilder2668]

Had to tune in to this one!!!!!!

[@Daybreakhasme]

I was hoping he would start off with, "Block work, where we at wit' it?" As usual, just like all his projects..he didn't disappoint! Salute Bo Jack! Live from Illwaukee. 💯✌🏾👊🏾

[@AboutMyIssue01]

414

[@Stove_Jesus]

dude boldy is so good in interviews. Thank you

[@mendozabarz]

One of my favorite emcees

[@holidaystyles7952]

Trappers Alley classic mixtape slept on crazy

[@blackice3395]

He's already one of the best!

[@TenaciousTomato]

Been listening since Pros and Cons, keep it up Bo Jack

[@nasir2618]

DC In Here! We Love you here, Boldy!

[@realdeal8303]

Bo jack is one of the dopest

[@makemoabeliever]

"WHERE we at wit it" 💯

[@CharlieSykes30]

In my top 3 for the last 2 years🔥

[@h.o.o.d.recordingandmanage2841]

This my Nigga right here Detroit royalty iyky

[@echad6259]

So glad I stumbled upon this guy.

[@paperchaser31987]

One of my favorite rappers

[@macmanwatson9199]

DEEP BUT BIG FACTS!

[@Snoopii]

Super Tecmo Bo a classic

[@jaypeso1980s]

very doep interview. boldy is one of my favorite emcees.

[@user-th7ng9hj3r]

Real Detroit boy! Salute!

[@dmelvin5858]

Best run and album of the yr for 2021

[@Payvics]

Smart! Respect, great interview 🫡

[@jchris333]

Boldy and Al put out 3 classics in a row

[@ISCDQ]

One of the coldest 🇬🇧