An alternative-rap artist from Ipswich, U.K who transcends genre boundaries, melding hip-hop, grime, punk, rock, metal, and garage into a unique sound that is distinct as it is magnetic.
With an impressive blend of raw energy and lyrical power, Native James has carved his own path, captivating audiences at some of the U.K's most iconic festivals and live events such as the BBC introducing stage at Reading and Leeds Festival, and on-stage as special guest with Skindred, as well as with Hyphen and Letlive. Native made a huge impact being booked as a solo grime artist but instead turning up to Reading Festival with a full band ready to cause chaos in the alternative scene with his hard-hitting live performance.
He was recently nominated for his first MOBO award for Best Alternative Music Act and continues to make waves, representing Black culture, metal and rap as an infusion to include everyone.
From instinct to identity, we are all Native.
Picture: @cameronadickson
21st July 2025
Your song of the day
my mind is a mountain - Deftones
What time of day do you feel most inspired?
I cant lie it's almost every day every hour aha but I will say when I'm in the booth I love it to be fully black. The evenings bring something out in me when it comes to music I can just lock in more and the energy feels right.
What do you daily to get into your creative mindset?
Beats, I can't remember the last time I went a day without listening to instrumentals freestyling constantly tryna improve, i just get this urge in my gut that tells me to go and do music so i listen aha.
Tell us a bit about your self-care routine
Gym, mist the locs, shower, eat ( i love food)
Where's your favourite space to experience music?
I think it's a mix of shows and concerts, I like to have my own playlist and be on my own but concerts you get to feel the artists energy in real life aswell as people who enjoy their music too.
Your sound is this tapestry of many genres, how did you land on your sound?
I've always loved rock metal etc but I love grime too and the beats in grime always went in but the screams and the riffs breakdowns of metal had me in a chokehold, i thought its two genres that can balance both aggressions at the same time.
Tell us about a music moment you are most proud of
There are so many but I would say being nominated for a MOBO award was insane it had been my first project out so to get that recognition was absolutely nuts. Shoutout to MOBO Awards and to ALT BLK ERA that won it!
Breakfast, lunch and dinner, but as your songs
Hmm
Breakfast hammer
Lunch - gtfu
Dinner - fallen
5 artists you'd want at a day festival?
In no particular order...
System of a down
Korn
Deftones
Bring me the Horizon
Lamb of God
We recently saw you smash it at Glastonbury with a high energy set, walk us through your live preparation
Honestly nerves lol, but I try To lock in remember my purpose who I'm representing and who's with me on this journey, as soon as I touch the stage I'm Native James, also a cheeky bev helps.
You have 24 hours to master a musical skill, what are you choosing?
Talharpa, I like dread haha
You have 24 hours, which musician/industry person are you spending it with?
Hmmm, probably Jonathan Davis, he seems down to earth and of course I'm a big fan, plus I think he plays magic and games and I fuck with that.
If you could time travel for the day, which era of music would you most like to visit?
I don't know tbh never mess with time travel
What's next for you?
Yes we have more releases this year I can't wait for you all to hear what we have been working on!