Catching up with up and coming Recording Artist and Influencer Clay James

Clay James is a Southern hip-hop artist, entrepreneur, and proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi

Fraternity who has built a reputation for blending authenticity, lyrical storytelling, and

unapologetic Southern pride. Born in Atlanta and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Clay grew up on the westside of Savannah where basketball was his first passion. After facing personal hardships, he pivoted toward music during his time at Georgia State University, where his natural charisma, sharp style, and ability to command a crowd made him one of the most talked-about figures on campus. His buzz grew through mixtape releases on DatPiff and a record-breaking run on Hot 107.9’s Battle Grounds, where he went undefeated for seven weeks, setting the stage for a promising career.

Early on, Clay earned invaluable mentorship and co-signs from hip-hop icons Big Boi of OutKast and Snoop Dogg. Big Boi introduced him to industry game and networks from the legendary Stankonia Studios, while Snoop signed him to Doggystyle Records in 2016 after hearing his music at SXSW. Although the label partnership ended due to internal disputes, the experience gave Clay the confidence and business acumen to pursue his career independently.

Determined to take ownership of his artistry, Clay founded Playas Club Music Group (PCMG)

- a label, management, and consulting company that equips artists with the tools and knowledge to thrive without sacrificing independence. Inspired by moguls like Master P, Jay-Z, and Nipsey Hussle, Clay’s mission with PCMG is to give artists the freedom to control their narratives while moving with the strength and professionalism of a major label.

In 2025, Clay James released his highly anticipated project, Nupeology – Chapter 1, a six-track collection produced by talents like Black Metaphor, Saucelord Rich, DJ Iceberg, and JJR. The project reflects his fraternity pride, his Savannah and Atlanta roots, and his vision of keeping the Southern player legacy alive. Songs like New Face Of The League and Pimp Or Die highlight his competitive drive and cultural authenticity, while Nupeology serves as a centerpiece that ties his personal story to his fraternal identity. The project is both a nod to tradition and a bold step forward in defining his own sound.

Clay’s reach expanded even further when his single Front 2 Back featuring A Pimp Named Sweet Tooth landed on Pandora’s The Sauce and Southern Hip-Hop playlists, exposing his music to over 8 million listeners across the country. This streaming success was amplified by his standout performance at the 2025 Atlanta Greek Picnic, where he electrified a crowd of more than 10,000 with a high-energy set that showcased his artistry and fraternity pride, and of course, lending his verse on the viral hit "We The Nupes" Remix.

Boss XL Mag - You've been really killing it in the streets in 2025, what was your inspiration behind the "We the Nupes" song and video?

Clay James - We The Nupes Remix is what I put my verse on. The original version was created by PA The Writer out in Houston, Texas. He’s from the Omicron Xi chapter. PA decided to do a remix because he wanted the song to get bigger and have more reach in the frat. One of my other frat brothers Johnathan Meeks sent me the song and expressed how he felt I should jump on the remix. Meeks wanted the frat to be more in tune with my movement and he felt like that song would do it for me, and he was right.

Checkout the Official "We the Nupes" Remix Video

Boss XL Mag - How did you get into the music game and who are your favorite past and current artists?

Clay James - I got into music because my frat brother Imari “Shadow” Curtis thought it would be a good idea because I was so popular in the frat and at school. So he thought that stardom would translate. At the time he came to me with the idea I was already interning a T.I.s Grand Hustle record label because I had aspirations of becoming a music exec and entertainment lawyer.

Some of my favorite artists from the past are: 2Pac, Biggie, Nas, OutKast, Goodie Mob, Camoflauge, T.I., Snoop Dogg, Field Mob, Boosie, Webbie, Ludacris, 8ball & MJG, Bow Wow, and UGK.

Present artists I think are dope are Alyx Ransom, Charlise J, King Elway, Sincerely Dad, Young Bo, Pimp Sweet Tooth, Translee, Cyhi, JID, Deante Hitchcock, Akeem Ali, Neek Bucks, YFN Lucci, Kevin Gates, Quisha, Bonni Drip, Carter Deems, Millyz, Propain, Big X The Plug, Flaujae, and Belly Gang Kush.

Boss XL Mag - Who are some of the artists that you have collaborated with?

Clay James - I’ve collaborated with Big Gipp from Goodie Mob, Young Dro, Runway Richy, Sy Ari, K.Camp, Landstrip Chip, Sir Michael Rocks, and most recently Trey Songz.

Boss XL Mag - If you had to do it again, what are some things you would have done different and what advice would you give to an up and coming artist?

Clay James - If I could do it all different I would’ve took my refund checks in college and fixed my credit and build my personal and business credit up. This would have caused me to

fund my music without having to sign a deal or need an investor.

I also should’ve used some of the those refund checks to buy houses and flip them. So if I can tell an upcoming artist anything, it would be to do that. I was also tell them to be patient. Everything happens right on time and exactly how God wants it. Long as you’re actively getting better and growing as an artist you will eventually get to where you are growing if you put the work in and make the right connections.

Boss XL Mag - What are some projects musically and film wise you have coming up in the future?

Clay James - Currently I’m working on Nupeology Chapters 2 and 3. I recently released Chapter 1 and it’s been getting a great reception from hip hop fans and my fraternity brothers. I have a movie dropping soon with Webbie entitled “Savage Life”. The movie premiere screening party is September 6th. And I’m gearing up to go on an HBCU College Tour during Homecoming Seasons.

Follow Clay James on IG @whoisclayjames