James Blake Litherland, better known simply as James Blake, is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer from London, England. Born on September 26, 1988, the 33-year-old musician scored his first hit with his cover of Feist’s “Limit to Your Love,” a track from his 2011 self-titled debut album. Since then, he’s worked with Frank Ocean, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, Jay-Z, Bon Iver, and many others.
James is proficient in piano, vocals, synthesizer, and music production. He’s been the primary producer for all of his solo records, of which he’s had five in total – James Blake, Overgrown, The Colour in Anything, Assume Form, and Friends That Break Your Heart.
Blake’s musical style can be described as a blend of elements of electronic music, R&B, hip-hop, soul, pop, and tinges of avant-garde. His early music takes inspiration from artists like Burial and Skream.
He’s been awarded numerous accolades for his work, including a prestigious Mercury Prize for Overgrown and second place in the BBC’s “Sound of 2011” contest. He’s also been nominated for numerous BRIT Awards, received a Grammy Award for his collaboration with Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, and Future on the Black Panther soundtrack, and earned years’ worth of critical acclaim.
Here’s everything you need to know about James Blake.