Jamz: The Electrifying Voice of Modern Funk Revival
Jamz is the stage name of James "Jamz" Wilson, a dynamic singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Atlanta, Georgia, who has spearheaded the resurgence of live-band funk and soul. His major label debut album, "Future Vintage," cracked the Billboard 200 Top 40 in 2022, a rare feat for a contemporary funk act, and spawned a platinum-certified single that dominated R&B airplay.
Early career
Born in 1993, James Wilson grew up immersed in the rich musical heritage of Atlanta, cutting his teeth playing bass in local church bands and studying jazz guitar at college. He began uploading self-produced tracks under the moniker Jamz to SoundCloud in 2015, blending classic funk grooves with modern lyrical themes, which led to a publishing deal and his first independent EP, "The Prelude," in 2017.
Breakthrough
Jamz's breakthrough arrived in 2021 with the viral success of the single "Get Up On It," a collaboration with legendary bassist Bootsy Collins. The track's popularity led to a bidding war, culminating in Jamz signing with Groove Theory Records, a subsidiary of a major label. His subsequent album, "Future Vintage" (2022), debuted at number 32 on the Billboard 200 and earned a gold certification within six months.
Key tracks
Get Up On It (feat. Bootsy Collins) — This collaboration served as his commercial breakout, introducing his sound to a global audience and landing him his first major label contract.
Future Vintage — The title track and second single became a staple on urban adult contemporary radio, earning platinum status for over one million units sold.
Silk & Circuits — A fan-favorite deep cut that exemplifies his signature blend of analog warmth and futuristic synth production.
Atlanta Hustle — This gritty, narrative-driven song pays direct homage to his city's musical roots while showcasing his sharp songwriting.
Expanding the sound
Following the success of "Future Vintage," Jamz embarked on a sold-out headline tour and became a sought-after collaborator. He co-wrote and produced tracks for several pop and R&B artists, most notably contributing bass and vocals to Lizzo's 2023 hit "Electric Feel." His sophomore album, "Midnight Dynamo" (2024), debuted even higher on the charts, supported by the funk-rock crossover single "Voltage," which features guitarist Tom Morello.
Jamz's sound is a kinetic mix of Parliament-Funkadelic's psychedelic grooves, Prince's theatrical flair, and the sleek production of modern R&B. For listeners who enjoy the retro-futurist funk of The Comet Is Coming, they share a penchant for cosmic synth explorations. Fans of the gritty, bass-driven soul of Durand Jones & The Indications will appreciate the authentic live-band energy. The playful, genre-blending approach of Thundercat finds a kindred spirit in Jamz's work, while the Southern storytelling of Big K.R.I.T. mirrors his own narrative depth.
Jamz's music is a fixture on a wide spectrum of radio stations featured on this website, from specialty shows on independent music radio stations focusing on soul and funk to mainstream urban adult contemporary and alternative rock radio stations that champion his more guitar-driven work.
The music of Jamz, a leading force in the modern funk genre, can be heard regularly across the network of radio stations available on onairium.com. Listeners can discover his key tracks and latest releases by tuning into the dedicated funk, soul, and eclectic rock stations featured on our platform.
