Boldy James / Concreatures

Preferring a literate style over simple hooks or radio-friendly fodder, Detroit rapper Boldy James came up in 2013 thanks to a series of successful mixtapes plus his work with producer the Alchemist. The cousin of rapper and Cool Kids member Chuck Inglish, Boldy kicked off his career in 2011 with the mixtape Trapper's Alley along with a guest appearance on the Cool Kids' album When Fish Ride Bicycles. His Consignment, Favor for a Favor: The Redi-Rock Mixtape followed in 2012 along with an announcement that the rapper was signing a one-album deal with the label Decon. The Alchemist was chosen as the exclusive producer for Boldy's debut album, which was previewed by the 2013 EP Grand Quarters.