Boldy James was born James Clay Jones III on August 9, 1982, in Atlanta, Georgia to his parents James Clay Jones Jr. and Toni K. Broadus. In 1983, Jones and Broadus returned to their original home of Detroit, MI with their son after Jones was wounded in the line of duty serving as a police officer. They resided on the Eastside of Detroit with James’ grandmother. In 1989, James’ parents separated and his mother sent him and his younger sister to live with their father to live on Detroit’s westside on Stahelin Hell Block near McNichols Rd and the Southfield Freeway. James’ love for music came to the forefront at the age of 12, when he performed in a middle school talent show and begun writing his first raps shortly after. He attended high school at Detroit Cooley, and dropped out after the 9th grade. He got the name Boldy James from his friend from his block, James Osely III, who people in the neighborhood called Boldy. He didn’t rap, he just sold cocaine, and “I liked the name because his name was James too,” says James. When his friend was murdered he decided to carry on the name using it to rap.
In 2009, Boldy James first big break on the national scene came in the form of 2 features on The Cool Kids and Don Cannon mixtape Merry Christmas, on the songs “BBQ Wings” and ”Tires”. That was followed up by his record “Gettin Flicked” appearing on The Cool Kids’ 2010 mixtape Tacklebox. Also in 2010 he was featured on the Chip tha Ripper song “Fat Raps” remix alongside Big Sean, Asher Roth, Dom Kennedy and Chuck Inglish. Boldy James and Cool Kid member/producer Chuck Inglish are cousins. On May 24, 2011, Boldy James released his solo debut mixtape Trappers Alley Pros and Cons. The project went on to be named by Pitchfork as one of 2011′s Most Overlooked Projects. On February 27, 2012, he released his follow up mixtape, Consignment. On March 5, 2013, he released an EP titled Grand Quarters. On October 15, 2013, he released his debut album, My 1st Chemistry Set entirely produced by The Alchemist.
He has released the mixtapes Trapper's Alley (Pro's & Cons) and Consignment: Favor For A Favor. He is known for his deep voice and effortless flow over beats with a heavy bass (ie Chuck Inglish produced songs). He is also known for his appearance on J Dilla's latest album, Rebirth Of Detroit.
Great Adventures
Boldy James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's ConCreatures
Blockworks, let's get it
Was hoppin' out that black van (like the A-Team)
Them hard times had a nigga in all black, robbin' like I was Batman (yeah)
Heard he sittin' on a pack, bleed him like a Tampax (brr)
Run up in his pad, a nigga spizz gettin' ramshacked
Last pill I took, went on a bad trip (We thought)
But the man from my dark past'll leave you in the past tense (uh)
Spot off a crack spit, we cop them crashed whips
Weigh the work wet, let it dry Off on the napkin (skrrt)
Chauncey wanna Billups, Chucky wanna Atkins (227)
Cuttie doin' twenty dollar fill-ups, swipin' on the platinum Mastercard
Head nigga back in charge, slap you with a hundred large
Mirror in his back pocket, he just practice lookin' hard
Whippin' crack up in the pot, cookin' up in pickle jars
Had a drive-through trap on West Grand Boulevard
Doggy just a yes man, I heard the nigga took a charge
Over some merch, lift up his shirt, can see the bullet scars
Just took the staples out his stomach 'bout a month ago
He took off with a cake and we chopped up his mother bungalow (skrrt)
Got snatched up by the detectives, wanna know what I know
We only let off fifty, but this clip come with a hundred more
Servin' all the clucks in the O, I was next to blow (ayy)
Had to line my ducks in a row, tell 'em check the score
Three seconds left, inbound pass was Scottie Pippen (shoot)
We got the game tied up, Ali, stop trippin' (we scorin')
Where we at?
The song "Great Adventures" by Boldy James tells a story of a drug dealer's life and the events that come with it. The first verse describes a robbery in which the singer takes part. He wears all black and robs a man who he heard was sitting on a pack. The line "bleed him like a Tampax" suggests that he robbed him of all the drugs he had. The singer then goes on to describe a bad trip he had, but it's nothing compared to the dark past of a man who he knows. The lyrics continue to describe the life of a drug dealer, with lines like "weigh the work wet, let it dry off on the napkin" and "whippin' crack up in the pot, cookin' up in pickle jars." The verse ends with the singer describing a drive-through trap and a man he knows who just took a charge.
The second verse starts with a description of a man who is in charge, carrying a mirror in his pocket to practice looking hard. The singer describes cooking crack in pickle jars and having a drive-through trap on West Grand Boulevard. The lyrics then detail a situation where a man stole a cake, and they chopped up his mother's bungalow as revenge. The verse ends with the singer being interrogated by detectives, but he only reveals that they let off 50 shots, and the clip has 100 more. The song ends with the singer discussing breaking into the music industry.
Overall, "Great Adventures" is a dark and gritty song that offers a glimpse into the life of a drug dealer. The lyrics are steeped in slang and references that may be difficult for some listeners to understand, but they effectively convey the sense of danger and desperation inherent in this lifestyle.
Line by Line Meaning
Where we at with it, Ali?
Boldy James is asking Ali about their current location or status before the start of the song.
It's ConCreatures
ConCreatures is the team or group that Boldy James is affiliated with.
Blockworks, let's get it
Blockworks is a reference to the location where Boldy James and his team operate. He is ready to start the mission with his team.
Was hoppin' out that black van (like the A-Team)
Boldy James is describing his entry into a scene or situation, similar to how members of the A-Team would enter a situation in the TV show.
Them hard times had a nigga in all black, robbin' like I was Batman (yeah)
Boldy James was going through difficult times which led him to steal while dressed in black, similar to Batman's appearance.
Heard he sittin' on a pack, bleed him like a Tampax (brr)
Boldy James intends to take the drugs that he believes someone is holding, by any means necessary.
Run up in his pad, a nigga spizz gettin' ramshacked
Boldy James and his team plan to violently enter someone's home and cause damage in order to locate their target or stolen goods.
Last pill I took, went on a bad trip (We thought)
Boldy James and his team thought they had consumed a drug that had a negative effect on them.
But the man from my dark past'll leave you in the past tense (uh)
Boldy James is referring to an individual from his past who is able to cause harm or possibly kill others.
Spot off a crack spit, we cop them crashed whips
Boldy James is expressing that he accumulates a great deal of money from selling drugs, which enables him to purchase expensive cars.
Weigh the work wet, let it dry Off on the napkin (skrrt)
Boldy James and his team measure the weight of the drugs while they are still wet, then allow them to dry on a napkin to sell to their customers.
Chauncey wanna Billups, Chucky wanna Atkins (227)
Boldy James is referencing basketball players Chauncey Billups and Chucky Atkins, as well as the TV show '227'.
Cuttie doin' twenty dollar fill-ups, swipin' on the platinum Mastercard
Boldy James is describing a woman who is able to fill up her car with gas using a $20 bill, then swipes the platinum Mastercard to pay for it.
Head nigga back in charge, slap you with a hundred large
Boldy James is back in charge and able to provide a substantial amount of money to others.
Mirror in his back pocket, he just practice lookin' hard
Boldy James is expressing that an individual who carries a mirror with them is trying to appear tough or intimidating.
Whippin' crack up in the pot, cookin' up in pickle jars
Boldy James is cooking crack cocaine in pots and jars for distribution and sale.
Had a drive-through trap on West Grand Boulevard
Boldy James had a drug distribution operation set up at a drive-through on West Grand Boulevard.
Doggy just a yes man, I heard the nigga took a charge
An individual is described as being a follower, and has been arrested for a crime they didn't commit in order to protect their leader.
Over some merch, lift up his shirt, can see the bullet scars
Someone was shot during a dispute or altercation over merchandise. The shooter caused physical injury that resulted in visible scars.
Just took the staples out his stomach 'bout a month ago
Someone received medical treatment that required staples to close a wound, and the staples were recently removed.
He took off with a cake and we chopped up his mother bungalow (skrrt)
Someone fled with a large amount of money, and Boldy James and his team destroyed their home or property as retaliation.
Got snatched up by the detectives, wanna know what I know
Someone was arrested by the police and is trying to bargain for their freedom by offering information to the police on Boldy James and his team.
We only let off fifty, but this clip come with a hundred more
Someone was shot at with a small amount of ammunition, but Boldy James and his team have more bullets to use if necessary.
Servin' all the clucks in the O, I was next to blow (ayy)
Boldy James was selling drugs to multiple customers in a specific location, and anticipated becoming successful in the drug industry.
Had to line my ducks in a row, tell 'em check the score
Boldy James had to get all of his plans and people in order before moving forward with his goals, and is now telling them to evaluate their progress.
Three seconds left, inbound pass was Scottie Pippen (shoot)
Boldy James is comparing the end of the song to a basketball game, where they have a limited amount of time left and must make a final push towards success. The reference to Scottie Pippen implies they have a good chance of success.
We got the game tied up, Ali, stop trippin' (we scorin')
Boldy James and his team are in a position to win the game, and is telling Ali to relax and trust in their abilities.
Where we at?
Boldy James is asking for a location update at the end of the song.
Lyrics © Royalty Network
Written by: Alan Maman, James Clay Jones
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind