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 Jamesβ grandmother. In 1989, Jamesβ parents separated and his mother sent him and his younger sister to live with their father to live on Detroitβs westside on Stahelin Hell BlockΒ near McNichols Rd and the Southfield Freeway. Jamesβ 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 didnβt rap, he just sold cocaine, and βI liked the name because his name was James too,β 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 βBBQ WingsβΒ and βTiresβ. That was followed up by his record βGettin Flickedβ appearing on The Cool Kidsβ 2010 mixtape TackleboxΒ. Also in 2010 he was featured on the Chip tha Ripper song βFat RapsβΒ 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 ConsΒ. The project went on to be named by Pitchfork as one of 2011β²s Most Overlooked ProjectsΒ. 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.
Pinto
Boldy James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
2-2-7 (gang)
Let's get it (uh)
Ran up a check on the outskirts, stacks all in my insoles
Touring like a concert with them beans, I ain't talking pintos
Base rentals in the bike lane, stayed down, I was ten toes
Only ate with my bloodline, Wuz and Nutty throwing big bows
On the outs, balling on a budget, fuck it, I'ma get them bricks sold
In the kitchen with the Alchemist, cooking up, I'm in mix mode
Wrist cold when I spin it up, niggas tinted up, but I'm fishbowl
Niggas tinted up, but I'm fishbowl
Keep that coke swimming in a fishbowl
This that 20/20 Pyrex vision on the list, though
Nigga say he burnin' up the turnpike, got me like "Which road?"
Now the Rollie bust-bust, I ain't talking Flipmode
Said he on the 6-4, told him, meet me at the Citgo
On 7 and Littlefield, pint of Hi-Tech and a scrip of pills
Bitches know I got the juice, niggas know it's been the drill
Niggas whipping Robitussin mixing it with Benadryl
Get a brick of blow and cut it, hit it with the fentanyl
Baby bottle spoiled up, I ain't talking Enfamil
If it ain't sealed up, I'ma up-strick a deal (up strap)
'Fore I had a record deal, I was really in the field (you already know)
For a little bit, enough, I could get a nigga spilled
'Fore I had a fanbase, I was selling tan flakes
Rakin' in the cash, tryna make sure that my mans straight (my guys)
Now everybody breaking bags, shook all of that dead weight
Upgraded my stash, shaking that bag like I landscape
My lil' brother SK, gotta fight a fed case
Whole lot of gang shit, and that's without the handshakes
Ran up a check on the outskirts, stacks all in my insoles
Touring like a concert with them beans, I ain't talking pintos
Base rentals in the bike lane, stayed down, I was ten toes
Only ate with my bloodline, Wuz and Nutty throwing big bows
On the east, 24 carat, Cutty throwing up big fours
On the outs, balling on a budget, fuck it, I'ma get them bricks sold
In the kitchen with the Alchemist, cooking up, I'm in mix mode
Wrist cold when I spin it up, niggas tinted up, but I'm fishbowl (mafia)
Playing with them Icks out in Frisco (San Fran)
Now we up dog shit I was just on Skid Row
Marching up Boylen, contra moved back to Jethro
Two phones slamming, off a Virgin Mobile and a Getro
Snatching up niggas custies, scale kinda dusty
While y'all niggas in the county working for the police like a trustee
Forty-three AMG, it's Ali on the MP
Alley-oop, it's only us, but it's really just me
Skinny nigga, 6'3, dining in at the Whitney
Dream cruising up Woodward, candy paint, '96 MB
I been in the streets so long, shit, I'm dehydrated and exhausted
On them hot blocks off of Martha, cold water running out the faucet
Finna make it through the bullfrog, shit could take or it could fall
I can press play, I can push pause with that mini-Drac' and that bulldog
Traffic in the tri-state level, bad bitch with a pie-face
Now them hundreds stuck together like flypape'
The lyrics to Boldy James's song, Pinto, describes his life as a member of a gang involved in drug trafficking. The reference to "beans" is actually a reference to the prescription drug, Xanax, which is very popular amongst drug users. He talks about making money by selling bricks, which is another word for large quantities of drugs such as cocaine. The reference to the "kitchen" and the "mix mode" suggest that he is in the process of cooking or producing drugs. Despite the illegal nature of his actions, he proudly asserts his commitment to his gang and his family, and the song showcases his pride in the success and wealth he has made through these means.
The lyrics are filled with slang, idioms, and references familiar only to those within his gang culture. James frequently refers to names of people, places, and events known only to those familiar with this lifestyle. It is an insightful commentary on the drug-related culture in America, and it highlights the socioeconomic factors that lead young people into gang culture, where they often see drug dealing as the only option. Ultimately, the profound insights that the song offers are revealing of the harsh reality of life in urban America and its impact on marginalized youth.
Line by Line Meaning
Mafia, what else (where we at wit' it?)
Boldy James is addressing his crew, asking them what else they are up to and where they are at.
2-2-7 (gang)
Boldy James is shouting out his gang, 2-2-7.
Let's get it (uh)
Boldy James is getting hyped up and ready to take action.
Ran up a check on the outskirts, stacks all in my insoles
Boldy James went to the outskirts of town and made a lot of money, which he stashed in his shoes.
Touring like a concert with them beans, I ain't talking pintos
Boldy James is touring with his drugs (beans), not talking about the car (pinto).
Base rentals in the bike lane, stayed down, I was ten toes
Boldy James was renting out his drugs in the bike lane and stayed committed and loyal to his cause.
Only ate with my bloodline, Wuz and Nutty throwing big bows
Boldy James only hung out with his own family and close friends, Wuz and Nutty, who were throwing big punches (bows).
On the east, 24 carat, Cutty throwing up big fours
Cutty, a member of Boldy James's gang, is throwing up the number four to represent their set, which is 24 carat on the east side of town.
On the outs, balling on a budget, fuck it, I'ma get them bricks sold
Despite being low on funds, Boldy James is determined to sell his drugs (bricks).
In the kitchen with the Alchemist, cooking up, I'm in mix mode
Boldy James is in the kitchen with the producer, The Alchemist, cooking up beats for his music and in the zone (mix mode).
Wrist cold when I spin it up, niggas tinted up, but I'm fishbowl
Boldy James's wrist is icy (cold) when he shows off his jewelry, while others try to hide (tinted up) but he's open (fishbowl).
Keep that coke swimming in a fishbowl
Boldy James keeps his cocaine in a fishbowl, possibly to show it off or keep it hidden in plain sight.
This that 20/20 Pyrex vision on the list, though
Boldy James has a clear vision (Pyrex is a type of glass used in cookware) for what he wants to achieve.
Nigga say he burnin' up the turnpike, got me like "Which road?"
Boldy James doesn't know which road (or direction) the other guy on the turnpike is taking when he says he is doing well.
Now the Rollie bust-bust, I ain't talking Flipmode
Boldy James's watch (Rollie) is flashing and attention-grabbing, but he's not referring to the rap group, Flipmode Squad.
Said he on the 6-4, told him, meet me at the Citgo
Boldy James tells someone to meet him at the gas station, Citgo, because they said they were on a particular street in a particular car.
On 7 and Littlefield, pint of Hi-Tech and a scrip of pills
Boldy James is at a particular intersection, buying cough syrup (Hi-Tech) and a prescription for some other pills.
Bitches know I got the juice, niggas know it's been the drill
Women know that Boldy James has the power (juice), while men know the routine (the drill).
Niggas whipping Robitussin mixing it with Benadryl
People are mixing various drugs including cough syrup (Robitussin) and allergy medication (Benadryl).
Get a brick of blow and cut it, hit it with the fentanyl
Boldy James is cutting his cocaine with fentanyl, a dangerous opioid known to cause overdoses.
Baby bottle spoiled up, I ain't talking Enfamil
Boldy James's drinking bottle is dirty (spoiled up), not referring to the baby formula, Enfamil.
If it ain't sealed up, I'ma up-strick a deal (up strap)
If the drugs are not properly sealed, Boldy James won't make a deal unless he has his weapon with him (up strap).
'Fore I had a record deal, I was really in the field (you already know)
Boldy James was involved in the drug trade before becoming a rapper.
For a little bit, enough, I could get a nigga spilled
At one point, Boldy James could get someone killed for a relatively small amount of money.
'Fore I had a fanbase, I was selling tan flakes
Before he had a following of fans, Boldy James was selling cocaine.
Rakin' in the cash, tryna make sure that my mans straight (my guys)
Boldy James is making a lot of money and trying to ensure that his friends (my guys) are taken care of as well.
Now everybody breaking bags, shook all of that dead weight
Now, everyone is selling drugs and Boldy James got rid of the people who were weighing him down.
Upgraded my stash, shaking that bag like I landscape
Boldy James has improved his supply of drugs and shows it off (shaking that bag) like he's a landscaper showing off his work.
My lil' brother SK, gotta fight a fed case
Boldy James's younger brother, SK, is fighting a federal case (probably involving drug charges).
Whole lot of gang shit, and that's without the handshakes
Boldy James and his gang are involved in a lot of criminal activity, even without any formal agreements or handshakes.
Playing with them Icks out in Frisco (San Fran)
Boldy James is playing (selling) with illegal drugs (icks) in San Francisco.
Now we up dog shit I was just on Skid Row
Boldy James is now successful (up) while he used to be struggling (on Skid Row).
Marching up Boylen, contra moved back to Jethro
Boldy James is moving up in the world and steps (marches) are being taken to make that happen, including moving to a different area (Jethro) after being against it (contra).
Two phones slamming, off a Virgin Mobile and a Getro
Boldy James is receiving a lot of phone calls on two phones, one from a cheaper phone company (Virgin Mobile) and one from a better one (Getro).
Snatching up niggas custies, scale kinda dusty
Boldy James is stealing customers from other drug dealers and his weighing scale is not well-maintained (kinda dusty).
While y'all niggas in the county working for the police like a trustee
Other people are in jail working for the police (like a trustee), while Boldy James is out making money.
Forty-three AMG, it's Ali on the MP
Boldy James is driving a Mercedes 43 AMG (a high-performance car) while listening to music by his friend, Ali.
Alley-oop, it's only us, but it's really just me
A basketball term, alley-oop, which involves one player passing the ball to another player who jumps and dunks it, is used here to say that Boldy James is the only one who can really make things happen.
Skinny nigga, 6'3, dining in at the Whitney
Boldy James is tall and skinny and is eating at a fancy restaurant, The Whitney.
Dream cruising up Woodward, candy paint, '96 MB
Boldy James is cruising down Woodward Avenue (a major road in Detroit) in his flashy 1996 Mercedes Benz (MB) with a candy paint job.
I been in the streets so long, shit, I'm dehydrated and exhausted
Boldy James has been involved in the drug game for so long that he's been worn out (dehydrated and exhausted).
On them hot blocks off of Martha, cold water running out the faucet
Boldy James is on a dangerous block (hot) located on Martha street where the water from the faucet is cold, possibly indicating harsh living conditions.
Finna make it through the bullfrog, shit could take or it could fall
Boldy James is hoping to avoid trouble (the bullfrog) and succeed, but it could go either way.
I can press play, I can push pause with that mini-Drac' and that bulldog
Boldy James can control the music (press play, push pause) and his weapons are his mini-Draco and bulldog.
Traffic in the tri-state level, bad bitch with a pie-face
There's a lot of traffic and commotion in the region that includes New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut (tri-state) and Boldy James is with an attractive woman (a bad bitch) with a round and attractive face (pie-face).
Now them hundreds stuck together like flypape'
Boldy James has so much money that his hundred-dollar bills are sticking together like flypaper.
Lyrics Β© O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: James Clay Jones
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@vernellthomas6644
How can you not run this back!!!!!!π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯
@blackbrainz
Boldly really went berserk on this.
@jawjaboy87
I ran this back so many times
@vernellthomas6644
M J BUKU times!!!ππΎππΎππΎπ₯π₯π₯π₯
@nickgauderakafadeawaybarbe6807
Al u & Boldy made 1 special album with this shit. This is definitely the front runner for AOTY and proves again why you are the GOAT in my bookπSalute
@shavuelwaleful
Definite front runner
@ajguerrero9206
I wanna hear Gangsta Gibbs ft on this
@dabsanyone3752
Fuck a gibbs
@terrancerudy9674
Fuck yeah......
@hamsandler2
This is one of my favorite bass lines in rap EVER. The verse is simplistic and consistent, but then it jumps to this advance melodic combination of notes. It's like two different worlds and when it falls back to the root of the verse it's magical. shouts out bass player, al if you need another one hit me up!