James’ real-deal approach to music and—more important—the craft of singing are the main attractions on his upcoming mix tape and album of the same name: “Made to Love.” Both mark the singer/songwriter’s debut on Mercury/Island Def Jam via New Age Rock Star Records (NARS), the label helmed by award-winning producer Danja (Mariah Carey, Keri Hilson) and long-time collaborator / mixing engineer Marcella Araica (Madonna, Pink, Timbaland).
“This isn’t a fad for me,” declares James. “I’m willing to go wherever with this because music is everything to me. This is my world and how I see it. My music speaks for me in a way that’s relatable and truthful.”
“Honest is the best word to describe Luke,” adds Danja, who began working with James nearly four years ago. “Every message in his songs is sincere. And Luke’s voice is another obvious factor. Putting all of that together, he possesses a universal connection that touches everyone. He’s an undeniable force.”
That connection hits home on James’ lead single, “I Want You.” Packed with interesting breaks and tempo shifts, the sparse yet bright track pulsates with an infectious, hip-hop-influenced beat. That foundation provides the perfect complement to James’ pure, arresting falsetto as he sings: “I was just a broken record of one-night stands /Til you came along with your beautiful song …”
“It’s all about the voice,” says Danja. “And that’s what he’s captured on every record. Production doesn’t matter. No matter how sparse or grand I make it, he takes control and makes it about him.”
James’ innate talent as a singer/songwriter was nurtured in one of music’s legendary outposts, New Orleans. An only child, he grew up listening to a wide array of influences thanks to his single mother: everyone from Marvin Gaye and Harold Melvin & the Bluenotes to Willie Nelson and Alabama. James’ oh wow moment occurred when he was 11 years old and watching the amateur talent segment on TV’s “Showtime at the Apollo.” One of the contestants began singing Donny Hathaway’s version of writer Leon Russell’s “A Song For You.”
“I got chills,” recalls James. “And I get that feeling all over again whenever I think about that performance. At the time, I’d never said I wanted to be a singer; I just knew I wanted to entertain. And I’d never heard of Donny. But when my mother found her copy of one of his records, I knew then that I wanted to reach people that way.”
While in high school in 2001, James joined a trio that started performing around New Orleans, opening for such acts as Brian McKnight. That’s when James first met his longtime manager Frank Gatson. When things with the trio didn’t work out, James moved to Los Angeles after graduation—on the advice of Gatson—and began singing background for R&B singer Tyrese. It was through the singer that James met production duo the Underdogs and signed with their label as part of a singing duo: Luke & Q.
When Luke & Q decided to go their separate ways, James began honing his skills as a songwriter after hooking up with producer Danja nearly four years ago. Since then, he has collaborated on songs for Brown, Bieber, Spears, Keri Hilson and Brandy and worked alongside such other producers as Kadis and Sean and the Messengers. Inspired by those collaborations, he rediscovered his footing as a singer in his own right.
“I found the feeling again where I felt something fresh could come out,” says James. “Writing songs helped me figure out what my lane was as far as being a solo artist. And I’ve also learned something else: If I don’t feel it, I can’t do it.
Drip
Luke James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Awesome track for me to spit awesome raps
Tell Chris Breezy, step back with all his tatts
From uptown, finna' bring Harlem back
Never never never be afraid of the shit that you're going through
Don't underestimate your ability to push through
Dive into the ocean (oooh)
Everything is open (oooh)
You're the one that's chosen (mmm ooh)
Let it, drip
Let it, drip
Let it, drip (mama)
Let it, drip (drip, oooh)
Feeling on your booty but I'd rather feel your soul (soul) soul
Girl I know you ain't Janet but I like you in control (control)
(I like you in control, I like you control)
Baby deal with your emotion, deal with them (oooh)
Dive into the ocean, dive in, dive in (oooh)
Everything is open (oooh) everything is open baby
You're the one that's chosen (oooh)
Let it, drip
Let it, drip
Let it, drip (mama)
Let it, drip
(Ferg)
Uh, what a good song Luke pick
I'mma express my emotion
I see it drip drip
I'mma deep dive in the ocean
Getting sick and tired of her ex
Ferg goin' head with the potion
Uh, hit it from the back
Du-rag flap, now she open
Put another plate
Steak with the egg
Now I'm bloated
T-Pain with the bling
Bigger chain, I'm really glow
My cardigan friend go hard in the paint
Oh I'm too cozy
D.O. on a chain, watch Plain Jane
Rigby always
My gears are just fierce
Just ask Kelly Rowland
You over there crying tears
Man your girl have choked it
I'm lying if a lyric caught in here is frozen
I'm in shape like a pear
Got my fingers swollen
You too fucking fine to be dealing with some bullshit
Girl that pussy's mine I just gotta pick a bone with it
Let it, drip ooh (let it, drip baby, let it, drip baby yeah yeah)
Let it, drip (yeah)
Let it, drip (mama)
Let it, drip
The lyrics of Luke James's song Drip convey a message of self-confidence and self-love, encouraging listeners to embrace their emotions and not be afraid to face the challenges they encounter. The line "Never never never be afraid of the shit that you're going through" speaks to the importance of resilience and determination, while the repetition of "Let it, drip" provides a mantra for letting go and allowing oneself to feel fully.
The lyrics also touch on the theme of control, with the singer expressing a preference for a partner who is in control, but also acknowledging that it is important for individuals to have control over their own emotions and experiences. This is reinforced in the line "Deal with your emotion (oooh) / Dive into the ocean (oooh) / Everything is open (oooh) / You're the one that's chosen (mmm ooh)," which suggests that by facing one's emotions and exploring oneself more deeply, one can find a sense of freedom and purpose.
Overall, the lyrics of Drip offer a message of empowerment and self-determination, encouraging listeners to embrace their individuality and take control of their own lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Aye Luke, me, you bring dark skinned back
Hey Luke, together we are representing dark skin and bringing it back into the spotlight
Awesome track for me to spit awesome raps
This is a great song for me to showcase my amazing rapping skills
Tell Chris Breezy, step back with all his tatts
Chris Brown may have many tattoos, but we don't need that to make good music
From uptown, finna' bring Harlem back
We're planning to bring back the glory days of Harlem's music scene from our position in uptown
Never never never be afraid of the shit that you're going through
Don't be afraid of the challenges and hardships you face in life
Don't underestimate your ability to push through
You have the strength to overcome anything, don't sell yourself short
Deal with your emotion (oooh)
Confront your feelings and emotions
Dive into the ocean (oooh)
Fully immerse yourself in your emotional state
Everything is open (oooh)
Your mind and heart are open and receptive to change
You're the one that's chosen (mmm ooh)
You are special and destined for greatness
Let it, drip
Allow yourself to feel and express your emotions
Feeling on your booty but I'd rather feel your soul (soul) soul
I'm more interested in connecting with the real you rather than just physical attraction
Girl I know you ain't Janet but I like you in control (control)
You may not be like Janet Jackson, but I find it attractive when you take charge
Baby deal with your emotion, deal with them (oooh)
Be honest about your emotions and confront them head on
Dive into the ocean, dive in, dive in (oooh)
Fully immerse yourself in your emotional state
Everything is open (oooh) everything is open baby
You're in a vulnerable state, but that allows you to grow and change
You're the one that's chosen (oooh)
You are unique and special
Let it, drip
Allow yourself to feel and express your emotions
(Ferg)
Verse by rapper A$AP Ferg
Uh, what a good song Luke pick
This is a great song Luke has chosen for us to perform on together
I'mma express my emotion
I'm going to be honest and open with my feelings
I see it drip drip
I can feel the emotions pouring out of me
Getting sick and tired of her ex
I'm annoyed with her ex-partner
Ferg goin' head with the potion
I'll come up with a way to make her feel better
Uh, hit it from the back
I'm going to have sex with her
Du-rag flap, now she open
I'll put on my du-rag and now she's ready for me
Put another plate
I'll have more food (or sex) later
Steak with the egg
I'm eating steak and eggs
Now I'm bloated
I feel full from eating too much
T-Pain with the bling
I'm wearing flashy jewelry like rapper T-Pain
Bigger chain, I'm really glow
I have a large chain and I look great
My cardigan friend go hard in the paint
My friend in the cardigan sweater is tough
Oh I'm too cozy
I'm too comfortable
D.O. on a chain, watch Plain Jane
I have a chain with the initials 'D.O.' and I'm watching a girl named Plain Jane
Rigby always
My friend Rigby is always around
My gears are just fierce
I'm motivated and determined
Just ask Kelly Rowland
Asking her won't change anything
You over there crying tears
You're upset and crying
Man your girl have choked it
Your girlfriend seems to be choking on something
I'm lying if a lyric caught in here is frozen
I'm not being truthful if I'm not being expressive in my lyrics
I'm in shape like a pear
I have an odd shape
Got my fingers swollen
My fingers are injured or swollen
You too fucking fine to be dealing with some bullshit
You deserve better than the problems you're dealing with
Girl that pussy's mine I just gotta pick a bone with it
I'll have sex with you, I just need to convince you first
Let it, drip ooh (let it, drip baby, let it, drip baby yeah yeah)
Allow yourself to feel and express your emotions
Let it, drip (yeah)
Allow yourself to feel and express your emotions
Let it, drip (mama)
Allow yourself to feel and express your emotions
Let it, drip
Allow yourself to feel and express your emotions
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Anthony Clemons Jr, Dylan Wiggins, Luke James, Ryan Maurice Toby, Zshakira Gray
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lambcalhoun2692
Ain't nothing AND I MEAN NOTHING, like a brown/dark skin man with pretty ass teeth! #Amen
@lambcalhoun2692
YES JESUS
@janaemellers2268
Wait... Sis u look good what's your insta
@oliviarivera7751
Amen.
@arriek.1375
AMEN
@eye845
Lamb Calhoun I agree... Wholeheartedly ...
@flojo091
D'Angelo visuals with Prince vocals... I am in heaven 😍🙌🏾😍.
@alexisclark2122
Hilary Ojinnaka PERFECTLY SAID OMG
@t.abellard6280
He is much hotter than D'Angelo
@courtneytaylor9243
😍😍😍