- Curator
- Date: May 26, 2025
- Stage: Lagoon
True creativity can’t be contained in one lane. That said, Trinidad James simultaneously traffics in multiple lanes at the highest speed possible. You might recognize him as a multiplatinum chart-busting rapper (and of course, he is). However, he continues to make his mark as a songwriter and Creative Director (567Agency) with a growing discography highlighted by hits for Flo Milli, Will Smith, Bruno Mars, Queen Naija, and many more. Plus, he distinguishes himself as a proven entrepreneur, fashion magnate, and philanthropist. He owns and runs both the design and apparel brand Hommewrk and sock company DadSocks. Recognizing his quiet, yet tireless efforts to support and uplift the community, Los Angeles non-profit Love My Neighbor Foundation notably honored him with a 2022 Humanitarian Award.
Now, all of these facets converge in his artistry with the forthcoming release of Don’t Be S.A.F.E. 2 and much more to come in 2024 and beyond.
“The shoes, the clothes, the socks, and the songwriting pushed me back to my Trinidad James business—which is the music,” he exclaims. “I’m looking at it from a different perspective. I’m more business-oriented. I see the potential of bringing in my brand to the music. I’m your #1 hustler and most improved artist.”
Born in Trinidad and based in Atlanta, he emerged as a phenomenon during 2012. His seminal breakout album, Don’t Be S.A.F.E., housed the platinum smash “All Gold Everything.” Bruno Mars notably interpolated its chorus—“Don’t believe me, just watch”—for the diamond-selling GRAMMY® Award-winning “Uptown Funk” with Mark Ronson. His catalog expanded with the triple-platinum remix of A$AP Ferg’s “Work” [feat. A$AP Rocky, French Montana, and ScHoolboy Q] and August Alsina’s platinum “I Love This Shit” [feat. Trinidad James]. He maintained unprecedented momentum with projects such as 10 PC Mild [2013], No One Is Safe [2016], The Wake Up 2 [2017], Father Figga [2017], Daddy Issues [2018], and Black Filter [2020]. Beyond plugs from Complex and others, RNGLDR applauded the latter as “a masterful, necessary album that will forever be sourced as grounds for new sounds and merging lanes into a truly unique, irreplicable result.” Along the way, he notably collaborated with Travis Scott, Young Thug, Gucci Mane, Lil Dicky, Jaden, and more.
As 2020 took hold, he never stopped making music, but he also followed other passions. He cemented a high-profile partnership with global sneaker brand Saucony, leading to four collaborations under the banner of Men’s Saucony x Hommewrk by Trinidad James. Inciting chatter throughout the culture from Sole Collector, Footwear News, and REVOLT, HYEBAE specifically hailed the Juicy Jazz 81 as “a head-turning pair to add to your rotation.” The collaboration positioned him to launch apparel with Hommewrk as well, presenting its debut collection in homage to iconic Trinidadian leader and first black Miss Universe Janelle “Penny” Commissiong in 2022 with hoodies shirts, jackets, and vests.
“When I was able to focus on fashion, it brought a new joy to me,” he admits. “The shoe opportunity came, and I saw the bigger picture. A brand with no story is not a brand. I’ve always been a voice for underdogs, and Hommewrk ties back to this mentality. We pick a muse who is somebody ‘you should do your homework on’. If you look at the initial collection, the shirts have street signs with Janelle’s name. We’re tying it back to her and Trinidad. If you do your homework, you might learn a thing or two and become inspired.”
Speaking of inspiration, he concurrently brought DadSocks to the marketplace with Kyle The Knitter. He sold the high-quality debonair socks direct-to-consumer, selling out drops within days and partnering with the PGA Tour. Concurrently, independent retailers nationwide embraced the brand. He adds, “Quality is the number one reason why I love it. The style is flashy. We’re giving new and old fathers confidence. If you have cool socks on, it’s a conversation piece. You’ll get asked, ‘Where did you get those?’ In my opinion, accessories set the outfit off.”
In the meantime, he sharpened his pen behind-the-scenes. He co-wrote Queen Naija’s #1 R&B radio hit gold-certified “Butterflies Pt. 2” and Flo Milli’s 2022 smash “Conceited.” Other credits include Megan Thee Stallion’s “Do It On The Top” [feat. City Girls], Kehlani’s “Everybody Business,” and Chloe X Halle & Doja Cat’s “Do It (Remix)” [feat. City Girls & Latto], among others. Drawing on all of these experiences, he reignited his personal creative vision.
“I wanted to start writing for me again,” he recalls. “By writing for other artists, I’ve learned how to write better. I understand how to be vulnerable for the ladies and myself. You’re going to hear it.”
In this spirit, he pushed himself to expand the sonic palette. His larger-than-life personality and inimitable voice fit seamlessly into styles as diverse as heavy funk, dance, and trap to punk, progressive R&B, and African. “I’m mixing in different things without forgetting who I am,” he notes. “It closes out a ten-year chapter and starts a new one. I’m not the same kid; I’m a full-grown man who has to take care of his family.”
In the end, he magnifies his impact in music, fashion, and community with every move.
“When I do anything, I’m not only trying to help myself, but the whole genre and culture of music,” he leaves off. “I have a lot to say, and I’m going to do so through every avenue I can.”
