James Artissen: Grammy-Nominated Singer, Songwriter, Producer from Queens to Atlanta

James Artissen (born James Allen Worthy on March 28, 1992, in Queens, New York) is a distinguished Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, record producer, and audio engineer. Adopting the name “Artissen” reflects the passion and commitment he brings to his craft.

Early Influences & Musical Beginnings

Raised in Queens, James discovered his musical voice at 16. A pivotal encounter with Michael Jackson at Webster Hall ignited his dream to pursue music professionally. After relocating to Atlanta, he immersed himself in songwriting and production through a Dallas Austin–led high school mentoring program. Inspired by artists like A Tribe Called Quest, Whodini, Kanye West, Miguel, The Weeknd, and Pharrell Williams, he taught himself to sing in 2009.

James earned a Bachelor’s degree in audio production from The Art Institute of Atlanta, setting the foundation for work with mainstream acts and songwriters.

Rise as an Artist

In 2017, James launched his artistry by co-founding the duo Kings X2. Their debut single, “Wine For Me,” climbed to #10 on Billboard’s Hot Single Sales chart for five weeks. By 2018, the group had disbanded, and James released his debut solo single, “Move,” featuring legacy hip-hop group Whodini.

His 2019 EP, Blu Leisure, received critical acclaim and featured collaborations with Tony Terry, Sonna Rele, Kalenna Harper, and Whodini. He followed up with his second EP, Kaleidoscopes, and in 2023 teamed up with Big Gipp (of Goodie Mob) on the EP Gipp N Worthy. The lead single “TOTW” charted on Billboard’s R&B Digital Sales and hit #1 on Amazon’s music best-seller list.

Grammy Work & Collaborations

Behind the scenes, James has earned Grammy nominations for his collaborations with high-profile artists like Meek Mill, Justin Bieber, Robin S., 112, Raphael Saadiq, and Goodie Mob. His genre-spanning expertise in R&B, hip-hop, and pop has made him a sought-after producer and songwriter.

Entrepreneurial Vision: Humble Sound Record

In 2024, James launched Humble Sound Record in partnership with Sony Orchard. The label supports artists including B Angie B, Robin S., Tynisha Keli, Sophia Habib, Shaynah, and Truth Hurts.

Summary

From a motivated teenager in Queens to a Grammy-nominated force, James Artissen’s journey is one of talent, resilience, and creativity. As a multifaceted musician, producer, and label founder, he continues to shape the musical landscape and inspire the next generation of artists.