Neon Nights & Timeless Sound: How James Artissen Turned City Life Into a Genre
- Mo Clark
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Atmospheric. Dreamy. Nocturnal.
Those words don’t just describe the music of James Artissen—they describe the world he’s built inside it.
Born James Allen Worthy on March 28, 1992, in Queens, New York, Artissen emerged from the city’s pulse with a sound that feels like midnight lights reflecting off wet pavement—stylish, relaxed, trippy, and unmistakably confident. Blending Contemporary R&B, Pop-Rap, and Dance, his catalog moves with a flowing ease, built for late drives, rooftop conversations, and after-hours revelations.
From Queens to the Craft
Artissen’s journey began early. At just 16, a chance moment meeting the late Michael Jackson at Webster Hall ignited a fire that would shape his future. Music shifted from interest to calling. Soon after relocating to Atlanta, he entered a high school music mentoring program sponsored by Dallas Austin, where songwriting became his foundation—and production his evolution.
Influenced by genre-shapers like A Tribe Called Quest, Whodini, Kanye West, Miguel, The Weeknd, and Pharrell Williams, Artissen taught himself to sing by 2009. His technical mastery followed at The Art Institute of Atlanta, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Audio Production, sharpening the skills that would later place him alongside mainstream artists and elite songwriters.
Chart Moves & Creative Leaps
In 2017, Artissen stepped into the spotlight as an artist, joining duo Kings X2. Their debut single, “Wine For Me,” didn’t whisper—it charted, peaking at #10 on the Billboard Hot Single Sales Chart for five weeks. When the group disbanded in 2018, Artissen pivoted seamlessly into a solo run, releasing “Move” featuring Whodini, a nod to his roots with a modern edge.
His 2019 EP Blu Leisure became a critical favorite—lush, cool, and intentional—with guest appearances from Tony Terry, Sonna Rele, Kalenna Harper, and Whodini. The follow-up Kaleidoscopes deepened his sonic palette, reinforcing his reputation as an artist who doesn’t chase trends—he curates moods.
In 2023, Artissen linked with Atlanta royalty Big Gipp of Goodie Mob for the collaborative EP Gipp N Worthy. The lead single “TOTW” climbed to #91 on Billboard’s R&B Digital Sales Chart and hit #1 on Amazon Best Sellers, proving his cross-generational appeal.
The Grammy Thread
Beyond his own releases, Artissen’s fingerprints are all over modern music. As a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, producer, and audio engineer, he’s worked with Meek Mill, Justin Bieber, Robin S., 112, Raphael Saadiq, J. Holiday, and more—each collaboration reinforcing his versatility and quiet authority in the studio.
Building Legacy: Humble Sound Records
In 2024, Artissen expanded his vision with the launch of Humble Sound Record, in partnership with Sony Orchard. The imprint champions voices with soul and substance, housing artists like B Angie B, Robin S., Tynisha Keli, Sophia Habib, Shaynah, and Truth Hurts—a roster that mirrors his own ethos: seasoned, expressive, and timeless.
Beyond the Booth
Artissen’s presence extends past music. His film and television appearances include Love & Hip Hop Atlanta, BET’s From The Bottom Up, Chrisley Knows Best, Access Hollywood, and The Portia Show on FOX. He’s also contributed to the NAACP-nominated literary work Family Affair: What It Means To Be African American Today, underscoring his commitment to storytelling in all forms.
The Art of After Dark
At his core, James Artissen is an architect of feeling. His music lives in the spaces between heartache and celebration, seduction and solitude—capturing the rhythm of city life after the sun goes down. Cool without trying. Confident without noise. And always intentional.
In an era obsessed with immediacy, Artissen reminds us that mood is a language—and he speaks it fluently.
Follow & Stream James Artissen:
Instagram, X, Facebook, TikTok: @jamesartissen
Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, SoundCloud, Bandcamp
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