New Kid on the Block

Several people gathered downtown last month at the 40 Watt Club for Tommy Valentine's Birthday Bash. This is where I discovered a talented, funny, young rapper by the name of Jamie Radford.

Although I am not a big rap fan, I thoroughly enjoyed Radford's performance. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that Radford did not rap about drugs, sex, or violence but instead, he was just a funny guy that chose to rap about his own life.

By Radford's second song, I was just amazed by his ability to control the crowd. I do not think I could have taken my eyes off of him if I tried. At the end of the night I was so impressed with him that I felt compelled to buy his CD, which was released in 2005.

A day or two after the show I found the time to sit down and listen to his CD, and I was completely blown away by how talented he was. It inspired me to sit down and talk with him.

Radford was born in Troy, Alabama where he began rapping at the age of 15. "Most of the time I was just free styling," said Radford.

He was not just your normal teenager though. He was actually a two time debating champion at his high school. After graduating, he decided to move to Athens to get his law degree at the University of Georgia. Once he was here he became really absorbed in the town's famous music culture.

He began producing music in college, when he could afford to buy a computer. This is when he recorded and released his CD in 2005. Now at the young age or 25, his is an accomplished rapper.

"The Athens hip-hop scene is rising, said Radford. "But there have yet to be any standout artists who put Athens rap on the map. I hope to be that artist."

Radford appears to be right each weekend there seem to be more and more shows around Athens, but no single rapper has succeeded in stepping up as the best. However, Radford seems to be well on his way to the top. He has already rapped with some very big local names such as The Renegadez, ElemeN.O.P and Tommy Valentine.

"The Athens hip-hop scene is awesome, although Athens remains to be more or an Indie Rock town," said Radford. "However, I'm influenced by a lot of rock as well as Indie music, so I feel like I fit in pretty well."

Not only is Radford recognized in Athens, but he seems to be getting some attention overseas and in bigger internet music magazines such as Stylus and Gorilla vs. Bear. He is hoping in the long run that all the extra attention will pay off.

"I submitted my music to several bloggers, who started writing about it and it just sort of gained momentum.