A Charlotte, Carolina native born with a lyrical calling; Grammy Award winning artist Anthony Hamilton turns a world full of complexities into a soulful sound of unity. Recently he has channeled his cause of connection, creating the a hit new single entitled “Back Together,” highlighting two words that all hearts are looking to hear the most during this time of solitude, Hamilton embodied the cravings of the world. As if to give a blessing to the verses orchestrated, the legend of intimacy and living life to the fullest Rick James was encapsulated in the song. In each chord, kick, and snare, Rick James is infused into the presence of “Back Together.” Hamilton continues to answer the struggle of COVID-19 with all his resources and efforts, Hamilton relays a message to those seeking comfort during this time of physical distance.
His voice comes from a timeless place, Hamilton in a past life was known as the singing barber. He captured his struggle, passion, and humility within his songs and melody. The Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter, and producer achieved sales over 50 million albums, inducted in the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, Hamilton secured his place in history as the Narrator of Love. Known for his raw grit he offers to his songs, Hamilton expanded across all entertainment media. Making his film Debut in the critically acclaimed American Gangster and poured his talents over the song “Freedom” for the Academy Award Nominated movie, Django Unchained. The soulful pioneer embodies the words he speaks, also authored a book, “Cornbread, Fish ‘n Collard Greens.” Metaphorically entitled, he shares the ingredients to some of his top hits in his music journey.
In this time of Social distancing, Hamilton released the song “Back Together.” The creative process behind the song was accompanied by the legendary sound of Rick James and produced by 9th Wonder. Hamilton and 9th wanted to collaborate for years, Hamilton described one of the producer’s gifts is capturing an old song and making it new. In the moment of them cultivating three songs one night, Hamilton was ready to head out. He distinctly remembered putting on his backpack and heading towards the door, but like a fish caught on a hook Hamilton put down his things and got reeled back into the booth, when 9th Wonder started to play his rendition of Fire and Desire by Rick James. “It was hard from the start,” was the first lyric that was released from Hamilton’s heart and transferred into the mic, fusing it with Rick James Vocals, Anthony described it as “Making something special.”
Hamilton Stated, “Rick James has been one of my favorites for a long time,” he continued, “Something about his voice was really big and manly and open.” Anthony was drawn to the power, funky music, and the outfits Rick James had. Hamilton mentioned he wielded the essence of Rick James into his personal musical compass.
The Narrator of Love has reach new heights in his music career, releasing Back Together through his own music Label, “My Music Box,” in partnership with BMG. Hamilton reflected on the name of his label and stated, “When you’re coming up as a child or even as an adult, there’s always a box of stuff that’s sacred and special to you.” Anthony continued, “I just thought that…My Music Box, would be things that I wanted to unleash and share with the world…” After his iconic hit “Comin’ where I’m from” he started to manifest the creation of his own label.
In an unprecedented time of physical distancing due to COVID-19, Anthony has extended his reach in supporting coronavirus relief assistance. He took to the virtual stage to participate in “Saving Ourselves: BET COVID-19 Effort,” where he delivered a rendition of “Lean on Me” in tribute of Bill Withers. With many other notable virtual appearances across the globe, Hamilton continues to raise awareness behind the importance of staying home. He has joined forces with various organizations including Global Citizen and the World Health Organization to livestream a performance straight from his living room.
Anthony continued to offer his energy towards the relief funds for COVID-19 by also participating in MusiCares, a coronavirus assistance fund that benefits those in the music industry affected by COVID-19. Under their media umbrella, Hamilton went on a livestream via Instagram entitled Soulful Sundays with Anthony Hamilton, he asked for any fan requests and encouraged donation to go to MusiCares.
With his new record label, Anthony Hamilton built a home for his heart. “Back Together” was the first project released through his own label. Hamilton and 9th Wonder captured the desires of many through this song. Hamilton noted, “9th Wonder flipped the sample right in front of me. I wrote the song in a way to make it feel like Rick was singing along with me. ‘Back Together’ pays homage to one of the greats.” He continued, “To me, it’s also about love and getting back together with someone you knew was special. In this time of COVID-19, it took on a new meaning too. It means getting back to our lives. Be close to those who are special to you. We all want to be close to anybody right now.”
