James Edward Fauntleroy II (born May 16, 1984) is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer from Inglewood, California. He is best known for his songwriting work and guest performances on songs by high-profile artists including Travis Scott, Frank Ocean, Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Drake, J. Cole, Vince Staples, Jhené Aiko, Big Sean, Jay-Z, John Mayer, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Chris Brown, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Justin Timberlake. In 2014 and 2018, Fauntleroy won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song.
Musical career
In 2007, Fauntleroy wrote five tracks for Chris Brown's second album Exclusive (2007).
In 2009, James Fauntleroy co-wrote six tracks on Rihanna's fourth album Rated R (2009).
In 2011, Fauntleroy provided vocals for five songs on Common's The Dreamer/The Believer album. He appeared on "Dreamer (feat. Maya Angelou)", "Gold," "Cloth", "Celebrate", and "Windows". He also provided vocals to Frank Ocean's 2011 song American Wedding on his debut mixtape, Nostalgia, Ultra. In 2012, he contributed vocals to Kanye West's first G.O.O.D. Music collaborative album, Cruel Summer. He appears on "Clique", "Higher", "Sin City", and "The One".
In 2013, Fauntleroy also made high-profile appearances on Drake's "Girls Love Beyonce", Nipsey Hussle's Crenshaw, Travis Scott's Owl Pharaoh, J. Cole's Born Sinner and Big Sean's Hall of Fame. He also contributed writing and additional vocals to New Kids on the Block's 10 (2013) and Jay-Z's Magna Carta Holy Grail (2013). Fauntleroy also performed at the 2013 Soul Train Music Awards. On November 15, 2013, Timbaland released "Know Bout Me", the first single from his album Textbook Timbo featuring Fauntleroy, Drake and Jay-Z. However, Timbaland looks to have shelved the project for the time being, instead focusing on his new album Opera Noir. He also co-wrote every song on Justin Timberlake's The 20/20 Experience (2013) and twelve further tracks on the follow-up The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2 (2013).
In 2014, Fauntleroy won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song for co-writing "Pusher Love Girl", for Justin Timberlake's highly successful third studio album The 20/20 Experience (2013).
In 2015, Fauntleroy wrote on 4 tracks on Rihanna's eighth studio album Anti and appeared on Kendrick Lamar's album To Pimp a Butterfly, which was nominated for Album of the Year at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards.
In 2016, Fauntleroy co-wrote 7 tracks on Bruno Mars' third studio album 24K Magic.
Discography
Awards
The Grammy Awards are awarded annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States for outstanding achievements in the music industry. Considered the highest music honor, the awards were established in 1958. James Fauntleroy has won 4 awards out of 6 nominations.
References
External links
- James Fauntleroy at AllMusic
- James Fauntleroy II discography at Discogs
- Check The Credits: Songwriter James Fauntleroy II On Writing Hits For Rihanna, Jordin Sparks, Justin Timberlake & More Life Times
- SoundCloud
- BBC (Dead link)
