James L. Smith is an American music executive, promoter and manager. He is the CEO and co-founder of the Houston based record label Rap-A-Lot. Smith and his son Jas are known for introducing Canadian rapper Drake to Lil Wayne and helping Drake sign to Young Money Entertainment in 2009.
What is J Prince Net Worth
| Net Worth: | $25 Million |
| Date of Birth: | Oct 31, 1964 (58 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Houston, Texas |
| Profession: | Music executive, music manager, investor, entrepreneur, A&R |
Early Life
James L. Smith was born on the 31st of October, 1965, in Morne Diablo. Prince started off his career as a disc jockey for a sound system company. In 2008, he changed his name to J. Prince. He released his first single, ‘Victory’ produced by G Master. The music video for ‘Victory’ went to number two on the Tempo’s Cross-Caribbean secular countdown. In 2011, J. Prince and Flow Master Records released his first two albums ‘Omega – A New Beginning’ and ‘Renaissance.’ Since then, he has shared the stage with DJ Nicholas, Sherwin Gardner, Positive, and American Rapper Flame.
Personal Life
J. Prince is the father to seven grown children. He still owns his ranch in Houston, which brings in an income of $200,000 a year from the Angus cattle he raises. J. Prince also owns an island off the coast of Belize.
Philanthropy
Prince has spent 20 years promoting Houston’s rap scene and rap artists, is now working to promote underprivileged neighborhoods and communities. He recently began building a community center in his old 5th Ward neighborhood that will help young children, teens and adults to excel more in their lives. Houston City Council and Mayor Bill White honored Prince and his work by naming a day in his honor on Jan. 30, 2007. Prince launched a campaign to educate youths about HIV/AIDS prevention and testing in Feb 2007.
Highlights
Here are some of the best highlights of J. Prince’s career:
- Houston Mayor Bill White and the City Council honored Prince (2007)
- Hip Hop Honors Awards (2010)
Career
Rap-a-Lot was established by Prince in 1986 in Houston, Texas. He launched the company on the second floor of his car repair shop. He began the record label to keep his younger brother from getting into trouble on the streets by giving him something to do. Smoke-a-Lot Records is another name for the corporation. Following his arrival to New York City in 1988, he started keeping an eye on certain prominent associates with Russel Simmons and Lyor Cohen, who had worked for Def Jam Records.
Prince’s career started up with selling used cars and as said he tried to make a profit in this business by creating use of all the contacts he had. However, this led him to the music industry and further to become the CEO of rapAlot. He is also considered a mediator in the world of hip hop. He was recognized for his social service work by the Houston Mayor and the council for 20 years of commitment and service to the city.