Nappy Roots/ Anthony hamilton

Biography

Anthony Cornelius Hamilton, born January 28, 1971, in Charlotte, North Carolina, began his musical journey singing in his local church choir at age 10 and continued in the award-winning choir at South Mecklenburg High School under director Mark Setzer.[1][2][3] Encouraged by producer Mark Sparks in 1992, he moved to New York City in 1993, signing with Andre Harrell's Uptown Records (an MCA imprint), where he recorded his debut album XTC in 1996, though it was shelved after poor single performance and the label's bankruptcy.[1][2][3] During this period, he wrote songs for artists like Donell Jones and provided background vocals for D'Angelo's Voodoo Tour, honing his raw, soulful style often compared to Bill Withers and Bobby Womack.[1][3]

Hamilton broke into the mainstream in 2002 with his powerful chorus on Nappy Roots' 'Po' Folks' from Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz, earning a 2003 Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and leading to a deal with Jermaine Dupri's So So Def (Arista).[1][2][3] His 2003 album Comin' from Where I'm From went platinum, driven by the hit 'Charlene,' followed by gold-certified Ain't Nobody Worryin' (2005) and The Point of It All (2008), blending Southern soul, R&B, and hip-hop elements with themes of struggle and resilience.[1][2] Later releases like Back to Love (2011), What I'm Feelin' (2016), and Love Is the New Black (2021) solidified his legacy, alongside acting in American Gangster and contributions to soundtracks like Django Unchained.[2][4]

Known for his gritty, emotive vocals and neo-soul rooted in Southern hip-hop influences, Hamilton has sold over 50 million albums globally, received multiple Grammy and NAACP Image Award nominations, and performed the National Anthem at the 2019 NBA All-Star Game in Charlotte.[2][4] His career reflects perseverance through label failures, establishing him as a enduring voice in contemporary R&B.

Fun Facts

• His debut album XTC (1996) was recorded but shelved due to label bankruptcy and poor single performance, later influencing his compilation Soulife (2005).[1][2]
• Hamilton co-wrote Donell Jones' 1999 hit 'U Know What’s Up' and provided remixed vocals for 2Pac tracks 'Thugz Mansion' and 'Dear Mama'.[3]
• He performed Al Green's 'Tired of Being Alone' as a tribute at the 2008 BET Awards and sang the National Anthem at the 2019 NBA All-Star Game in his hometown Charlotte.[2][4]
• In 2025, he released Pages with Omari Hardwick, and authored the self-published book Cornbread, Fish 'n Collard Greens sharing song inspirations and Southern food love.[2][4]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Mark Sparks - Producer who encouraged move to New York and professional pursuit (Early career guidance leading to Uptown Records signing) [1992]
• Mark Setzer - High school choir director (South Mecklenburg High School choir) [Late 1980s]
• Andre Harrell - Uptown Records executive who signed him (XTC album recording) [1993-1996]

Key Collaborators

• Nappy Roots - Frequent collaborator on singles and albums ('Po' Folks' (Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz, 2002), 'Sick & Tired', 'Push On', 'Organic' (Wooden Leather, 2003), 'Down N' Out' (The Humdinger, 2008), 'Bluegrass Stain'd' with Mark Ronson (2003)) [2002-2008]
• D'Angelo - Backup vocals on tour (Voodoo Tour) [Late 1990s-2000]
• Jadakiss - Guest vocals on Grammy-nominated track ('Why' (2004)) [2004]
• Jeezy - Guest appearance on album (The Recession (2008)) [2008]

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia