It’s practically impossible to think about great music in the eighties and nineties without thinking of the name Uptown Music. And the company would have never reached the heights it did without James Jenkins, who served as an executive for the legendary music company. Today, the artist is ready to open a new chapter and create more significant projects and greater influence throughout the world of music.
“Uptown Records was not only a record label but also a lifestyle,” shared James “Luv” Jenkins, music executive and artist. “We were credited as the first and only record company in history to create a lifestyle where people wanted to walk like us, talk like us, dress like us, and be us.”
Now Luv is back with a vengeance and has new strategies, plans, and a vision for long-term success that goes on for generations.
James Malcolm Jenkins, also known by his nickname Jimmy Luv, is a music icon of his own accord. He was one of the minds behind the writing and arrangement of hits like “Nobody Else” by Anthony Hamilton and his mix of “Nobody Else.” He’s worked alongside artists like F.S. Effect and Finesse and Synquis and labels like MCA Records, Giant Records, and Reprise Records.
Growing up, Jimmy had a big vision for himself. He would also develop a thick skin and a knack for entrepreneurship and art through the years—an unlikely combination that would turn him into a lynchpin among music circles. He invested time and energy learning from influencers and leaders like James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, Truman Capote, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nicky Barnes, Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Russell Simmons, and Andre Harrell, to name a few. That background would turn him into a heavyweight, not just on the music production front but on the business side of things as well.
Jimmy Luv Jenkins worked closely with Uptown Records founder Andre Harrell and other executives like Russell Simmons and artists like Teddy Riley, exposing him to all kinds of talents. He connected with artists, rappers, singers, filmmakers, directors, photographers, and other production and media professionals who continue to mold entertainment today. He was also instrumental in forming the careers of artists like Al B. Sure!, Christopher Williams, Guy, Heavy D & The Boyz, Father MC, Jodeci, Mary J. Blige, Notorious B.I.G., and Soul for Real.
After his work with Uptown Records, James Jenkins continues to find golden opportunities. Earlier this year, he worked alongside Grammy Award-winning producer Billie Lennox on undisclosed projects. Apart from his music production work, James views himself as an educator who expands borders for people in fine grooming, cuisine, fashion, culture, music, and film.
For James Jenkins, his best work remains before him. He still has a fire in his eyes and a knack for discovering diamonds in the rough when it comes to talent and entertainment. Additionally, he remains driven and ambitious, seeking to reach levels as high as the Oscars and building multi-million companies that will shape music, film, and fashion.
James keeps busy working with up-and-coming artists and high-profile producers, waiting to strike the iron when it gets hot during these challenging times. As of now, Jimmy Luv has already set his legacy in stone among music executive “who’s whos.” But he still has so much more coming, and there’s no other way but up for him from here.
Learn more about James Jenkins by visiting his Instagram profile.
