It's Jvck James' time to shine and Apple Music knows it

With the weather only getting warmer, what better way to embrace the great outdoors than having some audio fire playing non-stop? Look no further than what international crooner Jvck James is serving up these days. His buzz is growing so big Apple Music had to salute his grind with its Up Next title.

Jvck James secures Apple Music’s Up Next title

The United Kingdom musician is the latest addition to Apple Music’s monthly artist initiative aimed at highlighting newcomers.

With early roots in gospel, R&B, and reggae music, the East London born artist credits shaping his timeless yet modern soulful vocals through a heavy rotation of D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, Michael Jackson and Kendrick Lamar growing up. Once an outcast for his childhood fascination with gospel music, today his impassioned R&B—imbued with echoed phrases, soaring vocal flourishes, and messages of hope—is in greater step with the genre’s redeeming power. Across Apple Music, James has been a mainstay with his star power soaring since the release of his singles "No Drama" and "Love in the Club.” Over the past year, James’ music has grown over 1,200% on Apple Music and been featured on a number of major editorial playlists including R&B Now, Mood., Me and Bae, and Breaking R&B.

It’s not just a simple nod. James has a cinematic project to celebrate.

In his Up Next film out today, James traces his introduction to music through his early days in the church choir and how his music has evolved alongside his own growing confidence and determination as an artist. “I have this very soulful side to me and I have this experimental side that wants to delve in to different genres and catch people by surprise,” James tells Apple Music. “James is that young kid from East London; I was always shy, reserved, I get that from my mom. My dad’s side of the family is more rebellious and that’s Jvck. Jvck allows me to feel like I could show off and wear what I want to wear and sing how I want to sing, and not really care about how people think.”

Jvck James geeks out over the title

You don’t have to worry about checking James’ social media posts to get his reaction. He’s already reacted to securing the massive Apple Music salute.

“I feel honoured to be selected as Apple Music’s Up Next Artist for 2022!” said Jvck James. “To be able to share my story on a worldwide platform fills me with gratitude, especially this early on in my career. I hope my journey can inspire someone to go after their dreams no matter where you are from; it’s possible. Reppin’ London to the death of me!! Again, thank you Apple for trusting me to deliver! We’re just getting started!”

Apple Music 1 host Dotty has even stepped up to speak on James’ influence on the music biz.

“Jvck James is at the forefront of the thriving R&B scene in the UK and for very good reason,” said Apple Music 1 host Dotty. “Anyone that has heard his Joyride EP will know this is an artist that oozes 90s essence while still managing to feel avant-garde at every turn. I can’t wait for a new wave of R&B fans to discover one of the most exciting new names of the genre."

Here’s the rundown on Apple Music’s Up Next

In case you’re still trying to figure out what makes the Up Next title different than other platforms’ odes, look no further than the full breakdown of what Apple Music’s doing on a monthly basis. And of course if you can’t resist, check out Jvck James’ On The Rocks EP stream a little further down.

Up Next is Apple Music's monthly artist program geared towards identifying, showcasing and elevating rising star talent. Each month, Apple Music's editorial team selects an artist to promote, utilizing the full force of the platform to raise awareness of the artist to its growing global audience of music fans. The program includes an Apple Music short film shot entirely on iPhone introducing the artist, an interview with one of our Apple Music radio anchors, a late night TV performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and more. The vast Up Next roster of past talent includes Grammy-nominated and critically lauded talent like 6lack, Daniel Caesar, H.E.R., Greta Van Fleet, Khalid, Amy Shark, Billie Eilish, Sabrina Claudio, Sigrid, Mr Eazi, Stefflon Don, Bad Bunny, Juice WLRD, Bazzi, Jax Jones, NCT 127, Summer Walker, Tierra Whack, Dean Lewis, Pink Sweat$, Koffee, Megan Thee Stallion, Burna Boy, Clairo, Lunay, Jessie Reyez, Orville Peck, Victoria Monét, Ingrid Andress, Conan Gray, Don Toliver, Rema, BENEE, Holly Humberstone, Natanael Cano, Givēon, beabadoobee, Arlo Parks, Tate McRae, Zoe Wees, Morray, Fousheé, Amorphous, Tems, Parker McCollum, Jay Wheeler, Shenseea and Omar Apollo.

In 2022, Apple Music's Up Next artist program has expanded into its sixth year and includes a curated companion Up Next playlist featuring a dynamic class of new and emerging artists, thoughtfully hand-picked by Apple Music editors from around the world. The playlist is genre and country agnostic and represents a line-up of artists our global editors are passionate about and eager to expose to a larger audience. In March 2021, Apple Music expanded the Up Next program to feature localized campaigns that highlight artists across the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia/New Zealand, South Africa, India, France, Germany, Mexico, Russia, Japan and China. As the newest induction into Apple Music's Up Next roster, Jvck James joins some of today's most exciting and promising artists and will serve as the official Up Next playlist cover star to be spotlighted throughout the month.