Songwriter is a... Some form of therapy, for me, of things that I have gone through
some form of therapy, for me, of things that I have gone through and things that, you know,
I didn't know I went through.
And things that, you know, I didn't know I went through. When you're writing, you revisit
different places in your life
when you're writing, you revisit different places in your life and things that you forgot
about.
And things that you forgot about. Kind of surface again.
About. Kind of surface again. And you have a chance to deal
kind of surface again. And you have a chance to deal with them, tell your story, get
and you have a chance to deal with them, tell your story, get it off your chest.
With them, tell your story, get it off your chest. And not only my life but looking
out and seeing things that
and not only my life but looking out and seeing things that others have endured, I think
it's a form of therapy, freedom,
and a chance to, uh -- to change
the narrative.
And a chance to, uh -- to change the narrative. So writing, for me, is a little
piece of heaven.
What do I want my legacy to be?
Piece of heaven. What do I want my legacy to be? A legacy that was not a selfish
what do I want my legacy to be? A legacy that was not a selfish one.
A legacy that was for the
people.
Family, friends, loved ones.
People. Family, friends, loved ones. And for the world.
That I made it better.
When they needed something,
that I made it better. When they needed something, I came through in the clutch,
when they needed something, I came through in the clutch, and I made it better, one way or
another, whether it was a song,
I gave you the best haircut you
ever had, you had my collard
greens and my cabbage, or I just
honked the horn at you and made
your day better with a friendly
smile.
Your day better with a friendly smile. You know?
Smile. You know? "that guy, he was cool.
He was all right.
But he was a singing rascal."
he was all right. But he was a singing rascal." ♪
but he was a singing rascal." ♪ ♪
♪
-- captions by vitac -- www.Vitac.Com
♪ well, I'm goin' ♪ ♪ do, do, do, do ♪ ♪ down to the river ♪
♪ well, I'm goin' down to the
river ♪
♪ ooh ♪
that was one of the first songs
I ever sang.
That was one of the first songs I ever sang. Yeah.
I was a singing barber.
Um...
Cutting hair was a -- was one of
um... Cutting hair was a -- was one of the first jobs that I had.
I taught myself with a big
razor and some scissors.
It was a guy named sean who had
the coarse -- he had this real
it was a guy named sean who had the coarse -- he had this real coarse, thick hair.
The coarse -- he had this real coarse, thick hair. I kept looking at him, I was
like, "man, I just want to cut
his hair.
Like, "man, I just want to cut his hair. I want to give him a shape-up,"
'cause it had grown out.
And one day, after school,
I invited him over, and I cut
and one day, after school, I invited him over, and I cut his hair.
And I did a good job.
His hair. And I did a good job. And from there, I started
and I did a good job. And from there, I started picking up clippers and trying
and from there, I started picking up clippers and trying to, uh -- to cut with clippers.
Picking up clippers and trying to, uh -- to cut with clippers. Eventually went to barber
school, a place called
eventually went to barber school, a place called black world, where I met a lot
of -- some of my best friends
that I have still to this day --
ed d. Kane, ramon montgomery,
chop, lamont staten -- and,
yeah, we're still friends.
Chop, lamont staten -- and, yeah, we're still friends. They were some of the rides to
new york, those guys.
They believed in me a lot.
New york, those guys. They believed in me a lot. But every day I came to that
they believed in me a lot. But every day I came to that barber school and a barbershop,
but every day I came to that barber school and a barbershop, you best believe I was gonna be
singing.
You best believe I was gonna be singing. Every song on the radio.
Singing. Every song on the radio. [ chuckles ]
every song on the radio. [ chuckles ] my favorite song to sing in the
barbershop back then was
anything and everything jodeci.
Barbershop back then was anything and everything jodeci. [ laughs ]
I thought I was in the group,
man.
They're from charlotte,
north carolina, so I'm like,
they're from charlotte, north carolina, so I'm like, "oh, yeah."
I'm wearing my boots, and I'm
cutting hair.
And, yeah, I'm in the group, in
my mind.
My first record deal was
uptown mca.
It was like a dream for me.
Uptown mca. It was like a dream for me. A dream label.
Mary j. Blige, jodeci, heavy d,
a dream label. Mary j. Blige, jodeci, heavy d, father mc, little shawn.
So it was the label...
Father mc, little shawn. So it was the label... That being signed to meant you
so it was the label... That being signed to meant you had something.
They were taking over the whole
scene of music, from
they were taking over the whole scene of music, from new jack swing going into
whatever jodeci created, it was
something totally different.
Whatever jodeci created, it was something totally different. And mary j. Blige with whatever
she was doing.
So, to be signed to that label
let me know I had something.
I was an opening act for jodeci
on the freek'n you tour.
After that, you know, a few of
my deals kind of fell apart.
I was still, you know, on a high
from being signed to uptown with
andre harrell, jimmy jenkins,
and tim dog and all these guys,
puffy.
And tim dog and all these guys, puffy. There's a lot of great -- great
guys.
Mark pitts.
Guys. Mark pitts. Some of the greats that you see
mark pitts. Some of the greats that you see now leading the way.
I remember being in the office,
uptown, on broadway between 48th
and 49th and broadway.
Uptown, on broadway between 48th and 49th and broadway. And andre would tell me, "I'm
gonna have you around all these
and andre would tell me, "I'm gonna have you around all these model chicks and all these
beautiful women, tall women,
like marvin gaye.
Beautiful women, tall women, like marvin gaye. You gonna be it.
Like marvin gaye. You gonna be it. We're gonna dress you up real
you gonna be it. We're gonna dress you up real nice.
You gonna be a superstar.
Nice. You gonna be a superstar. You're gonna be this.
I'mma have you all aro-- all
you're gonna be this. I'mma have you all aro-- all these women."
I said, "sir, I didn't come here
for no women."
I said, "I came here to do
music."
and the look on his face at that
moment was like, "okay.
And the look on his face at that moment was like, "okay. So he's really serious about it.
Moment was like, "okay. So he's really serious about it. So I don't have to gas him up
so he's really serious about it. So I don't have to gas him up with stuff.
He's a real one."
and, from then on, he'd take me
he's a real one." and, from then on, he'd take me everywhere -- to the hamptons,
to russell simmons, to different
meetings, and places where he
felt like I could benefit and
learn.
Felt like I could benefit and learn. He could trust me 'cause I
wasn't -- I wasn't really in it
he could trust me 'cause I wasn't -- I wasn't really in it for the -- for the mess.
Wasn't -- I wasn't really in it for the -- for the mess. Although I saw some fine women
on the way.
[ laughs ]
I did have my eye open.
But I didn't want to be
distracted.
But I got distracted anyway.
Distracted. But I got distracted anyway. [ laughs ]
but I got distracted anyway. [ laughs ] you know, being on uptown and
the relationship between uptown
and mca, it was dwindling, and
it was taking a turn for the
worse, and I got caught up in
that, so instead of letting me
go, mca decided to keep me and
see what they could do with my
career.
See what they could do with my career. But at that moment, nobody --
they didn't feel attached to it
but at that moment, nobody -- they didn't feel attached to it because they didn't work on it.
They didn't feel attached to it because they didn't work on it. It was worked on by uptown, and
people who were at uptown were
it was worked on by uptown, and people who were at uptown were in love with it.
People who were at uptown were in love with it. So mca kind of -- pretty much
just kind of had me sitting
so mca kind of -- pretty much just kind of had me sitting around, kind of shelf life.
Just kind of had me sitting around, kind of shelf life. And that's how it got over --
over to mca.
But there was no real
connection, you know?
And I get it.
Connection, you know? And I get it. If you didn't work on it, there
and I get it. If you didn't work on it, there was no blood, sweat, and tears
if you didn't work on it, there was no blood, sweat, and tears going into it, how could you
really be attached to it?
Going into it, how could you really be attached to it? Actually, "xtc" was never
released.
It leaked.
Released. It leaked. There was a single,
it leaked. There was a single, "nobody else."
there was a single, "nobody else." that was released, and there was
a single from
"new york undercover,"
"I will go," featuring
terri robinson, that was
released on the soundtrack.
Terri robinson, that was released on the soundtrack. But the actual album never came
out.
There's sightings of it.
Out. There's sightings of it. [ chuckles ]
there's sightings of it. [ chuckles ] "xtc" is floating around
somewhere, and, uh...
Yeah, I heard it sold for $800
one time.
So, that album was amazing.
One time. So, that album was amazing. I worked with tone and poke of
so, that album was amazing. I worked with tone and poke of the trackmasters, who were
killing it back in the day, from
everybody from nas to
will smith, just so many.
Everybody from nas to will smith, just so many. They were running things back
then.
So there was a lot of
anticipation.
That album would've been put up
against d'angelo's
that album would've been put up against d'angelo's "brown sugar."
I remember being in the studio
with tone and poke, and kadar
would come over and play some of
d'angelo's music.
Would come over and play some of d'angelo's music. It was almost like a -- like a
battle.
Like, it was our own "verzuz"
back in the day.
And, uh, I was like, "all right.
Back in the day. And, uh, I was like, "all right. Cool.
He's good."
cool. He's good." [ laughs ]
he's good." [ laughs ] he's really good.
He came out and blew up, and I
had another failed record deal.
>> hamilton: People glorify whatever success. When you're coming from nothing
and you see these guys with the
when you're coming from nothing and you see these guys with the cars and the money and the women
and just look like they're
living the best life, you kind
of want to see what it's about.
Living the best life, you kind of want to see what it's about. People respected a lot of the
hustlers, and so I tried it.
And I realized it just wasn't
for me.
It was short-lived, and, uh,
I didn't really make a lot.
It was a'ight -- $500,
a thousand here, $1,500, $2,000.
But the thing about it, for me,
was to see myself hurting people
but the thing about it, for me, was to see myself hurting people that I loved and people that
were family and people that were
close to me, friends.
Were family and people that were close to me, friends. And their parents.
Close to me, friends. And their parents. I just couldn't --
and their parents. I just couldn't -- that wasn't my thing.
I think I cared too much.
That wasn't my thing. I think I cared too much. I'm glad I did, you know?
'cause it ultimately saved my
life and saved a lot of theirs.
>> hamilton: Yeah, my dad, um... I remember growing up, and we didn't have a really very close
relationship at the time.
Didn't have a really very close relationship at the time. I knew him, and, you know, I
knew him to be dad.
And the times that I -- that I
spent with him.
I'd hear him singing in the car,
old motown and all these amazing
songs.
Old motown and all these amazing songs. And he had a voice that
I wasn't, uh...
I was surprised, actually, to
hear that coming from someone
that I knew that close.
Hear that coming from someone that I knew that close. He almost got signed to motown.
That I knew that close. He almost got signed to motown. He was in a group, called
he almost got signed to motown. He was in a group, called the showstoppers.
And they didn't take the guy
serious.
It was an agent for motown, and
they didn't go back to meet up
it was an agent for motown, and they didn't go back to meet up with him, so that deal kind of
got away from them.
With him, so that deal kind of got away from them. You know, it stuck with me, the
memories of hearing him sing and
you know, it stuck with me, the memories of hearing him sing and then realizing that I had that
same gift.
Then realizing that I had that same gift. Yeah, it made me want to check
my gift and take it to the next
yeah, it made me want to check my gift and take it to the next level.
My gift and take it to the next level. Not just for me but for him, and
he's proud of me.
We've become really close as of
lately, the last -- well, 17
we've become really close as of lately, the last -- well, 17 years.
Lately, the last -- well, 17 years. We're pretty tight.
Years. We're pretty tight. He's gonna teach me how to play
we're pretty tight. He's gonna teach me how to play golf before he gets arthritis,
he's gonna teach me how to play golf before he gets arthritis, he says.
Golf before he gets arthritis, he says. [ laughs ]
my mother. Um...
She raised me.
My mother. Um... She raised me. I was one of three.
She raised us the best she
could.
A single family.
Could. A single family. And just -- I don't know.
She had a bout with not having
and just -- I don't know. She had a bout with not having the best relationships, so it
she had a bout with not having the best relationships, so it took a toll on her.
The best relationships, so it took a toll on her. There was a moment when, you
know, she tried to soothe with
there was a moment when, you know, she tried to soothe with alcohol, and, you know, it took
a turn for the worse for a
minute.
A turn for the worse for a minute. She got herself back together,
and, uh...Yeah.
She made -- she made the best
with what she had.
I lost her to cancer maybe six
or seven years ago.
Um...
Or seven years ago. Um... Lung cancer.
She was a smoker.
And, uh -- but she could cook.
You know, in between cigarettes,
and, uh -- but she could cook. You know, in between cigarettes, I'd smell fried chicken and
you know, in between cigarettes, I'd smell fried chicken and collard greens pinto beans.
My mother was funny.
Collard greens pinto beans. My mother was funny. I think I get a lot of my humor
my mother was funny. I think I get a lot of my humor from my mom.
And my daddy was like, "your
mama was crazy."
and my daddy was like, "your mama was crazy." [ laughs ]
she was in love, and she acted
out a few times.
She was in love, and she acted out a few times. Some of the stories were pretty
funny.
Ola pearl hamilton -- that was
my mother's name.
My dad, ronnie -- ronnie boyd.
My mother's name. My dad, ronnie -- ronnie boyd. Well, my upbringing, it was
my dad, ronnie -- ronnie boyd. Well, my upbringing, it was pretty peaceful.
Slow-motion.
Pretty peaceful. Slow-motion. My family was southern, from
slow-motion. My family was southern, from south carolina and the southern
my family was southern, from south carolina and the southern part of north carolina.
South carolina and the southern part of north carolina. We grew up church -- church
folk.
Happy, close, lots of food.
Folk. Happy, close, lots of food. Sunday mornings were definitely
happy, close, lots of food. Sunday mornings were definitely biscuits and grits and
james cleveland playing in the
background.
James cleveland playing in the background. So I had a pretty -- pretty
even-balanced childhood.
A lot of freedom to go and do as
I please.
Run through the woods,
hide-and-seek.
And shaking down apple trees is
one of my favorite things to do.
Yes, my grandmother was a
stickler for being a part of the
yes, my grandmother was a stickler for being a part of the church, not just being in the
church.
Church, not just being in the church. You had to be a part of it and
participate and do something for
you had to be a part of it and participate and do something for the lord.
Participate and do something for the lord. If you wanted to get blessed,
you had to do the work, and
if you wanted to get blessed, you had to do the work, and being on the choir was my first
job at the church.
Being on the choir was my first job at the church. She heard something in me.
Job at the church. She heard something in me. I think, just around the house,
she heard something in me. I think, just around the house, listening to music and mimicking
what I heard coming through the
speakers, she knew I had
something, a gift, so I had to
sing on the church choir or get
that switch.
Sing on the church choir or get that switch. [ chuckles ]
'cause grandma wasn't playing.
She wasn't playing no games.
I think that moment in my life,
she wasn't playing no games. I think that moment in my life, when I was adopted, very young,
my mother was trying to get it
together.
My mother was trying to get it together. And at that moment, I needed
stability, and I needed
and at that moment, I needed stability, and I needed somewhere that I could grow into
who I believed I was at that
age, even.
Who I believed I was at that age, even. A family took me in, the way
family.
And the hard part about it was
to be in a courtroom, you know,
and the hard part about it was to be in a courtroom, you know, looking at my mom and saying,
"hey, I'd rather go here and
stay with this family than to go
with her," that was her and my
sister.
With her," that was her and my sister. That was the hard part.
Sister. That was the hard part. I still wish I could take that
that was the hard part. I still wish I could take that moment back, but it was the best
for me at the time.
Moment back, but it was the best for me at the time. At the time, it was the best for
all of us, because I think it
at the time, it was the best for all of us, because I think it made us look into our lives, our
situation, and to get better.
Made us look into our lives, our situation, and to get better. I stopped feeling guilt a
while -- a while ago.
We became one big happy family,
and my adopted brother even
we became one big happy family, and my adopted brother even lived with my mother at a time
when he was trying to get his
self together.
When he was trying to get his self together. Yeah, so it became one seamless
family, one complete blanket of
yeah, so it became one seamless family, one complete blanket of individuals who made -- made the
best texture out of what we had.
Individuals who made -- made the best texture out of what we had. At the age of 7, a man named
herman, my uncle jes, he was --
at the age of 7, a man named herman, my uncle jes, he was -- he was a hunter and worked at,
I think, edward lumber company.
He was a hunter and worked at, I think, edward lumber company. And my aunt --
well, my cousin.
I called her my aunt because she
always looked older -- marie.
It was her husband.
Always looked older -- marie. It was her husband. Herman was a really nice man,
it was her husband. Herman was a really nice man, and he called me "golf ball,"
herman was a really nice man, and he called me "golf ball," because every time I saw him,
I was sure to get a golf ball.
Because every time I saw him, I was sure to get a golf ball. But he and uncle jes had had a
falling out, and I believe
but he and uncle jes had had a falling out, and I believe uncle jes said, "come outside."
and I didn't know what was
happening, but I was looking out
my grandmother's front door.
Happening, but I was looking out my grandmother's front door. Uncle jes was at the corner, and
I heard a shot, with a shotgun.
And I saw herman lay down in the
street, and they put a pillow
and I saw herman lay down in the street, and they put a pillow under his head.
Street, and they put a pillow under his head. And I didn't really realize that
it was death that I was
and I didn't really realize that it was death that I was witnessing -- or murder or
whatever.
Witnessing -- or murder or whatever. But I knew that, uh, I never saw
herman...Again.
>> hamilton: Wow. When I wrote and co-wrote "u know what's up" for
when I wrote and co-wrote "u know what's up" for donell jones, I was in the
studio with chris lighty and
darren lighty and balewa -- some
great writers, producers.
Darren lighty and balewa -- some great writers, producers. And I didn't have a lot going on
at the time, but they believed
and I didn't have a lot going on at the time, but they believed in me from hearing my "xtc" work
and writing I had done
and just knowing about me as a
vocalist.
And just knowing about me as a vocalist. They invited me to come and
write with them.
We were in new jersey.
Write with them. We were in new jersey. And, you know, I had a chance to
we were in new jersey. And, you know, I had a chance to say something on the -- on paper
and, you know, I had a chance to say something on the -- on paper and pen, and it happened to be
that song, and it became a hit,
and it's still a hit.
That song, and it became a hit, and it's still a hit. And I think that was something I
needed -- to keep me going, to
and I think that was something I needed -- to keep me going, to give me the motivation and be
like, "okay.
Give me the motivation and be like, "okay. There's still a chance for you.
Like, "okay. There's still a chance for you. There's still -- still hope.
Your 40th record deal, but..."
there's still -- still hope. Your 40th record deal, but..." [ chuckles ]
your 40th record deal, but..." [ chuckles ] "but there's still hope."
that's just a little sign from
god he sprinkled on me at that
time.
God he sprinkled on me at that time. And I needed it.
Time. And I needed it. "po' folks" -- now we -- now we
and I needed it. "po' folks" -- now we -- now we cooking with some grease.
Nappy roots, man.
Cooking with some grease. Nappy roots, man. I was put on that record without
nappy roots, man. I was put on that record without them knowing it.
At this moment, I was signed to
atlantic records.
They were in the studio, and the
a&r at the time was mike caren.
He was in on that project.
A&r at the time was mike caren. He was in on that project. I think they had released a song
he was in on that project. I think they had released a song before.
Actually, "awnaw" came out, and
it blew up.
And so it was the second single
they wanted to put out, this
and so it was the second single they wanted to put out, this "po' folks" song.
They wanted to put out, this "po' folks" song. So, they put it out without me.
But he brought me to the studio,
so, they put it out without me. But he brought me to the studio, he played it, and he said, "what
but he brought me to the studio, he played it, and he said, "what do you think about these guys?
He played it, and he said, "what do you think about these guys? You know, I kind of think they
have something."
you know, I kind of think they have something." and, so, I went in the studio.
Have something." and, so, I went in the studio. I said, "okay, I like it."
and, so, he said, "what would
you do to it?"
and he kind of snuck me in on
the record. San
a little stank on it.
The record. San a little stank on it. But they hadn't heard it, and he
hadn't asked them either.
The first time I met
nappy roots, I was flying from
the first time I met nappy roots, I was flying from l.A., going to kentucky,
lexington, kentucky.
L.A., going to kentucky, lexington, kentucky. It was freezing, so I'm
thinking, "kentucky --" I hadn't
it was freezing, so I'm thinking, "kentucky --" I hadn't really toured yet, the states.
Thinking, "kentucky --" I hadn't really toured yet, the states. I'm thinking it's gonna be hot.
Really toured yet, the states. I'm thinking it's gonna be hot. It's kentucky.
It's hot, probably.
It was 12 degrees.
And here I am in all my dashiki
it was 12 degrees. And here I am in all my dashiki shirts.
I must have put on about three
of them.
I was freezing.
Of them. I was freezing. And that was the morning I met
the guys, man.
And I'm sitting in the van, and
they're looking at me like I was
and I'm sitting in the van, and they're looking at me like I was the help.
They're looking at me like I was the help. They said, "what's your name,
man?
You part of the crew or what's
up?
What's your name?"
I said, "no, I'm
what's your name?" I said, "no, I'm anthony hamilton, actually.
I'm singing on the song."
and they said, "oh!
I ain't gonna lie."
"big v" was like, "I ain't gonna
lie.
When I first heard it, I ain't
like it."
when I first heard it, I ain't like it." [ laughs ]
because he was singing on it.
But he was like, "it sound
good."
but he was like, "it sound good." and from there, we became best
friends.
And from there, we became best friends. Not best friends, but best
musical buddies.
We all got along really well.
Musical buddies. We all got along really well. We had the best time.
And after the video shoot, we
we had the best time. And after the video shoot, we partaked in some bourbon and
and after the video shoot, we partaked in some bourbon and some good food.
Partaked in some bourbon and some good food. And we had another smash record.
Some good food. And we had another smash record. You know, being a hat lover and
and we had another smash record. You know, being a hat lover and watching my dad -- my adoptive
you know, being a hat lover and watching my dad -- my adoptive father -- wear hats, mean hats,
and all the men from church and
just in the neighborhood, all
the gentlemen had real nice
hats.
The gentlemen had real nice hats. And I always wanted to wear
hats, but I never could find one
and I always wanted to wear hats, but I never could find one that fit the way I wanted it.
Hats, but I never could find one that fit the way I wanted it. And maybe it's just my
confidence at the time, but,
and maybe it's just my confidence at the time, but, eventually, when I found that
hat, it wasn't a baseball hat.
Eventually, when I found that hat, it wasn't a baseball hat. It was a trucker hat.
Hat, it wasn't a baseball hat. It was a trucker hat. There was a difference in the
it was a trucker hat. There was a difference in the fit.
I got that from lexington.
Fit. I got that from lexington. I put it on the morning of that
video shoot and I started
wearing hats.
Video shoot and I started wearing hats. What went into the making of
"comin' from where I'm from"?
I think what made that album a
classic and heartfelt -- I
think, at this moment, I was at
the end of just doing whatever I
had to do, of just singing from
another place.
Had to do, of just singing from another place. I wasn't singing to get a record
deal.
I was just putting my emotions
out.
And I think of a really bad
breakup, you know, moving from
and I think of a really bad breakup, you know, moving from new jersey over to harlem,
feeling that energy of new york
and, you know, mending my heart.
Feeling that energy of new york and, you know, mending my heart. I think that raw place I was
in -- it sounded different.
I think people started to hear
something different in me.
I was singing from another
place.
And I spared no one the stories
of heartbreak, of pain, and
and I spared no one the stories of heartbreak, of pain, and things I had been through with
the child, and all those things
together -- yeah, it was
something that the world was
ready for.
Something that the world was ready for. And I think a lot of people felt
like anthony hamilton at that
and I think a lot of people felt like anthony hamilton at that moment.
Like anthony hamilton at that moment. And so this album came out 2003,
and it changed my life.
I've been singing "charlene" and
"comin' from where I'm from" and
these songs for almost 27 years
now.
These songs for almost 27 years now. Well, not 27. 17 years.
Now. Well, not 27. 17 years. But being in the business
well, not 27. 17 years. But being in the business 27 years.
"charlene" -- yeah, at this
moment, it was a real moment.
Her name is not charlene, but
it's a real moment where I had
her name is not charlene, but it's a real moment where I had to decide whether I stay in this
relationship and, you know, be
in love and be comfortable there
or do I continue to fight for
music and be in love with music,
and, you know, go through the,
"you're not home enough.
And, you know, go through the, "you're not home enough. Where are you?"
you know, that type of thing.
I don't think I would have
lasted long in the relationship.
Although, it hurt to leave it
and for them to decide to let it
although, it hurt to leave it and for them to decide to let it go, too.
And for them to decide to let it go, too. And "charlene" became a huge
hit, and I started seeing my
and "charlene" became a huge hit, and I started seeing my refrigerator started looking a
little different.
Refrigerator started looking a little different. My shoe -- my shoe selection
became different.
And I became a household name,
and that was the end of me
and I became a household name, and that was the end of me walking to the store without
somebody pointing and saying,
"there go anthony hamilton."
[ laughs ]
but it's been good.
I appreciate it.
But it's been good. I appreciate it. I was at a grammy brunch, right?
Londell mcmillan's grammy
brunch.
And it was a room full of
everybody.
And I had, you know, just been
working and writing prior to
and I had, you know, just been working and writing prior to this, so to get invited here was
another something that was a
gift that I needed at the time.
Another something that was a gift that I needed at the time. Invited me to sing.
Gift that I needed at the time. Invited me to sing. I chose "comin' from where I'm
invited me to sing. I chose "comin' from where I'm from."
and we go there, and I'm looking
around.
And we go there, and I'm looking around. There's alicia keys, kanye west,
prince, and kimora lee simmons,
there's alicia keys, kanye west, prince, and kimora lee simmons, who was sitting backstage and
staring at me.
Who was sitting backstage and staring at me. And I'm like, "okay, I see her,"
but I'm acting like I don't see
and I'm like, "okay, I see her," but I'm acting like I don't see her.
But I'm acting like I don't see her. And, so, I'm sitting there
waiting to go on, and it was
and, so, I'm sitting there waiting to go on, and it was isaac hayes who introduced me
onstage.
Isaac hayes who introduced me onstage. I was like, "this can't be
happening."
I go in.
Happening." I go in. I sang my ass off.
And right after the performance,
michael mauldin,
and right after the performance, michael mauldin, jermaine dupri's father,
came to me.
Jermaine dupri's father, came to me. He was like, "there's somebody
you have to speak to."
he was like, "there's somebody you have to speak to." and it was jermaine dupri.
You have to speak to." and it was jermaine dupri. And he said, "this is what
you've been looking for.
I want you to meet this guy."
and maybe a week after, they
flew us to new york.
And maybe a week after, they flew us to new york. We met up with him.
Flew us to new york. We met up with him. I sang in the office.
He's like, "I can't believe
you're singing that -- looking
he's like, "I can't believe you're singing that -- looking at me, singing it."
and he took me into the office
with l.A. Reid.
And he took me into the office with l.A. Reid. I sang it again.
With l.A. Reid. I sang it again. I may have sung
"comin' from where I'm from"
maybe six times that evening.
And every time, it sounded just
like the record.
So, verbally, he had signed me
immediately.
I did a showcase at sob's,
lower new york, and they pretty
much bought all the tickets and
had the whole staff in there.
Much bought all the tickets and had the whole staff in there. And I was like, "okay, he's
really serious."
and I was like, "okay, he's really serious." and I just felt comfortable
going with jermaine.
And I just felt comfortable going with jermaine. He didn't want to change.
Going with jermaine. He didn't want to change. He didn't want me to cut my
he didn't want to change. He didn't want me to cut my hair.
L.A. Reid did.
Hair. L.A. Reid did. He wanted me to have a shiny --
l.A. Reid did. He wanted me to have a shiny -- a shiny fade.
And he wanted me to dress like
this, but at the moment,
and he wanted me to dress like this, but at the moment, jermaine dupri wanted me to look
exactly like the scrungy, grungy
kid from charlotte,
north carolina, who just jumped
out of the back of a pickup
truck.
Out of the back of a pickup truck. That's what took the world by
storm.
>> hamilton: I think what the hip-hop community -- what they hear in my voice -- it's
something that's reminiscent of
otis redding.
Something that's reminiscent of otis redding. I sound like an old record.
Otis redding. I sound like an old record. I sound like the sample that you
pay so dearly to use in these
hip-hop records.
Pay so dearly to use in these hip-hop records. To get the real deal right now,
you know, living and breathing,
to get the real deal right now, you know, living and breathing, it's a gift.
You know, living and breathing, it's a gift. You know, it's something that's
special.
And they recognize it.
Special. And they recognize it. And they gave me even more value
and they recognize it. And they gave me even more value to my sound by welcoming me to
and they gave me even more value to my sound by welcoming me to the hip-hop community, from
everyone from, like, jadakiss
and nappy roots, nelly,
busta rhymes, common, eve,
jermaine dupri, rick ross,
da brat.
Jermaine dupri, rick ross, da brat. But, yeah, I've been on at least
40 hip-hop records.
Easily.
And some of the current guys.
Just did something with domani,
and some of the current guys. Just did something with domani, t.I.'s son.
Yk osiris.
T.I.'s son. Yk osiris. Yung bleu -- got a call from
yk osiris. Yung bleu -- got a call from him.
And, yeah, the list keeps going
on.
But I love hip-hop.
On. But I love hip-hop. I'm a hip-hop kid.
Being on a record with al green
wasn't just for me.
I think that was something that
I knew my family would really be
excited about, as well.
Although, he's one of my
favorites, hands down.
One of the best vocalists to
even hit the scene.
No matter how many records I put
out before that, when I did the
no matter how many records I put out before that, when I did the record with al green, they said,
"oh, maybe you somebody."
[ laughs ]
al green was the stamp I needed
to get the full permission to be
great in the hamilton family.
To get the full permission to be great in the hamilton family. So thanks, al.
Great in the hamilton family. So thanks, al. But to have a grammy with him
so thanks, al. But to have a grammy with him was even bigger.
I got my best meal made, and,
yeah, I think that singed me
into a category of vocalists and
musicians and singers that most
people won't ever get a chance
to be affiliated with.
People won't ever get a chance to be affiliated with. "american gangster" -- oh, what
a classic.
You don't get but so many
classics of that caliber in
you don't get but so many classics of that caliber in one's lifetime.
Classics of that caliber in one's lifetime. That movie was such a big,
pivotal part of my transition
that movie was such a big, pivotal part of my transition from musician to being looked at
as an actor.
From musician to being looked at as an actor. And it gave me a feeling that
music didn't -- couldn't give me
and it gave me a feeling that music didn't -- couldn't give me to be alongside russell crowe
and denzel washington and all
the greats that were in that
movie.
The greats that were in that movie. Yeah, it took me back.
Movie. Yeah, it took me back. It was a period piece of the
yeah, it took me back. It was a period piece of the '70s, where I'm playing someone
it was a period piece of the '70s, where I'm playing someone born -- you know, living in the
'70s, when I was born in the
'70s.
But I knew what the feeling
needed to be, what the voice
but I knew what the feeling needed to be, what the voice needed to sound like.
Needed to be, what the voice needed to sound like. And I think I was born to play
that -- that part in
and I think I was born to play that -- that part in "american gangster," introducing
joe louis and, yeah, writing an
amazing song, a james brown-type
song, for the movie and singing
a hit like "do you feel me,"
written by diane warren.
A hit like "do you feel me," written by diane warren. Yeah.
Written by diane warren. Yeah. They chose me.
"freedom" -- "django unchained."
they chose me. "freedom" -- "django unchained." man, that movie was -- it was
put together pretty well.
Man, that movie was -- it was put together pretty well. I'm a huge quentin tarantino
fan.
He's a fan of mine.
Fan. He's a fan of mine. I've even seen him and rza in
he's a fan of mine. I've even seen him and rza in the crowd for one of my
performances.
The crowd for one of my performances. When I got the call to be a part
of that, I knew it was something
when I got the call to be a part of that, I knew it was something big, 'cause he doesn't touch a
lot of stuff, but when he does,
it's a masterpiece.
Lot of stuff, but when he does, it's a masterpiece. But it was a movie that reversed
the roles a little bit.
It was kind of interesting to
see a black superhero back in
it was kind of interesting to see a black superhero back in the days of slavery.
See a black superhero back in the days of slavery. And jamie foxx played an amazing
part -- kerry washingt.
I'll forever be a part of that
classic.
And the song "freedom" was the
perfect song for that moment,
and the song "freedom" was the perfect song for that moment, segue from being captured and
becoming free and gaining your
power back and riding off into
the sunset.
Power back and riding off into the sunset. I'm the soundtrack to that
moment.
And forever grateful for it.
Moment. And forever grateful for it. The hamiltones.
[ chuckles ]
the hamiltones. [ chuckles ] singing rascals, man.
Some southern church boys who I
found along the way through
some southern church boys who I found along the way through other band members.
Found along the way through other band members. Kenny leonard, who was my m.D.
Other band members. Kenny leonard, who was my m.D. For years, introduced me to
kenny leonard, who was my m.D. For years, introduced me to these guys -- j. Vito, 2e, and
for years, introduced me to these guys -- j. Vito, 2e, and lelo, tony lelo.
These guys -- j. Vito, 2e, and lelo, tony lelo. And I've never heard such
harmonies from three
and I've never heard such harmonies from three individuals.
Harmonies from three individuals. I think the three of them can
sound like a choir, a 60-piece
choir.
Sound like a choir, a 60-piece choir. They harmonize that great.
Choir. They harmonize that great. And just -- not only just having
they harmonize that great. And just -- not only just having great voices, but the spirit
and just -- not only just having great voices, but the spirit behind it to carry those voices
to places that normal singers
can't go.
To places that normal singers can't go. They've spoiled me, actually.
Can't go. They've spoiled me, actually. It's hard to kind of have other
they've spoiled me, actually. It's hard to kind of have other background singers after having
it's hard to kind of have other background singers after having the hamiltones.
Background singers after having the hamiltones. But there's still some great
guys out there playing.
They got to put on some mean,
big boots...
[ laughs ]
...To come behind those guys.
Working with shirley caesar --
wow.
Man, she's like gospel royalty.
Wow. Man, she's like gospel royalty. And you can't out-sing her.
So don't even try it.
[ laughs ]
so don't even try it. [ laughs ] she's one of the most powerful
voices and spirits behind gospel
music.
Voices and spirits behind gospel music. She calls me "little boy."
"hey, little boy.
Hey, little boy.
Sing higher."
hey, little boy. Sing higher." so, I already recorded the song,
sing higher." so, I already recorded the song, right?
So, I already recorded the song, right? And we were singing it live.
Right? And we were singing it live. So, what I did on the record was
and we were singing it live. So, what I did on the record was good for the record, but, no,
so, what I did on the record was good for the record, but, no, not with miss shirley caesar,
not live.
Not with miss shirley caesar, not live. "sing it higher.
Not live. "sing it higher. Sing higher."
she kept saying me to sing
sing higher." she kept saying me to sing higher, and I sung it higher.
She kept saying me to sing higher, and I sung it higher. She brought out a can of "sing
it down, boy."
she brought out a can of "sing it down, boy." you know, I had a can of "sing
it down, boy" in there.
You know, I had a can of "sing it down, boy" in there. She wasn't expecting that.
It down, boy" in there. She wasn't expecting that. She was like, "oh!
You can get at it."
she was like, "oh! You can get at it." you're not gonna embarrass me,
you can get at it." you're not gonna embarrass me, miss caesar.
You're not gonna embarrass me, miss caesar. [ laughs ]
but I love her.
I loved singing with her.
But I love her. I loved singing with her. She made me better.
She made me sing higher.
Time when I had matured and I had learned a lot about the industry.
Had learned a lot about the industry. My focus is set on it.
Industry. My focus is set on it. And I think it's time now to
my focus is set on it. And I think it's time now to have more ownership.
You get older and you realize
you've sacrificed a lot and
you get older and you realize you've sacrificed a lot and you've given a lot of what
should have belonged to me a lot
sooner.
Should have belonged to me a lot sooner. But now, looking forward, being
a businessman, it's something
but now, looking forward, being a businessman, it's something very important to show my kids,
to show them that daddy has
ownership and he calls the shots
and he took his career in his
own hands and stepped up to the
plate.
Own hands and stepped up to the plate. It means a lot.
Plate. It means a lot. My music box is something that
it means a lot. My music box is something that will house a lot of talent from
my music box is something that will house a lot of talent from north carolina, south carolina,
and run with the big boys.
North carolina, south carolina, and run with the big boys. And to be, you know, partners
with bmg -- it's -- yeah,
and to be, you know, partners with bmg -- it's -- yeah, rollin' with two big dogs going
at it and delivering music all
over the world.
At it and delivering music all over the world. Being endorsed by jordan --
wow! -- And not even an athlete,
being endorsed by jordan -- wow! -- And not even an athlete, it speaks a lot about him, his
connection and love for
north carolina, and for good
music.
North carolina, and for good music. He took me in what would have
been a two-year deal.
It's been 10 years now and maybe
300 pairs of sneakers later.
Brand jordan and, you know, his
whole team, everyone from
brand jordan and, you know, his whole team, everyone from fred whitfield to seth, charles,
reggie, h, so many amazing
people who took me in and made
me feel like home.
People who took me in and made me feel like home. Michael jordan is a competitor
in everything.
We were down -- I remember we
were down and we were playing
we were down -- I remember we were down and we were playing some games.
Were down and we were playing some games. Like, I think it was
"family feud," and I was on his
like, I think it was "family feud," and I was on his team.
And I must have got an answer
wrong or two.
I feel this pop on the back of
the head.
"god dog it, anthony."
[ laughs ]
he wants to win everything.
Even if it's walking, he wants
to out-walk you, and whatever it
even if it's walking, he wants to out-walk you, and whatever it is, it's a competition and he's
really about it.
Is, it's a competition and he's really about it. But he's a lot of fun.
Really about it. But he's a lot of fun. You know, it's good for your
but he's a lot of fun. You know, it's good for your morale.
If you're gonna be a part of a
team, you're not just gonna be
if you're gonna be a part of a team, you're not just gonna be wearing a jersey.
Team, you're not just gonna be wearing a jersey. You came out to win.
Wearing a jersey. You came out to win. And everything he does, he wants
you came out to win. And everything he does, he wants to win and makes you a winner.
The t.A.S.T.E foundation,
anthony hamilton's
the t.A.S.T.E foundation, anthony hamilton's t.A.S.T.E foundation -- it's a
foundation that I wanted to take
a step to elevate, and that's
what it does -- to take you from
your life and a place where you
feel like it's at the lowest and
bring you up to a place where
you feel good about yourself,
whether it be allowing you to
have food and things that you
need or mental health or love or
a place to stay or just someone
to talk to.
A place to stay or just someone to talk to. We want to make sure you have
those tools and the things that
we want to make sure you have those tools and the things that you need to make your life
better.
You need to make your life better. I don't mind giving back,
because I've been at a place
where it had to be given to me.
Because I've been at a place where it had to be given to me. And I know what, you know --
what that feels like to get it
and I know what, you know -- what that feels like to get it at a time when you feel like...
What that feels like to get it at a time when you feel like... [ sighs ]
..."it's getting a little dark
outside.
That meal come through right
now, it would be so necessary."
that meal come through right now, it would be so necessary." and to be there for somebody --
it's something that you can't
even -- you can't explain it.
It's something that you can't even -- you can't explain it. It's just something you have to
feel.
Casa -- count-appointed special
advocacy for kids in the
casa -- count-appointed special advocacy for kids in the foster-care system.
Advocacy for kids in the foster-care system. Just making sure that people who
are willing to adopt have the
just making sure that people who are willing to adopt have the means, make it easier, make sure
that these kids have the proper
homes and love and things that
they need and to make sure that
kids are paired off with the
right families and that they're
not forgotten about.
Right families and that they're not forgotten about. And when they age out, make sure
that they have a safe landing
and when they age out, make sure that they have a safe landing pad.
That they have a safe landing pad. I think adoption is a beautiful
thing.
I encourage people to do it, if
you don't have kids, and if you
do have kids, I think it's a
great thing to love a child and
give him a home.
Great thing to love a child and give him a home. Black lives matter -- it means
to really be a part of my people
black lives matter -- it means to really be a part of my people being better, being a voice to
open up doors for people that
look like me, who need that
extra push or that extra support
or that extra care when things
are -- you know, a lot of times,
it seems to be against you.
Are -- you know, a lot of times, it seems to be against you. I have to be that person who can
walk in the room, who they may
respect for being an entertainer
or whatever they see me as, and
open my mouth and say something
that's not just for me.
Open my mouth and say something that's not just for me. Being proud of it.
That's not just for me. Being proud of it. Being proud of these big lips,
being proud of it. Being proud of these big lips, this wide nose, this hair that
being proud of these big lips, this wide nose, this hair that can get curly or nappy and
straight.
Can get curly or nappy and straight. Yeah, walk with my chest up and
know that I deserve everything
yeah, walk with my chest up and know that I deserve everything that I've worked hard for.
>> hamilton: Wow. Anyone in any genre I haven't collaborated with that I'd love
anyone in any genre I haven't collaborated with that I'd love to.
Collaborated with that I'd love to. Wow, so many.
To. Wow, so many. I think me and john mayer could
wow, so many. I think me and john mayer could do something really amazing.
Ed sheeran, brittany from
alabama shakes.
I like her a lot.
Alabama shakes. I like her a lot. Kane brown.
Drake.
Kanye west.
I love the music they make.
And...
Jazmine sullivan.
I like when you can sing like
jazmine sullivan. I like when you can sing like that.
I think I can bring the
rolling stones back out and make
something amazing.
Rolling stones back out and make something amazing. And the neville brothers.
Something amazing. And the neville brothers. I can do it all.
I was born to do it.
>> hamilton: "love is the new black" -- it's an album that's been being created for a while
now.
Been being created for a while now. Going through the pandemic and
all the racial injustice, I
going through the pandemic and all the racial injustice, I think it had a different tone in
the beginning.
Think it had a different tone in the beginning. There was a lot of anger in it.
The beginning. There was a lot of anger in it. There was a lot of pain.
But it was until things started
there was a lot of pain. But it was until things started to turn around a little bit,
but it was until things started to turn around a little bit, some form of justice that I
decided to let up a little bit
on the heaviness and allow
people a chance to breathe.
On the heaviness and allow people a chance to breathe. And so I started creating songs
that had more healing and more
and so I started creating songs that had more healing and more freedom to them.
That had more healing and more freedom to them. This album is a reminder that
love should be priority.
Like you put on that black suit,
that black leather jacket, and
like you put on that black suit, that black leather jacket, and those black boots, put on love
every day and do it intentional.
Those black boots, put on love every day and do it intentional. This album is intentional.
Every day and do it intentional. This album is intentional. I can't wait for people to hear
this album is intentional. I can't wait for people to hear it, to sing alongside
jennifer hudson, to have
rick ross.
Jennifer hudson, to have rick ross. Even lil jon came to the table,
man.
I think this album is something
that I can put and play beside
"comin' from where I'm from."
it's my new classic.
Yeah, I have very six sons.
It's my new classic. Yeah, I have very six sons. Like, very, very -- they're
yeah, I have very six sons. Like, very, very -- they're very, very alive and very, very
like, very, very -- they're very, very alive and very, very energetic, starting at 8:30,
9:00 a.M.
Energetic, starting at 8:30, 9:00 a.M. My younger three -- 9 years old.
Then my twins will be 11.
Then I have 24, 30, and 32.
And, yeah, these younger three
then I have 24, 30, and 32. And, yeah, these younger three are -- they're different.
They're a little different than
my older boys.
They're playing football now,
which is cool, 'cause I played
they're playing football now, which is cool, 'cause I played football, actually, in high
school.
Football, actually, in high school. I was a safety, tailback.
School. I was a safety, tailback. And I ran track.
I was a hurdler.
Ran the 110 hurdles, long jump,
and, yeah, first leg on the
ran the 110 hurdles, long jump, and, yeah, first leg on the 4x4 relay.
And, yeah, first leg on the 4x4 relay. So, I see my speed in them, as
well.
So it's good to see myself grow
up again and seeing things that
so it's good to see myself grow up again and seeing things that remind me of myself and -- yeah.
Up again and seeing things that remind me of myself and -- yeah. Important lessons I've taught my
sons.
To love yourself enough.
Sons. To love yourself enough. I think self-love -- it goes
to love yourself enough. I think self-love -- it goes beyond just loving yourself.
I think it goes -- it's respect.
Beyond just loving yourself. I think it goes -- it's respect. I think it teaches people how to
treat you.
Don't be afraid to give, to know
who you are, and to -- yeah, to
don't be afraid to give, to know who you are, and to -- yeah, to treat women like flowers, take
care of them, respect them.
Every day you wake up, do it on
purpose, be intentional about
living your life the best way
you can, and make a way.
Create something that will allow
you to feed your family and feed
yourself and be self-sufficient.
Learn how to cook.
Don't wait on no woman to cook
for you and all that.
Learn how to hunt and fish.
Do some of the things that make
being a man amazing.