Saint James Jr. Honors His Roots with Soul-Soaked Single "Gloria Homes"

For Saint James Jr., rap isn't just a sound; it's a reflection of memory, place, and personal transformation. His latest single, "Gloria Homes," takes listeners deep into his early days growing up in the Gloria Homes near Crenshaw and Baldwin Hills, where the streets pulsed with influence and family grounded him in purpose. It was there, under the guidance of his Uncle James, that Saint James Jr. found direction and, eventually, found rap.

This isn't your average come-up story. "Gloria Homes" is layered with narrative detail and built on a nostalgic soul sample that feels more like a time capsule than a beat. It's the kind of storytelling hip-hop needs more of right now: honest, vivid, and rooted in something real.

"Gloria Homes" draws from a chapter of Saint James Jr.'s life marked by uncertainty and growth. Living in L.A., he spent hours in fashion while chasing his music dreams after hours, often heading to the legendary Record Plant studio to soak in its creative energy. One of the defining moments of his artistic journey came when he attended a private Victory Lap listening session with Nipsey Hussle. This experience not only validated his path but deepened his connection to the culture and community.

"Writing this song allowed me to take it back and think of the journey and the importance of living in the Gloria Homes," he shares. "The soul sample track allows you to reminisce."

True to his word, the track is all about reflection. It's cinematic in its pacing, with lyrics that flow like journal entries and production that honors the spirit of classic hip-hop without sounding dated. The result is a deeply personal yet universally resonant piece of music that invites you to pause, rewind, and reflect on your roots.

As much as the song is about Saint James Jr.'s evolution, it's also a love letter to the places and people that shaped him, and a powerful reminder of how storytelling through music can preserve legacies far beyond the verse.

What’s one specific moment from living in the "Gloria Homes" that you think about most when writing music?

I think about my morning routine and being with my Uncle James. My morning runs on Crenshaw, heading to Leimert Park at Harun Cafe to build with other upcoming creatives. I really grew as a person and artist while living in the Gloria Homes.

How did witnessing Nipsey’s private listening session for Victory Lap influence your mindset as an artist?

It showed me another side of music. My mentor, Lenny S, introduced me to Nipsey. I remember that moment at Record Plant, being packed in the studio, and the control he had over the session. He explained in detail what each track meant. I always go back to this moment, especially since his passing. Nipsey has inspired many artists, including me. He showed me it was possible to deliver your message through music, and when he was gone, our community suffered substantially. 

Fashion and music don’t always overlap. How has your background in fashion shaped your creative vision?

It helps broaden my creative vision by being more vulnerable to the process of being uncomfortable. In fashion, trying a new look can feel uneasy, but in that, you are trying something new and stepping outside yourself. That feeling translates to the creative process because it’s not easy writing new music or changing your delivery. At this moment, I am used to this feeling and just open to trying something, whether it translates or not, as long as I am creating.

This song feels like a memory come to life. What role does nostalgia play in your writing process?

Nostalgia plays a significant role in my writing process. Now that I have my cadence and pen together, I can look back at moments that were important to me and put them on track. I feel with soul sample-type beats; I can really tell a story. For my first EP, I used this method, and in that pocket, I am most comfortable. 

What do you want younger artists coming out of L.A. to take away from your journey?

Take risk. That’s it. If you want to change your situation, you have to take a chance because you really have nothing to lose. 

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