James Barmore — Before the Applause
James Barmore became an Intercontinental Music Awards finalist. But the more interesting story is the decision he made long before the recognition arrived.
Rhythm & Recap “Before the Applause” Archive Note graphic featuring James Barmore in a dark green suit and reflective glasses. Set against a textured purple-black background with gold accents and filmstrip details, the graphic reads, “James Barmore — He Didn’t Credit Luck. He Credited a Decision.” Additional text reads, “Archive Note · Now on Rhythm & Recap,” with the R&R mark at the bottom.
Archive Note
By Crystani Freeman
Published
August 9, 2026
Artist
James Barmore
Category
Artist Reflection
He Didn't Credit Luck.
He Credited a Decision.
A couple of years ago, James Barmore stopped waiting to see where life would take him.
Instead, he decided to take the wheel.
When we talked about his recent recognition as a finalist for the Intercontinental Music Awards, James didn't frame it as a lucky break or an overnight moment. He described the shift as choosing co-creation over simply letting life carry him forward—comparing it to the difference between riding in a self-driving car and actively driving the car yourself.
The nomination, in his eyes, wasn't something that happened to him.
It was the result of a deliberate decision to become more intentional about the direction of his life and career.
That same mindset shows up in his performances.
Whether he's performing for five people or fifty, James says the energy doesn't change. Presence isn't something he saves for larger stages—it's how he approaches every room.
Archive Reflection
One detail from our conversation caught me off guard.
When I asked James if he remembered when he applied for the Intercontinental Music Awards, he laughed.
He didn't remember.
That small moment said a lot. His attention wasn't fixed on awards or recognition—it was fixed on the work itself.
Artist Snapshot
James Barmore is a global performance storyteller blending alternative soul, R&B, and jazz through emotionally driven live performances as both a solo artist and with his band collective, The Royal Court. Earlier this year, he received a Global Music Awards honor and is currently a finalist for the Intercontinental Music Awards.
Why Rhythm & Recap Noted This
Recognition often becomes the headline.
Sometimes the decision that came years before is the real story.
Stay Connected
Follow James Barmore's music, live performances, and creative journey.
Website
jamesebarmore.com
Instagram
@jamesbarmore
Rhythm & Recap “Before the Applause” graphic on a dark purple-black textured background with gold accents, filmstrip and vinyl record details. Large gold text reads, “Drive, not ride.” Below, smaller text reads, “James’ read on the nomination.” The Rhythm & Recap name and soundwave motif appear at the top, with the R&R mark near the bottom.
Related Archive
Rhythm & Recap
Rhythm & Recap is an independent editorial archive documenting the people, communities, and conversations shaping music and culture.
Crystani Freeman is the Founder & Editor of Rhythm & Recap.
2BYG — “Beauty” (Live Cover)
A timeless R&B classic, reimagined by the next generation. An Artists in Motion Archive entry exploring how 2BYG honored the blueprint while finding a sound that's unmistakably their own.
2BYG performs at JayDon's first headling show at The Echo in Los Angeles. Photographed by Crystani Freeman for Rhythm & Recap (October 21st, 2025).
Artists in Motion
Archive Note // 001
By Crystani Freeman
Published
December 24, 2025
Artist
2BYG
Category
Live Performance
There’s a specific kind of courage in young artists choosing a song like “Beauty.”
It’s not just a cover — it’s a lineage test.
A harmony record. A breath-control record. A “do you understand the emotion behind the notes?” record.
When 2BYG stepped into it, they didn’t try to modernize it or dress it up for the algorithm.
They honored the shape of the song — the glide, the patience, the vocal stacking that made Dru Hill timeless — while letting their own youthful tone sit comfortably inside it.
What stood out most wasn’t the nostalgia.
It was the becoming.
The way their voices met in the middle, finding a blend that’s still forming but already unmistakably theirs.
This is what it looks like when the next generation studies the blueprint, not to imitate, but to inherit it.
Another quiet entry in the ongoing story of R&B’s continuum.
Preserving the moments that deserve to outlive the timeline.
🎥 Watch the Performance
2BYG performing Dru Hill's "Beauty" live — a moment of R&B lineage in real time. Young artists honoring a classic with patience, harmony, and intention.
Related Archive
Rhythm & Recap
Rhythm & Recap is an independent editorial archive documenting the people, communities, and conversations shaping music and culture.