Christopher Beckwith professionally known as YOUNG JIMMY is a Millennial American guitarist, singer-songwriter, rapper, record label executive and Recording Artist. Born in Manhattan, Lower East Side Raised in The Bronx, East Chester Gardens located in the poorest, Congressional District 16, and notoriously known for the largest gang (RICO) takedown in New York City history. Both parents of Black American descent (American Slave ancestry & Native American ancestry) migrated from The Carolinas to New York City during the 'Great Migration'. He pick up the guitar from an older cousin at the age of 6. As he grew up he developed a growing interest for the arts. He attended the High School of Art & Design and received a 4 year scholarship to Greenwich House Music School from Dr. B.C Vermeersch the director at the time. He majored in ‘Film Media’ in art school and studied Classical, Jazz, Blues, and Rock music in music school performing monthly recitals.
Growing up in The ‘BOOGIE DOWN’ Bronx, Rock Music was not the norm by no means it is the birthplace of Hip Hop & Rap. YOUNG JIMMY was the juxtaposition to an environment dominated by Hip Hop, gangs, guns, violence, and Building fires. Raised by a single mother in public housing with three siblings, his stepfather was Hip Hop Legend, and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Grand Master Mele Mel who helped nurture his musical ambitions. Introduced Young Jimmy to the music industry and he accompanied Mele Mel on a few sold-out shows as a backing guitarist. Young Jimmy describes his style of music as HOOD ROCK, Rock Music from the Hood (alternative Rock sub-genre) it is described by him as “The opposite of Suburban Rock”.
YOUNG JIMMY has shared the stage and recorded with (as a backing guitarist and solo artist) Kendrick Lamar, Freddie Gibbs, Big Krit, Saul Williams, Talib Kweli & Michelle Williams, Grand Master Mele Mel, Kam Franklin, Kendra Foster, Smoke Dza, Res, Ces Cru, Tanya Morgan, Lil Debbie, The Antidote, Ms. Boogie, Caviliar, Doodlebug of Digable Planets, Sankofa, Tamar Kali, Game Rebellion, and many others.
The Afro-Punk documentary by filmmaker James Spooner best describes the 'Black Rocker' experience. Black people created rock music in the early 1950s. For the last 50 years, the genre has been dominated and appropriated by white people mainly, white men. Here are excerpts from Jack Hamilton's book 'Just Around Midnight', which speaks to the plight of the 'Black Rocker.'
YOUNG JIMMY's Debut Studio Album 'Rockett 88' is OUT NOW! on all streaming platforms. His Anticipated 'Rockett 88 (Deluxe)' Album is available now via HOOD ROCK RECORDS (RIAA). Vinyl Records Coming Soon includes a “HEAVY. (Feat. Kim Franklin) Extended Version (bonus track). Listeners can dive into his 'raw' unfiltered "HOOD ROCK" fusion sound. His perspective will force listeners to confront the stark reality of these unprecedented times in American History and Music.
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