Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 16, 2026

Keith James

Keith Eric James, formerly of the stage name Marcus Fench, is an American record producer, singer, songwriter and rapper from Chicago, Illinois. He is a frequent collaborator of fellow Chicago singer Jeremih and has worked with various artists such as 50 Cent, Ne-Yo, Nicki Minaj and Wale.

Last revised
Jul 16, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
303 w
Citations
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Source
Wikipedia ↗
Keith James
James in 2016
James in 2016
Background information
Born
Keith Eric James

(1987-02-04) February 4, 1987
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
GenresHip-hop
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
  • record producer
Years active2008–present

Keith Eric James1 (born February 4, 1987), formerly of the stage name Marcus Fench, is an American record producer, singer, songwriter and rapper from Chicago, Illinois. He is a frequent collaborator of fellow Chicago singer Jeremih and has worked with various artists such as 50 Cent,2 Ne-Yo, Nicki Minaj and Wale.

James began performing with his church choir at the age of nine, singing and playing piano and saxophone. James began to write music nightly shortly thereafter. In 2008, James co-wrote "Birthday Sex"3 with Jeremih and Mick Shultz, the former of whom performed the song. The trio collaborated on the 2009 follow-up single "Imma Star", which was certified platinum by the RIAA.

In 2015, James released his debut solo project From The Grey EP,4 lead with single release "Not My Day" and the remix,5 with a guest verse from singer Cee-Lo Green.

Discography

  • Jeremih - Jeremih (2009)
  • Jeremih - All About You (2010)
  • Nicki Minaj - The Pinkprint (2014)
  • Jeremih - Late Nights Mixtape (2012) - executive producer
  • Wale - "That Way" feat. Rick Ross & Jeremih
  • Jeremih - "You're Mine"
  • Diggy Simmons – "88" feat. Jadakiss
  • Kevin Gates - "Stop Lyin'"
  • Rotimi - "See You Later"
  • DJ Drama - "My Moment" feat. 2 Chainz, Meek Mill & Jeremih
  • French Montana - "Ballin Out" feat. Diddy & Jeremih
References

References

  1. "Keith Eric James - BMI". Repertoire.bmi.com. Retrieved 16 January 2021.
  2. "2012 ASCAP Awards - Winners". Ascap.com. Retrieved 16 January 2021.
  3. "Award Winning R&B Songs". Ascap.com. Archived from the original on 11 August 2010. Retrieved 16 January 2021.
  4. Schultz, Lynn. "New Project: Keith James – From The Grey". Fakeshoredrive.com. Retrieved 16 January 2021.
  5. "Keith James Taps Cee Lo Green for 'Not My Day' Remix (Premiere)". Billboard.com. Retrieved 16 January 2021.