He was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and based in Los Angeles, California, United States.
[3] He began his career as a professional athlete during high school, and competed and filmed internationally throughout North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
His major sponsors throughout his career included Oakley, Skull Candy, Rossignol, Rip Curl and Smith Optics.
James' tendency to perform dangerous stunts led to several serious injuries including seven surgeries, a fractured neck and a broken back on two separate occasions.
[9] James began rapping and producing hip hop music while on tour in the action sports industry after breaking his back.