[2] She moved to the United Kingdom when she was six years old and settled in South Shields in North East England.

James toured the United Kingdom in late 2012 with labelmates Hostage, Kidnap Kid, and Rudimental.

[5] The single "Sweetest Thing" followed in late 2013, and she toured with Ellie Goulding and Annie Mac Presents.

[7] In 2015, James served as a vocalist on house duo Gorgon City's UK tour.

[8] James's musical inspirations include India.Arie, Beyoncé, James Blake, Mariah Carey, Diplo, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Gil Scott-Heron, Amy Winehouse, and Jamie xx.