Aaron James, known in the music world as Aaron Ski, has always had a deep passion for music that traces back to his youth. Born on August 14, 1983, in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Aaron’s musical journey began at the age of 11 after hearing The Notorious B.I.G.’s iconic album, especially hits like “Juicy,” “Big Poppa,” and “One More Chance.” Growing up in a small, tight-knit community where music was often a means of escape, Aaron found solace in his craft, freestyling on karaoke tapes and eventually earning the nickname “Aaron Ski” from a local figure. By 2005, he was making his mark locally as part of Highlife Entertainment. Since then, Aaron has steadily risen in the music scene, creating waves with his talent and entrepreneurial spirit.
In 2021, he took his musical career a step further by founding his own LLC for NC Music Group, setting the stage for his latest project, Aaron Ski vs Mr. James. This album represents a significant evolution for the artist, blending his youthful street energy with a more mature, introspective side. Urban$ound caught up with Aaron to talk about this exciting new project, its creative process, and how his dual identity is reflected in the music.
Urban$ound Team: Aaron, what inspired the title Aaron Ski vs Mr. James, and how does it reflect the themes of the album?
Aaron Ski: The title comes from the two sides of me that people see. Aaron Ski is the side the neighborhood knows—the one tied to the music and the streets. Then there’s Mr. James, the more professional side, the one that works a regular job and focuses on the everyday life. This album captures that duality, showing the contrasts between my past and present. It’s about how I’ve evolved as a person, balancing the streets with the more responsible, grown-up me.
Urban$ound Team: How does Aaron Ski vs Mr. James differ from your previous work in terms of musical style and production?
Aaron Ski: This album is a lot more creative than my earlier projects. The other albums were more about the Aaron Ski side—the wild, street-driven persona. But with Mr. James on this one, it’s a mix of my thoughts from my 20s versus my 40s. You hear more growth, more reflection on life. Musically, we’ve blended some street anthems with more introspective, professional tracks, showing that balance in the production.
Urban$ound Team: Can you walk us through the creative process behind your collaboration with Mr. James on this album?
Aaron Ski: The Mr. James side really comes through in certain lines and songs. It’s about me telling the youth the truth, showing them both sides of life, and focusing on consequences. Not every decision we make is about the thrill of the moment—sometimes, it’s about looking at the bigger picture. So when you hear that side, it’s not just a reflection of where I’ve come from, but also where I’m going.
Urban$ound Team: Storytelling seems to play a big role in your music—are there any recurring themes or narratives throughout the tracks of this album?
Aaron Ski: Definitely. Storytelling is a big part of what I do, and on this album, you’ll find themes that revolve around growth, relationships, and real-life experiences. For example, the track “Best 4 U” tells a story about a woman I feel I could treat better than her current partner. It’s a deep track, and though it’s about a specific person, I leave it open for the listener to interpret.
Urban$ound Team: Which track on the album feels the most personal to you, and why?
Aaron Ski: The most personal song is “Best 4 U.” It’s about someone I know personally, but I didn’t mention her name. It’s a subliminal message to her, letting her know how I feel. When people hear it, I think she’ll know it’s for her. It’s a vulnerable song for me, one that speaks to my emotions.
Urban$ound Team: How do you hope listeners will connect with Aaron Ski vs Mr. James, both in terms of the lyrics and the sound?
Aaron Ski: I think the younger crowd will connect more with the Aaron Ski side—those wild stories about the streets, relationships, and the life of a young man out there hustling. But the older crowd will relate to the Mr. James side because they understand the transition. You have those street guys who survived, and now they’re just trying to make it through life, working jobs, taking care of families, and trying to find comfort in their later years.
Urban$ound Team: Were there any specific challenges or breakthroughs you encountered during the production of this album?
Aaron Ski: Honestly, there weren’t too many challenges. I’ve always had great producers who help me bring my ideas to life. The biggest challenge was deciding which side of me would shine on which beat. I wanted each song to feel authentic to who I am at this stage in my life.
Urban$ound Team: How do you balance experimental elements with more mainstream appeal in the music on this album?
Aaron Ski: It’s funny because I’ve got at least one mainstream-type hit from each side of me. “You and Your Friend” and “Play Too Much” are definitely more on the wild, mainstream side of things, while “Best 4 U” is more of a reflective, mature track. I wanted to show that versatility.
Urban$ound Team: Are there any guest features or collaborations on Aaron Ski vs Mr. James, and how did they help shape the album’s overall direction?
Aaron Ski: There are two features, both from foreign artists. One is on the song “Problems,” where we’re dealing with the idea of seeking help or just asking people to leave you alone. The other feature is on a reggae track called “Out My Way,” which is about staying focused and getting out of the way when you’re on a mission. These collaborations brought in different vibes and helped balance the album’s energy.
Urban$ound Team: What do you want fans to take away from Aaron Ski vs Mr. James, both musically and emotionally?
Aaron Ski: Musically, I want people to enjoy the best of both worlds—the energy of the streets and the wisdom of growing older. Emotionally, I hope fans hear the struggle of trying to do things the right way, trying to grow and mature while still dealing with past decisions. It’s about finding peace with where you are in life.
Urban$ound Team: Aaron, it’s been great talking to you. We’re excited for the world to hear Aaron Ski vs Mr. James. Any final thoughts you’d like to share with your fans?
Aaron Ski: I just want to say thank you to everyone who’s been supporting me from day one. This album is a reflection of who I am now, and I hope people can see the growth, the struggle, and the triumph in it. Whether you’re from the streets or just trying to make it, I hope you can relate.
With Aaron Ski vs Mr. James, Aaron Ski not only provides a musical journey through his life’s different chapters but also invites listeners into a deeper conversation about change, growth, and self-reflection. The album is available now on all streaming platforms, including Spotify.