Grime/metal rising star Native James has finally returned with brand new music via his new label home SharpTone Records! His galvanizing single Never Been Scared packs a punch straight out the gate, and features grime legend Frisco who is best known for being a member of collective, Boy Better Know. Showcasing Native’s signature commanding and razor-sharp rap flow, Never Been Scared is a hype anthem for anyone needing motivation and encouragement in any aspect of their life. Teaming up once again with his long-time collaborator, the striking black and white visuals were directed by Reece Selvadorai.
The new single is already going down a storm live; Native brought Frisco out at Download Festival last month to perform the track together live for the first time in front of a raucous crowd bursting out of the tent on the Avalanche Stage. This talked-about moment has also made him one of the only rock artist to bring a grime artist out at the festival.
Native explains, “Never Been Scared is what it says on the tin. This song is for people who have felt a time where they need to overcome something, whether that be your personal best, an exam, getting up to to face challenges at work, life itself… it’s a power play to your internal, to remind yourself you can overcome whatever you want.”
Alongside this long-awaited release, Native also today announced the exciting news of his signing to record label, SharpTone, joining the likes of Loathe, Unpeople, Dying Wish and more! Native has commented, “I can honestly say it’s insane that I’m signed to SharpTone; it feels like this will be a mad chapter for me, I’m gassed I won’t lie to you, and can’t wait to start working to give you more music!”
SharpTone Records say, “We are beyond excited to welcome Native James to SharpTone. From the moment we first saw his incendiary performance in a tiny basement in East London, we just knew that we had to find a way to work together and be a part of his story. Native embodies everything that we strive for here at the label; originality, personality, and pure goddamn talent. We cannot wait to amplify that talent in what will inevitably be a very bright future.”
As well as playing Download this year where Native also welcomed Professor Green onto the stage for their track BLOCK – RR, which they performed together, Native is having a jam-packed summer playing UK festivals including 2000 Trees and Latitude, as well as international festivals such as Paaspop in the Netherlands, Rock La Mures in Romania, and the huge Pohoda festival in Slovakia – with many more to come. This year has also seen him support the likes of Enter Shikari, Don Broco, Nova Twins and Hyphen.
2025 was monumental for Native James. It saw him nominated in the Best Alternative Act category at the MOBOs, appear at his first ever Glastonbury where he played not one, but two sets and support Letlive. at their two farewell London shows, to name just a few wins. His releases have gained continued support on BBC Radio One and BBC Music Introducing, on DSPs including on Spotify where Native graced the cover of playlist Misfits 2.0, and even landed his track Power on a Co Op advert. He rounded off a very successful year with the release of his EP, CONFESSIONS OF A SINNER which you can listen to here.
Native James is a genre-bending artist hailing from Ipswich, combining grime, rap, punk, rock and metal. His unique sound is instantly recognisable, and perfectly complements his lyrical prowess. Native has quickly become one to watch on the live scene, gathering an ever-growing rabid fanbase. Building a community and uniting people is something incredibly significant for Native, and a key element of his live show. Signing to SharpTone and the release of Never Been Scared marks an incredibly enthralling new chapter for the artist; it’s impossible to ignore the huge and innovative waves that Native James has already been making, and he’s only just getting started so watch this space…