James Joseph Dickens II, the founder of the independent hip-hop record label, hails from Toledo, Ohio, which has been historically known as the “Glass City” since the 1880s, making it a fitting name for his label. With the largest following on social media platforms among local record companies, Glass City Records is presently the most renowned hip-hop record label in Toledo. Whitenoise, who is also recognized as the most prominent hip-hop artist in the city, was the first public figure to receive social media verification in 2014. Beyond his artistic capabilities, James has also demonstrated his capacity to design graphics, mix/master music, and distribute it through his record company. Notably, he achieved the remarkable feat of trademarking his name independently, without legal assistance, in February 2023.
James’s upbringing was challenging, having grown up in one of the most dangerous cities in the country, and coming from a poor family. He was taken away from his parents at the age of ten due to his mother’s paranoid schizophrenia and placed in the custody of his Aunt Debra Rodriguez, along with his two siblings. Following his father’s passing from pancreatic cancer in 2014, Whitenoise discovered his passion for music. Although the moniker “Whitenoise” was not self-given, he earned it after garnering a reputation through rap battles at local events and parties. In 2015, Whitenoise embarked on an internship with Reel2Real Studios, where he had the privilege of meeting his mentor, Hedmac. Under Hedmac’s guidance, James was equipped with invaluable tools and received the necessary motivation to acquire the knowledge he possesses today. This mentorship transformed him into a formidable force in the realm of the music business, capable of single-handedly navigating its complexities. James went on to open for Bone Thugs-n-Harmony at a Toledo venue in 2016 following the establishment of his label.
Whitenoise is renowned for his adherence to the Golden Age of Hip-Hop style, even in the midst of the mumble rap era. James’s influences include Ice Cube, Beastie Boys, Tupac Shakur, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Jay-Z, Eminem, Notorious BIG, Lil Wayne, Kendrick Lamar, and Juice Wrld. James has plans to release music with producer Wat Up Nuk. A local legend and owner of the popular brand Norf District. His debut single will be released in the summer of 2023 and is said to be produced by K-Law The Future. He is set to announce the title of his new album soon. Given his rising prominence and catchy name, it is evident that Whitenoise is an artist to watch.
