Jesse Boykins III: World Soul from an Original Style Icon

Jesse Boykins III calls his music, a mash-up of soul, reggae and alternative rock, "world soul," but in an ideal world, it'd really just be the soundtrack for everyday modern life. The now-bicoastal Boykins was born in Chicago but came of age in Jamaica and Miami and eventually came to call New York City home.

Coming from a musical family (including a gaggle of musically included aunts and uncles in Jamaica), his career path was kind of a given. Boykin's take on R&B is decidedly cool. Tracks like "When You Get There" and "The Wonder Years" top Boykin's smooth vocals with a shimmering synth. "4 Ever No More" brings in handclaps and dancefloor-ready beats.  

While music may be his career, one could be forgiven for assuming the stylish Boykins works in fashion (he did model for a high-end department store at one point). In addition to his trademark hair, he also regularly sports thoughtful outfits of patterned button-ups, has some accessory design experience under his belt, and is rarely seen without an absolutely killer pair of specs, be they oversized and plastic or round and wired. The musician has also toured with many up-and-coming artists (perhaps you’ve heard of a small songwriter named Jessie Ware or the rapper Theophilus London?)