Grits and Eggs Podcast – Episode 64: "ALL GOLD EVERYTHING" ft. Trinidad James

Host: Deontay Kyle
Guest: Trinidad James
Release Date: May 6, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 64 of the Grits and Eggs Podcast, host Deontay Kyle welcomes the multifaceted artist and entrepreneur, Trinidad James. The episode delves deep into Trinidad’s journey from his early life in Trinidad to becoming a prominent figure in music, fashion, and community initiatives. They discuss Trinidad's experiences navigating cultural transitions, overcoming criticism, and his ambitious projects aimed at giving back to the community.

Trinidad James' Background and Early Life

Trinidad James opens up about his formative years, transitioning from South Atlanta High School to the predominantly white White Knoll High School in South Carolina. This cultural shift had a profound impact on him, shaping his resilience and adaptability.

Trinidad James [03:03]:
"It took me 13 years to be doing the things I want to do, which is like community stuff, but like with purpose. That's lucrative. And like, it look good. It's dope."

His immigrant experience in America, coupled with the challenges of fitting into vastly different school environments, instilled in him a strong sense of self-reliance and determination.

Navigating the Music Industry and Overcoming Criticism

Trinidad reflects on his early days in the music industry, facing significant criticism for his unique style and eclectic blend of Southern and Caribbean influences. He was often treated as an outlier, but these experiences only fueled his growth.

Trinidad James [07:59]:
"It grew you up fast, bro. You know, that's the first thing I'm gonna tell you."

He emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself despite external pressures and doubts, highlighting how these challenges refined his artistry and business acumen.

Fashion, Entrepreneurship, and Building an Ecosystem

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Trinidad's ventures in fashion and entrepreneurship. He discusses his store, Homework, formerly known as Manza, which serves as a hub for his creative and community-driven projects.

Trinidad James [62:23]:
"So that's my big goal. Everything you see here, right now, is just like, this is a part of what's inside my brain. But the goal is to make education more interesting through fashion."

Trinidad’s dedication to merging fashion with meaningful causes is evident in his initiatives aimed at integrating education and creativity. His work with Full Size Run, a sneaker-focused platform, showcases his ability to blend passion with business effectively.

Family Dynamics and Personal Growth

Trinidad shares intimate details about his relationship with his parents, particularly his father’s influence on his work ethic and resilience. Their dynamic was complex, marked by Trinidad’s pursuit of his passions versus his father's traditional views.

Trinidad James [28:03]:
"You have to be there when they can't be there."

Despite initial misunderstandings, Trinidad highlights the gradual reconciliation and support from his father, underscoring the transformative power of perseverance and dedication.

The Homework Initiative: Bridging Fashion and Education

Homework stands as Trinidad's flagship project, aiming to revolutionize school uniforms by infusing them with educational elements. Each piece from Homework is designed to be more than just apparel; they serve as educational tools, teaching everything from color theory to practical skills like baking.

Trinidad James [62:34]:
"The biggest goal with Homework is to make education more interesting through fashion."

Trinidad envisions partnering with local schools to provide uniforms that are not only stylish but also educational, fostering a more engaging learning environment for students.

Future Plans and Expanding Horizons

Looking ahead, Trinidad shares his vision for expanding Homework and his involvement in the upcoming 2026 World Cup in Atlanta. His plans include launching a masterclass through his creative agency, 567-Agency, focused on guiding aspiring artists and entrepreneurs.

Trinidad James [73:54]:
"The biggest goal, and it's going to continue to be our goal until I start, you know, making it happen more and more and more, is doing over schools, uniforms, Homework…"

Trinidad emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity, ensuring that his initiatives are impactful and beneficial to the community.

Conclusion

Episode 64 of the Grits and Eggs Podcast offers an in-depth look into Trinidad James' multifaceted career and personal journey. From his challenges in the music industry to his innovative approaches in fashion and education, Trinidad exemplifies resilience, creativity, and a commitment to community upliftment. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs aiming to make a meaningful impact.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Trinidad James [03:03]:
  "It took me 13 years to be doing the things I want to do, which is like community stuff, but like with purpose. That's lucrative. And like, it look good. It's dope."

• Trinidad James [07:59]:
  "It grew you up fast, bro. You know, that's the first thing I'm gonna tell you."

• Trinidad James [28:03]:
  "You have to be there when they can't be there."

• Trinidad James [62:34]:
  "The biggest goal with Homework is to make education more interesting through fashion."

Key Takeaways:

• Cultural Adaptation: Trinidad's transition between different cultural environments shaped his resilience and adaptability.
• Authenticity in Art: Overcoming criticism by staying true to his unique blend of Southern and Caribbean influences.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Successfully merging passion for fashion with community-driven initiatives.
• Family Influence: Navigating complex family dynamics to forge his own path while maintaining respect and reconciliation.
• Community Impact: Through Homework, Trinidad aims to revolutionize education by integrating it with fashion, making learning more engaging for students.

For listeners looking to draw inspiration from Trinidad James’ journey of overcoming adversity, building a creative ecosystem, and giving back to the community, this episode is a must-listen.