Anthony Hamilton × Rick James

With over 50 million albums globally and proclaimed a “national treasure” by the Los Angeles Times, GRAMMY® Award-winning multiplatinum singer, songwriter, producer, actor, author, and R&B icon Anthony Hamilton, returns with his first original solo single in two years “Back Together” [feat. Rick James]. 

Get it HERE!

Written by Anthony Hamilton, Ed D. Kane and produced by 9th Wonder [Mary J. Blige, JAY-Z, Drake], a simmering beat and strings wrap around Hamilton’s instantly recognizable delivery on the verses. Meanwhile, he duets with none other than the late legend Rick James by way of a sample 9th Wonder dug out of the crates. Complemented by a classic James harmony, he carries the hook—“Why can’t we just get back together?”—to the heavens and back. 

About the song, Hamilton commented, “Growing up listening to ‘Super Freak’ and ‘Fire and Desire’ made it impossible not to want to sing. This is when I knew, Rick James would be an all- time favorite.” 

“9th Wonder flipped the sample right in front of me. I wrote the song in a way to make it feel like Rick was singing along with me. ‘Back Together’ pays homage to one of the greats. To me, it’s also about love and getting back together with someone you knew was special. In this time of COVID-19, it took on a new meaning too. It means getting back to our lives. Be close to those who are special to you. We all want to be close to anybody right now.” 

“Efficient…like fast. The way he pens songs that are meaningful in such a short timeframe…I’ve seen writers do that for artists in R&B…but when artists do it themselves…it’s a joy to watch. Genius level, with that much soul and feeling. AH is a genius!” quotes 9th Wonder. 

In other big news, Hamilton recently launched his new label My Music Box in partnership with BMG, and “Back Together” marks the first release under this newly minted alliance. It also paves the way for his upcoming full-length album, slated for release later this summer.

Hamilton has been at the forefront of COVID-19 relief efforts, taking the virtual stage last month at “Saving OurSelves: A BET COVID-19 Relief Effort,” which premiered on BET Networks, and lending his voice to “Under One Roof: Livestream Concert to Benefit North Carolina Artists.” He also recently spoke to Billboard about the live-stream renaissance and said, “It’s all about bringing people to a different place to remember when things were good.” 

During “Saving OursSelves,” Anthony Hamilton delivered a powerful rendition of “Lean On Me” in tribute to Bill Withers, paired with vignettes highlighting acts of kindness and charity from the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Rihanna, Diddy, LeBron James and more. At “Under One Roof,” he supported his home state, headlining a lineup of North Carolina-bred and based talent. Charlotte-based entertainment publication CLTure organized the event as part of the “Come Hear NC” initiative of the North Carolina Arts Council and North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The benefit was broadcast live on Twitch and Facebook.

These appearances continued a string of recent activities by Hamilton to raise awareness regarding the importance of staying home, and benefiting those in need of support in this battle. On March 22, he joined forces with Global Citizen and the World Health Organization and live-streamed an intimate performance right from his living room on Instagram Live. It drew upwards of 80,000-plus viewers, making for one of the largest audiences of the weekend and reasserting the appeal and energy of R&B. Additionally, he blew up on social media, trending on Twitter at #3 during the performance. Essence, CBS, and more recapped it. Watch it HERE.

Maintaining this momentum, he supported the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund—which benefits those in the music industry affected by coronavirus—with an Instagram Live stream entitled Soulful Sundays with Anthony Hamilton on March 29. During the acoustic performance, he invited fan requests and encouraged donations to the relief fund. In addition, he also linked up with Novant Health to produce a video that urges social distancing and staying-at-home. View it HERE.

As Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month approaches, Hamilton also recently collaborated with The Alzheimer’s Association for their Music Moments compilation album on a soulful rendition of Ben E. King’s classic “Stand By Me.”

Once again Anthony Hamilton reaffirms the healing power of R&B as he leads it in 2020.