He helped establish the smooth jazz genre. His debut studio album One was released in 1974. He has released 25 solo albums, several collaborations, 13 albums with the group Fourplay, and many more as a sideman and composer. James’ work has often been sampled in other songs, mainly in hip hop music. His song “Nautilus” has been sampled by Eric B. & Rakim, Run-D.M.C., Ghostface Killah, Soul II Soul, and Jeru the Damaja. His song “Take Me to Mardi Gras” was written by Paul Simon and has been sampled by Crash Crew, Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, the Beastie Boys, Missy Elliott, will.i.am, Dream, Common, and Wu-Tang Clan. James has won two Grammy Awards.