SLUG Style: James Ray Davis III

Davis estimates that his day-to-day fashion is “on” 80% of the time and “off” 20%.

Art and Fashion

James Ray Davis III is a musician and bartender in Salt Lake City whose fashion exudes confidence. His hip-hop beat tape, Ultramarine by Hurt Davis, is slated to release at the end of the summer. Every month, SLUG Style features a distinct member of the community and asks them why they do what they do. Exploring more than just clothing, SLUG Style is an attempt to feature the people who give Salt Lake City flavor through personality and panache.

“I’m trying to make house music Black again. I’ve been producing for about three to three and-a-half years.” — Photo: Roberto Valdez

SLUG: What are your stylistic influences? This could be a band, decade, fictional character—anything.

James: Overdoz, Missy Elliott, Pharrell, my older sister, Dennis Rodman and any Black people who were doing acid in the ’70s (they all dressed cool as shit). Also Cross Colours, Theophilus London, The Cool Kids and Kanye West.

SLUG: Are you always “on” or would someone see you at the grocery store, for example, with less elements of your style?

James: I’d like to think I’m always on, but in reality, it’s probably closer to 80% on 20% off.

SLUG: What is your favorite karaoke song?

James: “Summer Wine” – Nancy Sinatra. I’m a slut for a good duet, and I’m always looking for someone to do the “guy” parts.

SLUG: If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would those be?

James: Decisive, Mindful and wild.

SLUG: How has your personal style evolved over time?

Davis’ interests are varied: “Bartending, making things, skateboarding/skate culture, Ravyn Lenae, faith, Bee Gees, and energy in all forms,” he says. — Photo: Roberto Valdez

James: Specifically? I wear better clothes that look good for longer. Overall? I became more conscious of what I like and how my clothes made me feel and stopped caring about how it made others feel.

SLUG: Tell us about your music. How long have you made music, how would you describe it and where can we find it?

James: Dawg, I get weird. I’m always trying to keep “traditional” hip hop elements, but by the time I touch down, I might end up with some reggaeton, dancehall, experimental, rock or whatever else I might be feeling at the moment. I’m also trying to make House music Black again. I’ve been producing for about three to three-and-a-half years.

I’m on every streaming service! I have a hip-hop-ish beat tape out now called Ultramarine by Hurt Davis and most likely will have the next one out by the end of summer.

SLUG: What are your interests or hobbies?

James: Bartending, making things—shrubs, jam, rose water, syrups—skateboarding/skate culture, Ravyn Lenae, faith, Bee Gees, energy in all forms, watching a ton of horror, buying art, fashion and find[ing] every “hole in the wall” food spot.

SLUG: What is the hobby or interest that you have that no one would realize to ask you about?

James: Sewing, lol.