He Got Soul: James Fauntleroy

James Fauntleroy performs.

James Fauntleroy - For a half a decade, James Fauntleroy has been building a noteworthy career as a background vocalist and songwriter. And, now he's finally a music heavyweight himself. This young hitmaker has crafted tunes for artists including Justin Timberlake, Chris Bown and Frank Ocean. The in-demand singer/songwriter will  take the stage at the Soul Train Awards. Here's a look at his journey.  (Photo: RocNation)

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James Fauntleroy - For a half a decade, James Fauntleroy has been building a noteworthy career as a background vocalist and songwriter. And, now he's finally a music heavyweight himself. This young hitmaker has crafted tunes for artists including Justin Timberlake, Chris Bown and Frank Ocean. The in-demand singer/songwriter will  take the stage at the Soul Train Awards. Here's a look at his journey.  (Photo: RocNation)

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Down with the Underdogs - The road to musical fame began for James Fauntleroy when became a member of the famed production team the Underdogs, who've crafted songs for everone from Beyoncé to Aretha Franklin.  (Photo: Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage) 

Music as the Drug of Choice - In 2011, JF was recruited to be a part of the hip hop collective Cocaine 80, founded by Chicago-bred producer No. I.D. The crew has released EPs like The Pursuit EP (2011) and The Flower of Life (2013)  (Photo: RocNation)

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Music as the Drug of Choice - In 2011, JF was recruited to be a part of the hip hop collective Cocaine 80, founded by Chicago-bred producer No. I.D. The crew has released EPs like The Pursuit EP (2011) and The Flower of Life (2013)  (Photo: RocNation)

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Down with the Stars - After composing tunes for music heavyweights like Britney Spears, Charlie Wilson and Chris Brown, James transforms into a much sought-after hit maker.   (Photo: Rick Diamond/WireImage) 

Frank Ocean, Channel Orange - Though one could argue his 2011 "mixtape," Nostalgia, Ultra, was his true first album, Ocean's incredible studio debut, Channel Orange, not only inspired this list, but it's a worthy inclusion. With songs like "Thinkin Bout You" and "Pyramids," it's already safe to say that Frank's one of the best, most introspective, most innovative soul-music lyricists in years. (Photo: Courtesy Island Def Jam Records)

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Dialing Channell Orange - For Frank Ocean's critically-hailed sophomore LP Channel Orange, Fauntleroy wrote the unconventional diddy "Fertilizer." While only 40 seconds the tune is one of the LP's most memorable songs. (Photo: RocNation)

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Album Of The Year: Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience - After a seven year hiatus, Justin Timberlake returned with a classic R&B/pop album. (Photo: RCA/Sony) 

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20/20 Experience - As a songwriter, James's star would be solidified when he helped write most of the cuts for Justin Timberlake's double platinum comeback LP The 20/20 Experience, which yielded hits such as "Suit & Tie" and "Mirrors."(Photo: RCA)

Rockin' with Rihanna - For her platinum 2012  album, Unapologetic, Rihanna teamed with Fauntleroy to make the single "Get it Over With." (Photo: RocNation)

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Rockin' with Rihanna - For her platinum 2012  album, Unapologetic, Rihanna teamed with Fauntleroy to make the single "Get it Over With." (Photo: RocNation)

Air Apparent - When Jordin Sparks made her music biz debut with the self-titled LP, J. Fauntleroy laced her duet with Chris Brown "No Air."(Photo: RCA) 

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Air Apparent - When Jordin Sparks made her music biz debut with the self-titled LP, J. Fauntleroy laced her duet with Chris Brown "No Air."(Photo: RCA)