THE ART DEALER — James Artissen & Bigg Baggz Craft a Bold New EP Poised to Redefine Contemporary Hip-Hop/R&B

As the music landscape continues to shift, and blur the boundaries between genres, the highly anticipated EP THE ART DEALER from James Artissen and Bigg Baggz arrives as a statement of creative evolution in early 2026. Set for release on March 6, 2026, through Humble Sound Records / One9 Music, the project brings together two dynamic voices from the worlds of R&B and Hip-Hop for a compelling collaborative journey.

For fans tracking James Artissen’s evolution, this EP represents a continuation of his ambitious artistic vision. Artissen has spent over a decade crafting his sound — a blend of progressive R&B, cinematic mood, and narrative depth. His previous works include multiple EPs, and collaborations, and he’s known for placing storytelling and emotional texture at the core of his music.

Bigg Baggz, a North Carolina-born artist rooted in the raw realities of life and street culture, brings his own distinct energy to the partnership. With a history of working alongside major names and a personal journey shaped by both hardship and triumph, Bigg Baggz’s lyrical brio and authenticity serves as a perfect counterweight to Artissen’s more melodic, introspective approach.

At its heart, THE ART DEALER is framed around the idea of creative expression as currency — the notion that authenticity in music is like trading in a gallery of sound, where each track is a work of art with its own emotional and cultural value. Over its anticipated five-song tracklist, the EP promises to explore themes of desire, connection, identity, and the hustle inherent in modern relationships and artistry.

The EP’s lead single, “Down 4 Whatever,” has already set the tone for what listeners can expect. Released in late 2025 as a precursor to the full project, the single blends sultry tones with street sensibilities — a slow-burning fusion of R&B warmth and Hip-Hop grit that hints at intimate loyalty and underground grit alike. The chemistry between Artissen’s smooth melodic delivery and Bigg Baggz’s grounded, confident verse work made the song an immediate standout, illustrating how seamlessly the two collaborators weave their voices together.

In the context of THE ART DEALER, “Down 4 Whatever” functions as both a musical and thematic entry point — the first brushstroke of a larger sonic canvas. Other tracks listed for the EP include “Vibrate,” “You Could Be the One,” “Like That,” and “What You Tryna Do.” Though full descriptions of these songs have yet to be released, the titles alone suggest a range of emotional landscapes: from the kinetic energy and intimacy implied by “Vibrate” to the relational enquiry of “You Could Be the One.”

Taken together, the tracklist points to an EP that’s as much about connection and chemistry as it is about ambition and artistic identity. This duality — of heart and hustle, emotion and enterprise — mirrors the artistic identities of both contributors: Artissen, with his layered R&B sensibilities, and Bigg Baggz, with his unfiltered street narrative. As a project, it promises a fusion that’s more than just the sum of its parts, inviting listeners to experience a soundscape rooted in both vulnerability and confidence.

Beyond the music itself, THE ART DEALER positions James Artissen and Bigg Baggz as collaborators unafraid to push boundaries. Rather than conforming to a single genre template, they embrace a hybrid identity — one that draws from hip-hop’s rhythmic force and R&B’s emotive soul, giving each track a cinematic quality that feels reflective, immersive, and immediate.

As the release date approaches, listeners can expect THE ART DEALER to be more than just another EP — it’s shaping up to be a cultural moment that reflects where contemporary Black music lives in 2026: bold, boundaryless, and deeply personal. Follow both artists for all updates.

Instagram: @jamesartissen, @bigg4baggz