Jimmy DaSaint, born James Mathis, has lived one of the most dramatic second acts in Hip-Hop. Raised in the streets of Philadelphia, he once ran deep in the drug game until the FBI arrested him in 2000 on federal trafficking charges.
He served a ten-year prison sentence—but instead of folding, he found his voice behind bars. DaSaint became one of the first federal inmates to land a three-book publishing deal while incarcerated, launching a literary career that would eventually produce over 25 bestselling novels, including the gritty Black Scarface series co-written with Freeway Rick Ross.
Since his release, DaSaint has evolved into a multimedia force, writing, directing, and producing more than ten feature films, including The Trap, The Karma Effect and American Hustler, now streaming on Amazon Prime.
He’s the founder of the Philly Hip-Hop Awards, the CEO of both DaSaint Entertainment and Urban Celebrity Magazine, and the current VP of Urban Music at Ruffhouse Records. As a promoter, he’s worked with Philly legends like Meek Mill and Gillie Da Kid, and his debut album Tears of a Hustler marked his official entry into rap.
Through it all, his mission stays rooted in authenticity—using his art to reflect real street life, mentor youth, and push back against the cycles of violence he once knew too well.
After the success of his last two albums Tears of a Hustler and Diary of A Hustler, Jimmy DaSaint is back with a powerful new release, Still a Hustler.
AllHipHop: This new album, Still a Hustler, is creating a lot of buzz. How do you feel about the project?
Jimmy DaSaint: I feel great. After the success of Diary of a Hustler, I was inspired to create more music.
AllHipHop: The album has a lot of deep songs on it. Where did your inspiration come from?
Jimmy DaSaint: Life. Everything I rap about is real-life situations that I’ve been through.
AllHipHop: What are some of your favorite tracks on the album?
Jimmy DaSaint: I have a few favorites—“Forgive Me,” “Pressure Makes Diamonds” featuring Son of the 215, and “Imagine.” I love all those songs.
AllHipHop: You’re a man of many talents—books, films, music. How do you keep it all going?
Jimmy DaSaint: I’m a hustler. I was blessed with a God-given talent to write, so I do it all.
AllHipHop: Your music feels so real. Where does that come from?
Jimmy DaSaint: It’s just passion mixed with a lot of pain. I recently lost two good friends—LGP Qua and North Philly Meech. Growing up in Philly, we are constantly surrounded by poverty and death. So I write from a real place. Check out my songs “Imagine” and “F##### Up World,” and you’ll see where my pain comes from.
AllHipHop: Who are the features on your new project?
Jimmy DaSaint: I had to get my friend Son of the 215—he’s one of the hottest artists in Philly. Plus, I got the talented singers Fitch Means, Hashim Ali, and Deejay the Singer.
AllHipHop: Will there be any more music in the near future?
Jimmy DaSaint: I’m sure there will, but right now I’m just focused on Still a Hustler. I believe it’s my best album.
AllHipHop: You’re also a bestselling author and film director. Any new books or films coming out?
Jimmy DaSaint: Yes, I just released two films on Tubi—A Target on My Opps and Breakdown. This summer, I’ll be releasing three new films: The Wrong B####, The P#### Trap, and God or Guns, all on Tubi.
AllHipHop: Good luck with all the new projects. Any last words?
Jimmy DaSaint: Just keep supporting my movement. I don’t just do it for myself—I do it for my people and my city. Also, follow me on Instagram @jimmydasaint1.