theGrio's B-side: Anthony Hamilton breaks down his classic hooks

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Soul singer and North Carolina native Anthony Hamilton is widely respected for his rich voice and vivid lyrics about matters of heart.

Within the hip-hop community these are traits that are rarely on display, so Hamilton is often recruited to give your favorite emcee’s track some much-needed texture.

With a career reaching back into the ’90s, the 43-year-old has worked with some of the industry’s best, including D’Angelo, Nas, and The Game.

For the upcoming ninth annual Jazz In The Gardens festival taking place in Miami, the “Charlene” singer sat down with theGrio and broke down some of his classic hits.

Tupac Shakur’s “Thugz Mansion” ft Anthony Hamilton (2002)

Anthony Hamilton: “I listened to his spirit and I got an idea of where he was heading. People who are on their way out in death, they speak differently. I just wanted to capture that.”

Nas’ “Let There Be Light” ft Anthony Hamilton

Hamilton: “I’ve known Nas for years. So it was the type of opportunity to not pass up. I actually knew his father first, Olu Dara, and thats what made the collaboration happen.”

Jeezy’s “Everything” ft Anthony Hamilton & Lil Boosie

Hamilton: “I mean I’m from the hood (laughs) so I knew where Jeezy was coming from. I know what it’s like to lose your friend to the streets. I just had a friend get released from the prison the same day as Boosie. When you put something on “Everything” you better mean it. I told Jeezy to be the pastor and I’ll be the choir.”