Musician Giovanni James emerges

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - One musician in Harlem is tapping into his struggles on the street to create a signature sound. In his Harlem studio, Giovanni James carves out the life he imagined.

His sound is new and nostalgic at the same time. His "Whutcha Want" EP is a colorful collage of blues, rock, pop and soul.

A native New Yorker, James now calls Harlem home. But it's not where this story begins. He says he lived in the streets since he was 13, staying with friends and family.

Today he sings his song proudly. The singer-songwriter, director and producer just inked a major record deal with Warner Brothers, all thanks to an early endorsement from none other than Dr. Dre.

A lyric from his latest single reads "The only thing pressure has done is make a diamond." Perhaps that's why this rock can't stop shining.