Biography

Known for their ebullient gospel, hip-hop, and R&B-influenced sound, the Hamiltones are the official backing singers for acclaimed vocalist Anthony Hamilton. The trio, who emerged in 2016, draw upon a mix of classic and contemporary influences, including the Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Al Green, and Kirk Franklin, among others. Along with their work with Hamilton, they released their debut EP, Watch the Ton3s, in 2019. North Carolina natives the Hamiltones feature singers Antonio Bowers, aka Tony Lelo, from Morrisville; Corey Williams III, aka 2E, from Greensboro; and James Darrell Tillman Jr., aka J. Vito, from Wadesboro. All three grew up singing in the church and were familiar with each other from performing around the Charlotte area, as well as touring as backing singers for artists like Fantasia Barrino, Leela James, Jodeci, K-Ci & JoJo, and others. While Williams and Tillman had been with singer Anthony Hamilton since at least 2014, the group officially came together in 2016 and made their debut on Hamilton's Grammy-winning album What I'm Feelin'. That same year, they also gained attention after a video of their song "Put Some Respek" (inspired by rapper Birdman's appearance on The Breakfast Club radio show) went viral. In June 2019, the Hamiltones released their debut album as a group, Watch the Ton3s. Included on the record was the track "Money Can't Buy You Love" featuring Ricco Barrino, brother of singer Fantasia Barrino. ~ Matt Collar, Rovi