Late 2008 saw the release of an impeccably-produced R&B/soul album which could quite possibly be classed as the sexiest soul album unleashed in recent years - The Beauty Created. You may well not have heard of it, or the artist behind it - Jesse Boykins III - due to its very independent release. Yet somehow (i.e. a lot of consistent groundwork on zero budget), the New York-based singer found his (I repeat: independent) videos premiering on BET, spreading across the internet and has performed on stages alongside the likes of Eric Roberson, Dwele and Chrisette Michele across America. Although described by some as "a mixture of Raheem Devaughn and John Legend" and occasionally compared to Dwele and Vikter Duplaix, I'm not convinced that any of these comparisons convey the unique and youthful sensuality Jesse's vocals exude. "R&B and soul music is missing passion, like a lot of genres..." he says, "because with passion comes creativity, and you don't see too much of it [these days]." By all concert reports, a verse from the 24-year-old turns grown women into lust-struck teens - definite competition for the aforementioned.

Something of a travelling man, Jesse was born in Chicago then lived in Jamaica from the age of five, spending his teenage years in Miami. It was whilst residing in New York that he crossed paths with pioneering neo-soul star Bilal and blagged his top-level vocal coaching.

He explains, "Bilal had attended the New School University and he was on the scene at different jazz clubs when I first got to NYC. I randomly met him at this spot and introduced myself... We had mutual friends and one of them suggested that I ask B to give me lessons. It took him meeting me three times to remember who I was. So when he finally remembered, I just asked him and he was down. Bilal is a great vocal coach - he knows a lot about the voice and how to express energy using it."

Could a budding artist ask for a better introduction to the game? Read on...

What drew you to making music in the first place?
I was always around it, I saw how it affected people. I saw how it affected me. My family was all about music, in Jamaica we all took lessons and sang at church every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. I noticed at an early age it was my purpose.

What was the first song you wrote about - and how old were you?
Wow. I cant' really say...I just remember grabbing a pen freshman year of high school. I was like 13, and I would sit in my first period class, put a topic at the top of my page and see how far I could go until I got bored. In my senior year I wrote a song - at least one I could remember - it was called "I'm Sorry." The lyric was, "I'm sorry for not being there, I'm sorry for acting like I didn't care, I'm sorry for being so stubborn, when the truth is every time I hurt you my heart burns"... Can't believe I remember that; I was 16!

What did attending a performing arts school add to your skills as an artist? How would things be different now if you hadn't attended?
JB3: I feel like my surroundings constantly kept me motivated and inspired. Everyone trying to be the best and willing to help you do the same... Felt like I was in a dope ass club. I think a lot would be different if I didn't get on that plane. My whole perspective on music would probably be really fabricated. The music scene in Miami isn't what it is here NYC.

How are you finding the journey for exposure as an independent artist?
It's really stressful at times because I always want things to happen right now. Patience is a big factor with being independent. Because resources and funding is slim. I take into consideration the progress I've made with no backing and the fan base I've built to help me keep going.

Tell us about your latest video and song, "SunStar" what was the concept?
"SunStar" to me is a classic song and I felt like instead of just using the formula everybody uses, I would take it there - and I knew a video would draw more attention to the song. I feel it's one of those songs that need to be heard. We actually shot it on the beach in Miami guerrilla style - I had this concept of me on the beach riding my bike trying to get home to my SunStar. I had a show that Friday night with Dwele and Eric Roberson and PJ Morton and I was telling them about the concept and that I was going straight to the beach after the hit, they said I was crazy.

What have you been up to in the past few months and what have been your highlights of 2009 so far?
JB3: I've been working on a lot of features and also getting concepts together for music videos for the album I'll be shooting in the next couple months. I'm always performing, so I've done shows in DC, Baltimore, Boston, Miami, and VA so far this year... and I recently performed at BB Kings in NYC.

BlackSheepMag: What are your proudest achievements so far?
As an artist: just having two albums out within a year that people hear and love is big to me. As a person: graduating from college when I wasn't even going to go is a pretty big achievement.

BlackSheepMag: What have been your biggest challenges?
My biggest challenge is myself. Sometimes I don't give myself enough credit. But it keeps me wanting that next step.

You just did some US shows with Chrisette Michele, how did they go? Is she into your work?
Yea, the shows were outstanding. We performed for like 1500+ people in these venues. I've never seen so many people in a building before all there to watch music. Chrisette is a true artist she's really goofy, funny and a hard worker. Truly dedicated. It's funny that you asked if she dug my work; she actually requested her management to contact me to open for her. I remember going on my MySpace one night and seeing a message that said "you're dope" and it was from her.

Have you got any collaborations in the making?
I'm always collaborating and working with people. I think it's really important as an artist; it helps you grow... I been working with this producer out of Brooklyn, Machine Drum, and of course me and the homie Theophilus London have things in store. I also recently got a joint from Finale and Wajeed of PPP to do a track...

You're getting a fair bit of love and attention on various online music sources now - from OkayPlayer and Herfection to Bossip and BET. You must have a bunch of labels sniffing around to sign you - why are you still independent?
Ha. That's funny - Most people think I'm already signed to a major after they see the package, accomplishments and the things to come. But I say things happen in the order they wish too. You just do everything you can at the highest level you can. And that's what I'm doing. Independence is an advantage.

Jesse Boykins III's album The Beauty Created is available now on iTunes.

Find out more at jbiiimusic.com