Hamilton began his career as a film critic in print at the age of 14, writing for the Houston Chronicle in 2002 while still attending Seabrook Intermediate School. While writing for the Chronicle, Hamilton was criticized for his inclusion of R-rated films in his "Top 10 Films of the Year" lists. He continued with the Houston Chronicle until he graduated from Clear Lake High School in 2006.

Later in 2006, Hamilton, 18, was brought on as the film critic for the late night talk show, The After Party, hosted by Emmy-nominee Ernie Manouse. The show received positive reviews from both critics and audiences alike, and was nominated for a "Best Entertainment/Variety program" Emmy in its first season. The program ended its run after over 50 episodes on November 15, 2006.

After The After Party ended, Ernie Manouse brought on Hamilton to help produce the HoustonPBS documentary, The Last 24. Covering the last 24 hours before the opening of a contemporary dance company's latest production, the documentary was met with critical praise when in aired in August 2007. The Last 24 would eventually garner Hamilton, 20, an Emmy nomination in September 2008.

In 2008, Hamilton began hosting the film review segment Jake's Takes on KHOU-TV (CBS Houston). Reviewing films, covering international film festivals and interviewing celebrities like Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep, and Will Smith. Jake's Takes, was nominated for "Outstanding Achievement In Cinema" by the Houston Film Critic Society in 2008 for "bringing celebrities back to Houston."

In 2009, Hamilton was nominated for another Emmy, this time for "Best On-Air Talent" for hosting Jake's Takes. In addition to hosting Jake's Takes, Hamilton returned to writing for the Houston Chronicle as one of Houston's "City Brights." In October 2009, Hamilton moved "Jake's Takes" from the local CBS affiliate (KHOU-TV) to the local FOX affiliate (KRIV-TV).