Cash Money – Jay Sean
Cash Money/Universal Republic UK singer Jay Sean has turned his sultry “Down” (featuring Cash Money Icon Lil Wayne. ) into platinum, with the #1 single minted this week at the coveted 1 million mark, certified by the RIAA. The breakthrough hit has scored the year’s most impressive array of milestones for a UK artist’s stateside debut, the fastest rising, best performing single of 2009. Jay Sean’s U.S. debut album, All Or Nothing, will hit stores and digital/mobile destinations on November 24th.
The platinum “Down” crossed the 1 million digital singles threshold in only 2 months of release, and is currently holding down the #1 position on the Rhythmic Crossover chart for two weeks running, “Down” is also the Greatest Gainer at Rhythmic Radio (for over a month) and the Top 40 format. The alluring single has held a Top 5 Lockdown on the competitive iTunes chart for six weeks, soaring to # 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart, and # 4 on the Top 40 Billboard Chart. “Down” is also lighting up the video and digital domains, hitting the # 1 spot on the top urban/Hip Hop Countdown at Fuse, and scoring as Top Ten video on VH’1’s popular Countdown show. The video has also become a YouTube staple, snaring millions of views in multiple incarnations.
His solo debut Me Against Myself dropped in 2004, exploding online, sparking tours throughout Europe and other territories, casting the charismatic star as a newcomer to watch on the global pop horizon. Other songs on All Or Nothing include “Ride It,” and “War,” among others. Featured guests include Cash Money and UniversalRepublic labelmates Lil Wayne and Kevin Rudolf.
This past week has been a whirlwind for Jay Sean – he’s been in a different city every day – we’re gearing up for both the Tue Nov 3rd US/Canada single release of “Do You Remember” featuring Sean Paul & Lil Jon along with the Mon Nov 23rd US/Canada album release of “All Or Nothing”. Whatever support you can give me editorially on both the single & album release – I’d greatly appreciate. Your support helped get his first single to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Double Platinum plus status – and now let’s really show North America the power of the South Asian conglomerate!
Jay Sean just got officially ‘Chained’ by his label mates in Atlanta as a surprise on Wednesday as he received his Cash Money Billionaires chain, “Wow. That’s all I can say right now. Wow!! I really wasn’t expecting this and more than anything I just feel blessed to be part of the Cash Money family. They have my back 100% and this is just one more way of them showing me that. They’ve taken me in as their own and this is an extremely generous gift. I feel very blessed.”
Quick hit current stats on Jay Sean’s “Down”:
– #1 record at Top 40 radio for 3 weeks in a row
– #1 video on VH1 Top 20 Countdown, 2 weeks
– Top 10 song on iTunes for 8 weeks
– Top 10 video on Fuse’s Hip Hop Countdown
– Jay Sean recently performed with Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift, Alicia Keys, TLC and more at a benefit concert in Las Vegas for 15,000+ fans
– Did you know that last year Akon was the opening act for Jay Sean in Dubai in front of 10s of thousands of screaming fans?
– Did you know that Lil Wayne was overseas performing with Jay Sean and the audience screamed more for Jay Sean than Lil Wayne?
We spoke to Jay Sean to learn a little more about what this Punjabi Indian from Southall, London has to say about his many successes on the other side of the pond.
ASIANCE: How did you know you needed to quit Medical School to pursue your career? What happened?
Jay Sean: I was studying medicine at the same time I was showcasing to record companies. I always thought I would be established before I did that.
America is finally a testament to the fact that it’s about the music. I’ve been saying it since day one.
ASIANCE: I know you were born in London but do you visit India often?
Jay Sean: Yeah. I’ve been to and toured India probably more than any other country.
ASIANCE: Who are your influences? I know you were influenced by Jodeci and Brian McKnight but is there anyone’s career you watched or wanted to achieve?
Jay Sean: Yes definitely. I look up to Eminem and I look up to Justin Timberlake. And Ne-Yo, as a songwriter he has achieved so much. Just being a song writer, he’s set for life and never has to work again. He’s not just an artist. He’s had a lot of success and has a great career. Also, Jay-Z for his longevity.
ASIANCE: Was this the first time you met Justin Timberlake?
Jay Sean: I’ve met him before but this is the first time I met him on an artist level.
Jay Sean practicing at “The Justin Timberlake and Friends Concert” in Las Vegas
ASIANCE: Anything memorable you would like to share about the concert?
Jay Sean: The concert was incredible. It blew me away. It was actually my favorite performance out of the past 7 years. That is how it blew me away. It was 10,000, 15,000 screaming American audience all singing “Down” on the top of their lungs. With Justin Timberlake introducing me and then when I come off he says “That was truly incredible!” and I thought, this is amazing. Then Taylor Swift was at the bottom of the stairs dancing around and then she told me, “Oh my god, “Down” is my favorite song on the radio right now.” It was a wonderful experience.
For me, I think really, I just need to have fun with a girl.
ASIANCE: Are you surprised that the American audience has really taken a liking to you and you’ve become so successful, so quickly?
Jay Sean: All the power is in the song. It’s all in the song. America is finally a testament to the fact that it’s about the music. I’ve been saying it since day one. Forget about everything else. If a song resonates with somebody, then nothing else matters. A 14 year old who lives in Wisconsin or a 38 year old woman who lives in Alaska, if you listen to this song, all you need to do is strike a chord in someone and that’s what “Down” did. I think that is why it’s so successful.
Watch Jay get “Down” in New York City’s High Line Park
Down: Pepsi Music On Location on Yahoo Music!
ASIANCE: What advice would you give to Asians who want to break into the music industry and make it big like you?
Jay Sean: My main thing is that you have to have the right people around you who don’t gas you up and are just honest with you. Half the time people aren’t honest with you. If you need to step up your game, you have to have people who tell you that. You have to bring you’re a game and bring a strong quality product to the market. And you have to be able to play with the big boys.
Birdman feat Jay Sean “Written On Her” Official Music Video
ASIANCE: What do you think of M.I.A?
Jay Sean: I think she is so cool. She’s an individual. She’s got her own little vibe going on.
ASIANCE: Do you have a girlfriend?
Jay Sean: Not at the moment, no!
ASIANCE: What do you look for in a woman?
Jay Sean: It’s very simple. I’m a very simple guy when it comes to girls. Looks aside, I mean it helps if she’s good looking of course. For me, I think really, I just need to have fun with a girl. I’ve been with girls that are beautiful with zero personality and I can’t stand that. All girls who think they’re too hot to smile or laugh or even have fun with you, there is no joy with that.
Then I’ve been with some girls who maybe some guys wouldn’t look at twice but I’ve had a blast with them. I’ve had so much fun with them. We talk. At then, at the end of day, life is about enjoying yourself and enjoying every moment and to make the most of life and that’s what’s important to me.
ASIANCE: Is there anyone you would like to collaborate or work with?
Jay Sean: There are loads. Some of my favorite artists are Eminem, Jay-Z. I’ve talked to Justin about doing something together. Ne-Yo. The same people that we love. At the end of the day, I’m a fan of music. I’m a fan of these same people that I would end up bumping into at an award show. I still got love for their music and I would love to work with them.
ASIANCE: What’s your workout routine?
Jay Sean: I like to work out 5-6 days a week. I like to work up a sweat at least once a day. I like to keep myself active. And I eat well.
ASIANCE: What’s next for you? Where do you want to go? What dreams do you have?
Jay Sean: Oh my god, I have just started. I want to be that artist who can sell out stadiums around the world. I can relate to these people. And hopefully remain humble and down to earth and hopefully give back. I think it’s important for me to do other things besides music. I’d like to get into charities and other things worthwhile. Right now, being an Indian guy who’s doing this, I’m aware that it’s pretty groundbreaking and I want to put that to good use. Then when I’m old and grey, I can at least say that I did something with my life.
Watch Jay Sean on national television:
– The Mo’Nique Show (November)
– Good Day NY (November 23)
– Macy’s Day Parade (November 26)
– Jimmy Kimmel (with Birdman – Dec 1)
Pre-Order the Album
***Please use this link to pre-order Jay Sean’s debut album “All Or Nothing” out Tue Nov 23rd. http://links.umrg.com/amazon.aspx?asin=B002SEW5Y0