Emerging from the English-Indian underground, Sean's first album featured political content as well as emotional songwriting baring his personal insecurities and struggles, all of it drawing influence from the traditional pop music of India (such as Bhangra). Released 8 November 2004 in the U.K., January 2005 in Malaysia, and February 2005 in India on 2Point9 Records, Relentless Records, and Virgin Records, 'Me Against Myself' achieved highly supportive critical reviews, with Dan Gennoe of Yahoo! Music praising Sean's work as "an album of phenomenally accomplished R&B". His release was certified as multi-platinum in his native India and gold in the U.K. His three singles (composed with help from Sean's mentor Rishi Rich) also met with British chart success: "Dance With You" (#12), "Eyes On You" (#6), and "Stolen" (#4).
Sean's touring, as well as the success of his singles in clubs, led Tareck Ghoneim of Contactmusic.com to call Sean an "Asian sensation". Still, he had his eyes on breaking into the U.S. while also keeping his stride with the U.K. charts, and he wanted as well to incorporate more of a slick pop sound to his coming work. His sophomore release, 'My Own Way', featured him on the cover looking as dapper in his light brown suit as a master of business. Released 12 May 2008 on Jayded Records and 2Point9 Records, the work suffered from various leaks and also received some mixed reviews from critics.
Nonetheless, the album became commercially successful in the U.K., reaching #6 on the U.K. Albums Chart and #1 on the UK R&B Chart. It eventually became certified platinum. Lead single "Ride It" also garnered major airplay throughout Europe, featuring Sean remarking about "all about the games people play across the dance-floor on a night out". Momentum building, his third studio album, 'All or Nothing', came out 23 November 2009 with strong promotion in the U.S.
International top 40 singles "Down" and "Do You Remember" cemented Sean's status as a global superstar. With massive tours leading him from TV show to stadium across countries, "Down" (also known as "Down (Feat. Lil' Wayne)" and other titles due to Lil' Wayne's presence) in particular hit the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming later known as one of the iconic singles of 2009 in American memory. Other nation's listeners also gave his singles strong airplay.
The first official single from Jay Sean's fourth studio album, titled 'Worth It All', was "I'm All Yours", which he sent for airplay on April 18, 2012. The song featured rapper and entertainer Pitbull. Although not quite achiving as much success as he had hoped in the U.S., it became a major international hit, reaching the top 40 in both Germany and New Zealand, and it ended up being mutli-platinum certified in Australia.
When it comes to the business of being a singer there are artists, there are stars and there are phenomenons. Jay Sean is all of the above. The proof is in the press, the sales, the fans and above all, the music.
ALL OR NOTHING is both Jay Sean's first American release and first for Cash Money/Universal Republic Records. But while it's his debut over here, the 29-year-old Pop/R&B singer/songwriter/producer has been a major sensation and multi-platinum artist over there since 2004; releasing two smash albums, scoring two top ten singles, nominated for Britain's heralded MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Award twice and building a worldwide, fervid fan-base that stretches from Russia to Australia to NYC.
In some ways ALL OR NOTHING is the best of both worlds. Featuring sizzling, brand new tracks like the lead off single "Down" (featuring label mate Lil' Wayne), ALL OR NOTHING also includes some of the songs that helped Jay Sean blow up around the rest of the world.
One of those songs is "Ride It" written "strictly on a vibe," built on a hypnotic, sinewy track, and delivered with Jay Sean's slick vocals. The video for "Ride It" clocked an astonishing 12 million hits on You Tube (20+ million hits across all online video channels) and captivated fans everywhere; including Cash/Money Records CEO and co-founder, Ronald "Slim" Williams who was turned on to Jay Sean's music by one of the singer's producers. Slim liked what he heard and proved it by making Jay Sean the first UK artist to join the Cash/Money family.
The match up of Nawlins swagger and UK Pop/R&B drives ALL OR NOTHING's first single "Down" ft/ Cash/Money soldier Lil' Wayne. Already taking radio by storm, "Down" resulted from a conversation that began about what's wrong in the world, and blossomed into a celebration of everything that's right - namely love.
Offers Jay Sean, "I'm a very positive, optimistic person and thought let me write a song about the idea that if you've got someone special in your life then nothing else really matters how you need to appreciate the little things. The title is a play on the word 'down.' That's why Lil' Wayne says, 'Are you down like the economy.' It's a fun, very easy track something to pump in your car."
Another mid tempo breeze born out of real life is "War." The message? "To battle with anybody, whether it's your girl, family or another country never solved anything," explains Jay Sean.
It is that mix of introspection and keenly crafted Pop/R&B songs that has brought Jay Sean from where he was to where he is.
Born and raised in London, England and of Indian/Punjabi heritage, Jay Sean started rapping at 12 and credits rap with helping him structure, produce and write songs. Inspired by R&B stars Jodeci, Brian McKnight, Joe, and Musiq Soulchild, Jay Sean started singing hooks and then stepped it up.
Amazingly, at the same time he was exploring his artistic side, Jay Sean was at med school; surely a steadier profession than "pop-star." Luckily Jay Sean's parents had his back.
"It wasn't as though they suddenly went 'you sing?' Jay Sean laughs. "They knew there might be a strong possibility I'd do music. They told me, 'The same way you apply yourself to your studies you have to work hard doing music.' That's always stayed with me."
Jay Sean's songs caught the attention of a producer putting together a groundbreaking project fusing traditional Punjabi music and contemporary Pop/R&B. As soon as the single dropped, Jay Sean became the face and voice of a new generation.
"It was so interesting that the kids who love listening to Pop/R&B and traditional Indian music said, 'What the hell is this, it's brand new.'"
Along with galvanizing a heretofore, untapped demographic, Jay Sean caught the ears of the industry, because as he explains, "The English labels knew I had this huge following.
His solo debut ME AGAINST MYSELF dropped in 2004 and exploded on the Internet. Jay Sean toured through Europe, South East Asia, as well as spot dates in the US. He even performed, with Akon, at the Ruler of Dubai's daughter's sweet sixteen. In India, this album outsold Jay-Z, Britney Spears and Madonna.
"I have a heavy fan-base in many countries including India. I'm in a minority culture but in many countries, there's still Indians there and they all knew me," says Jay Sean.
After dealing with creative issues and the desire to change his musical direction to straight-forward Pop/R&B, Jay Sean made the decision in 2008 to go for self.
"I realized I had a global fan base so why not make the music myself?"
Those instincts paid off and then some when MY OWN WAY, his first release on his own label, Jayded Records, out sold and then some Jay Sean's prior effort. The album peaked at #6 on the UK album chart.
All of which brings Jay Sean to ALL OR NOTHING and a future that is just beginning.
Speaking with a refreshing mix of humility and confidence, Jay Sean says, "I've got a different up-bringing and take on a music that you guys make so well and would like to think that I'm a fresh new face and voice. Hopefully American audiences will like it. People always like a change. That's what I have to offer."
See: www.jaysean.com
Who Is Kamaljit
Jay Sean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ummm I tink I am going to call himmm Kamaljit.
Kamaljit err what a lovely name.
Chorus:
Who the hell is kamaljit I'm just gonna tell how it is, I've bin doin it since I was a kid, so I'm givin you all I gotta give.(ohh ohh)
Verse 1
Bak in da day wen I was just a little minor.Before my motha even spat me out of her vagini. I was swimmin in my daddys sak wiv a book in my hand wen I focused and spotted a mic being the crostay gland. I picked it up cautiously but it magnetized me surprised me, I had to fight the power like the eyes of me. Memorised rhymmes but I kept loosin dem all, so I scribbled down on my mothas uterus wall.
So years went by and Jay Sean went down in history like superman my composition was a mystery. I was 2 and other kids were lernin the alphabet but I was revisin schemes to make the catch that I was out to get. Only 3 and alredy my rhymmes were out to win, my shit wud drop so hard that even the panties cudn't hold it in. Bribed by the geniuses by lyricists and scientists,Only 6 and I was lecturin my alliances,Even Einstein came to knock upon my door ya know.Pissed off cus I updated his formula, wen he sniffed the excellence and replaced the mc squared with mc Jay Sean, change it even no one dares scared cus I went on to steal his nobel prize for being the youngest mother fuckin genius alive.
Chorus
Verse 2
I ent no gangsta, I ent no hood rat, I ent a thug and I don't call girlz pigeons so I ent no scrub. I ent talkin about facked which is all for faws and I don't do drive bys or rob or break no laws.I ent perfect and I ent sayin I got no flaws, naa scratch that I'm lyin stop yo pause. I ent a junkie so I ent touched no crack, I neva took an e issue or took or smoked a sack. And I ent rich so I don't drive a lexus or a benz, jeep or a beemer just an escort my friends.And I ent from the hood I even went to private skool so I have neva had to watch my bak for rendezvous and I ent had it hard
The lyrics of Jay Sean's song Who Is Kamaljit are a playful and boastful introduction to his music career. The song begins with a clip of a doctor announcing the birth of a baby boy named Kamaljit before launching into the chorus that questions the listener if they know who Kamaljit is. The chorus is repeated twice and serves as a reminder that Jay Sean has been in the music game for a long time and that he is giving his all to his audience.
In the first verse, Jay Sean reflects on his childhood and how he was always drawn to music. Even as a young child, he was fascinated by the microphone and would scribble his rhymes on his mother's uterus wall. As he grew older, he became more focused on his music career and even claims to have updated Einstein's famous formula. The second verse is a declaration that Jay Sean is not a typical rapper. He does not come from the streets, he does not use drugs, and he is not wealthy. Despite this, he is still proud of his accomplishments and challenges anyone who doubts him.
Overall, Who Is Kamaljit is a confident and humorous song that showcases Jay Sean's skills as a rapper and entertainer. The song's title and opening clip are references to Jay Sean's own birth name, Kamaljit Singh Jhooti.
Line by Line Meaning
Ahh Mrs Jewcy I'm plaesed to tell you that you have given birth to a healthy baby boy.What are you going to call him?
The announcement of the birth of Kamaljit and inquiry about the name he will be given.
Kamaljit err what a lovely name.
Approval of the name Kamaljit.
Who the hell is kamaljit I'm just gonna tell how it is, I've bin doin it since I was a kid, so I'm givin you all I gotta give.(ohh ohh)
Jay Sean's emphasis on expressing himself and his past in his music, even though people may not know who Kamaljit is.
Who the hell is Kamaljit ever since steppin in da game,I know life will neva be the same, but there's some things that will neva change.
Jay Sean reflects on his growth and how his life has changed since entering the music world, but states that some things about him will never change.
Bak in da day wen I was just a little minor....
Jay Sean reminisces on his early childhood when he first discovered his love for music and writing lyrics.
So years went by and Jay Sean went down in history like superman my composition was a mystery.
Jay Sean recalls how he made a name for himself in the music industry with his unique style and talent.
Bribed by the geniuses by lyricists and scientists...
Jay Sean boasts about his intelligence and how he was already lecturing people at the young age of 6, even impressing Albert Einstein.
I ent no gangsta, I ent no hood rat...
Jay Sean disclaims any association with negative stereotypes in the music industry.
I ent perfect and I ent sayin I got no flaws, naa scratch that I'm lyin stop yo pause.
Jay Sean admits he is not perfect and has flaws, but then takes it back and says he was lying to create suspense.
And I ent rich so I don't drive a lexus or a benz...
Jay Sean explains that he does not come from a wealthy background or own expensive cars.
And I ent from the hood I even went to private skool so I have neva had to watch my bak for rendezvous and I ent had it hard
Jay Sean notes that he did not grow up in a tough neighborhood and even attended private school, so he never had to worry about dangerous situations.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JAY SEAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Shumsher Rana
I was 14 when i listened now i am 30
AlI Zulqarnain
This song is about defination. .... reflection... one of my favourite singers from UK I like the singer defines himself who is he ...
Bhatti Saab
ahahah this is soo crack up ! lmao !! i was 13 when i listened it first time and it still cracks me up !! hahahaha ;D
Aman Khatri
sikk