Hounslow-born singer, Jay Sean makes US chart history by becoming the first British urban artist to have a number one single in America
2009-10-08
Jay Sean’s single, ‘Down’ has just hit the top spot in the Billboard Hot 100 chart – ending Black Eyed Peas 26-week run at the top of the charts.
The last British act to top the American charts was Coldplay with ‘Viva La Viva’ in 2008.
Jay Sean said last night : "This is insane. It’s just incredible to have reached number one with my first release in America. It’s difficult for me to put into words, my head is spinning. I've been grinding hard for the last seven years releasing records independently and now to have the biggest record in the USA this week, it’s just a dream come true."
27 year old Jay quit his medicine degree at Queen Mary’s School of Medicine in London when he signed to Virgin Records in 2003. Despite having three hit singles, Virgin dropped Jay Sean from their roster.
Undeterred, together with his management company 2Point9, Jay founded Jayded Records and with the support of Absolute Marketing and Distribution released his second album ‘My Own Way’ in 2008 which debuted in the top 10 in the UK.
It was this album that came to the attention of Cash Money Records in America who subsequently signed him to their label. Jay has spent the last few months in America promoting his debut single which finally hit the top spot in America on Thursday.
‘Down’ will be released in the UK on October 26th. The single is currently playlisted by radio stations ranging from Radio 1 to Choice, Capital, BBC Asian Network and Kiss.
