Jason Derulo
Jason Derulo |
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Jason Derülo (born September 21, 1989) is a Haitian-American singer and actor. After doing production work for several artists and songwriting for Cash Money Records co-founder Birdman, Young Money Entertainment owner Lil Wayne and rapper Diddy, Derülo signed to minor recording label Beluga Heights. After Beluga Heights became part of the Warner Music Group, Derülo released his debut single, "Whatcha Say". The song became a huge digital hit, selling over 2 million records, gaining an RIAA certification of 2x platinum, and reaching #1 in the US , the UK and several other countries. Derülo followed up with the single "In My Head", and has stated that both are tracks from Jason Derülo, his upcoming album.
Early life
Derülo was born in Miami, Florida,[1] the son of Haitian parents who speak Creole, French and English. His birth name is Desrouleaux, but he has changed the spelling to make it easier to pronounce.[2]
Derülo has been performing since the age of five and wrote his first song, "Crush On You", at age eight. Derülo spent his youth studying opera, theater, and ballet. He attended Dillard Center for the Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York.
At age 12, Derülo met his future manager, Frank Harris, a law school student who was helping him improve his basketball skills.[3]
Music career
Derülo has been writing songs for artists including Diddy, Lil Wayne, Danity Kane, Donnie Klang, Sean Kingston, Cassie, and Lil Mama since he was 16, intent on becoming a solo performer.[4] After attending performing arts schools and honing his talents as a singer and dancer (plus acting in theatre productions like Ragtime and Smokey Joe's Cafe)[5], Derülo won the grand prize on the 2006 season finale of the TV show Showtime at the Apollo. Derülo was discovered by music producer J.R. Rotem, who signed him to his record label Beluga Heights and Warner Bros. Records.
Derülo's music career began in 2007, when he was featured on Birdman's single Bossy which was also on baby's 5 * Stunna album; in June 2009 he reached an international audience with his debut single, "Whatcha Say", which was released by Beluga Heights/Warner Bros. It was produced by J.R. Rotem with additional production by Fuego. The track samples the Imogen Heap song "Hide And Seek". On the issue date of August 30, 2009, the song debuted at number 54 on the Billboard Hot 100[6] and hit number 1 on week ending November 14, 2009.[7] As of November 10, 2009, the digital single had sold 1.7 million copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan.[6]
Derulo's second single "In My Head" debuted at #63 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Derülo's debut album is set for release March 2, 2010. He is currently appearing as one of the opening acts for Lady Gaga's 2009–2010 The Monster Ball Tour.
Derülo's forthcoming single "She Fly's Me Away" samples "Hummell Gets the Rockets" by Hans Zimmer from the blockbuster movie The Rock.[citation needed]
Discography
References
- ^ http://www.jasonderulo.com/profiles/blogs/jason-derulo-joins-highly
- ^ http://www.e4.com/hollyoaks/hollyoaksmusicshowwithmatalan/interviews/jasonderulo.html
- ^ Profile at CNN.com
- ^ "Heartbreak tale pays off for singer Jason Derülo". Reuters. Retrieved 2009-10-04.
- ^ Lewis, Pete. Jason Derulo interview, Blues & Soul, December 2009.
- ^ a b Varghese, Susan (2009-10-06). "Jason Derülo Takes Off With 'Whatcha Say' Single". Billboard. Retrieved 2009-10-21.
- ^ "Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved 2009-10-21.