Jeremih

This article is about the singer. For his self-titled album, see Jeremih (album).
For similar names, see Jeremiah.
Jeremih

Jeremih performing in August 2009
Background information
Birth name Jeremih Felton
Born July 17, 1987
Chicago, Illinois, US
Genres
Occupation(s)
Instruments Vocals
Years active 2008–present
Labels Def Jam
Associated acts
Website Official Website

Jeremih Felton (born July 17, 1987), who performs under the mononym Jeremih /ˈdʒɛrɨmaɪ/, is an American recording artist and producer signed to Def Jam. Jeremih's debut single, "Birthday Sex" (which was also recorded in French), peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100. His first and self-titled album, Jeremih, debuted at number six on the US Billboard 200, selling 59,000 copies in its first week. On September 28, 2010, he released his second album, All About You. In 2014 he released the single "Don't Tell 'Em," which became his third top-ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

Life and career

Early life

Born into a musical family,[1] in Chicago, Illinois, he began playing instruments at the age of three and taught himself how to play several, including drums, piano and the saxophone.[2][3][4] Jeremih attended Morgan Park High School, where he was part of the marching band as well as a Latin jazz band, where he learned to play percussion instruments like congas and timbales.[5] He graduated at the age of 16 and enrolled into Parkland College, which is near the University of Illinois to pursue a career in engineering.[6] Having graduated from high school at an early age, he said in an interview that he found himself "getting in a lot of trouble" while attending the university and plans on returning to earn his degree.[7] After performing a tribute for Ray Charles at one of the campus's talent shows, he received positive feedback and realized his vocal ability, saying that the "music was just taking over".[6] In 2007, he enrolled in Columbia College Chicago to pursue a degree in music business.[8]

2009: Career beginnings and debut album

Jeremih with Julie Moran at the 2009 American Music Awards

While attending Columbia College Chicago, Jeremih collaborated with record producer Mick Schultz.[2] Together, they recorded a song entitled "My Ride".[3] Jeremih received guidance from his cousin Day26 group member, Willie Taylor.[9] In February 2009, Jeremih met with Def Jam CEO Russell Simmons and executive vice president of A&R Karen Kwak. After performing for the two, Jeremih was signed to Def Jam that same day.[3]<ref name= Jeremiah once fell in love with a woman named Farah faraj from Lebanon but she did not love him he was very heartbroken.

Jeremih Neukte zijn moeder his debut single, "Birthday Sex", in early 2009 and peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100.[10] His eponymous debut album, Jeremih, was released in June 2009 under Def Jam;[4] it debuted at number six on the Billboard 200 and sold 59,000 copies in its first week.[11] In promotion of the album, Jeremih took part in America's Most Wanted Tour, alongside Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy and Soulja Boy Tell 'Em.[12] The second single, "Imma Star (Everywhere We Are)", has peaked at number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100.[13]

In August 2009, Jeremih was selected by Ron Huberman and Mayor Richard Daley of the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to campaign children to return to school.[14][15] Community activists protested and demanded CPS to undo their decision, claiming that Jeremih's music was "not appropriate for students" and "promotes teen sex".[15][16] Huberman argued that "school officials would be naive to pretend students don't listen to Felton's music already".[17] Daley also argued that recording artists have the freedom of speech, noting that Jeremih was "a young man, [with a] back-to-school message, a young man who has had great success recording, producer, going to school, went to public school".[15] In September 2009, Jeremih performed on ABC Daytime's soap opera One Life to Live, alongside recording artist Lionel Richie. The two performed "Just Go", a song from Richie's album with the same title.[18]

2010–11: All About You

On June 1, 2010 Jeremih released the first single from his second studio album All About You titled "I Like" featuring Ludacris. The single was released for digital download on iTunes. "Down on Me" featuring rapper 50 Cent was the second confirmed single from the album. "Down on Me" charted the No. 1 position for 8 weeks total on Rhythmic Billboard Chart.[19] A video was shot in 3D for this but it has been confirmed that it's not the official music video, which has since been shot and released on December 17, 2010.[20] All About You was released on September 28, 2010. The following year, Jeremih and Rick Ross were featured in a song by Wale titled "That Way" from the compilation albumSelf Made Vol. 1.

2012–present: Late Nights with Jeremih and Late Nights

In December 2011, Jeremih confirmed he had been working on his third studio album. He announced plans from a summer 2012 release under Def Jam. However, the album was not released. Instead, Jeremih released his first mixtape titled "Late Nights with Jeremih" on August 7, 2012 which received relatively good reviews.

In October 2012, Jeremih confirmed that he was still working on his third studio album and that it would be released in early 2013. He also stated that 50 Cent, T.I., Busta Rhymes and French Montana would be featured on the album. Jeremih also mentioned the possibility of working with Diddy. He also expressed interest to work with Alicia Keys, Missy Elliott or Adele.

"All the Time" was the first single from the album which originally appeared on "Late Nights with Jeremih" but was re-released with an additional verse by rapper Lil Wayne. The song was released on April 16, 2013 for a digital download.[21] A second single, "Let Loose" featuring The Game was released for download in May 2013.

On December 19, 2013 a promo video surfaced announcing a collaborative EP from Jeremih with electronic producer Shlohmo set to be released in February 2014, under Wedidit and Young Money Entertainment. Both artists have previously worked together in a track titled "Bo Deep (Do U Right)" which was part of Yours Truly and Adidas originals, "Songs from Scratch Series."[22] On July 17, 2014, Jeremih formally released his collaborative EP "No More" with Shlohmo through his Twitter account.[23]

On June 6, 2014, Jeremih released the first single "Don't Tell 'Em", off his upcoming album Late Nights.[24] The song peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and number five in the UK Singles Chart in October 2014[25]

On April 21, 2015, Jeremih released the lead single from Late Nights titled "Tonight Belongs to U" featuring Flo Rida.[26]

Musical style

Jeremih cited Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and R. Kelly as his biggest influences.[27] He described their music as "timeless", calling them "true musician-artists".[27] With the release of his debut album, Andy Kellman of Allmusic compared Jeremih's vocals to Slim of 112 and Raphael Saadiq, noting that his "charmingly sly voice...is hard to not like".[2] In contrast, Ken Capobianco of The Boston Globe felt that Jeremih's voice was "thin", showing "little range".[28] Jody Rosen expressed that Jeremih "has a way with tunes and hooks".[29] He received comparisons to The-Dream, R. Kelly and Stevie Wonder.[30]

Discography

Main article: Jeremih discography

Awards and nominations

MOBO Awards

The Music of Black Origin Awards (MOBO Awards) is an awards ceremony established in 1995 by Kanya King.

Year Recipient Award Result Source
2009 Jeremih Best R&B/Soul Act style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated [31]
American Music Awards

The American Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony created by Dick Clark in 1973.

Year Recipient Award Result Source
2009 Jeremih T-Mobile Soul/R&B Breakthrough Artist style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated [32]
NAACP Awards

An NAACP Image Award is an accolade presented by the American National Association for the Advancement of Colored People to honor outstanding people of color in film, television, music, and literature.

Year Recipient Award Result Source
2010 Jeremih Outstanding New Artist style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated [33]
Chicago Music Awards

The Chicago Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony for music artist professionals to get recognized for their talents and hard work. Ephraim Martin, CMA President, is the founder.

Year Recipient Award Result Source
2010 Jeremih Best New Entertainer Of The Year style="background: #99FF99; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="yes table-yes2"|Won [34]
Year Recipient Award Result Source
2010 Jeremih Songwriter Of The Year style="background: #99FF99; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="yes table-yes2"|Won [34]
Year Recipient Award Result Source
2010 Jeremih R&B Entertainer Of The Year style="background: #99FF99; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="yes table-yes2"|Won [34]
Year Recipient Award Result Source
2011 Jeremih Best Male Vocalist Of The Year style="background: #99FF99; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="yes table-yes2"|Won [35]
Billboard Music Awards

The Billboard Music Award is an honor given by Billboard magazine, the preeminent publication covering the music business. The Billboard Music Awards show had been held annually in December until it went dormant in 2007, but it returned in May 2011. By Billboard Music Award.

Year Recipient Award Result Source
2012 Jeremih Ft.50 Cent-Down On Me Top R&B Song style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated [36]
Year Recipient Award Result Source
2015 Jeremih Ft.YG-Don't Tell Em Top R&B Song style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated [37]
iHeartRadio Music Awards

The iheartRadio award honors the biggest Artists and Songs of the year.

Year Recipient Award Result Source
2015 Jeremih Ft YG-Don't Tell Em Hip Hop/R&B Song of the Year style="background: #99FF99; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="yes table-yes2"|Won [38]

References

  1. ↑ Reid, Shaheem (2009-07-08). "Jeremih Talks About 'Nervous' Def Jam Audition". MTV News. Retrieved 2009-07-15.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Jeremih - Overview". Allmusic. Retrieved 2009-08-25.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Vaughn, Shamontiel L. (2009-05-22). "Triple threat: Chicago native Jeremih, the singer, rapper, musician". Chicago Defender. Real Times. Retrieved 2009-06-01.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Concepcion, Mariel (April 15, 2009). "Jeremih Lights Up Hot Debut With 'Sexday Birth'". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Archived from the original on May 25, 2009.
  5. ↑ Lewis, Pete. "Perfect Presence - Pete Lewis Interviews Jeremih". Blues & Soul. Retrieved 2009-09-09.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Houlihan, Mary (June 30, 2009). "Engineering a career with a 'Birthday' hit". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on July 2, 2009.
  7. ↑ "Jeremih wants Diddy-style success". MSNBC.com. Associated Press. 2009-07-15. Retrieved 2009-11-02.
  8. ↑ "Bio". JeremihMusic.com. Def Jam Recordings. Retrieved 2009-11-02.
  9. ↑ Jackson, Kevin (2009-05-23). "Green Day, Black Eyed Peas and Jeremih soar to the top". The Jamaica Observer. Retrieved 2009-06-01.
  10. ↑ Ben-Yehuda, Ayala (2009-06-04). "Lady GaGa Takes Two Top 10 Spots On Billboard's Hot 100". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved 2009-06-04.
  11. ↑ Grein, Paul (2009-07-08). "Week Ending July 5, 2009: All Michael, All The Time". Yahoo! Music. Retrieved 2009-07-15.
  12. ↑ Carter, Lauren (2009-09-25). "'Birthday' suitor Jeremih's star rises". Boston Herald. Herald Media. Retrieved 2009-10-07.
  13. ↑ "Imma Star (Everywhere We Are) - Jeremih". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved 2009-10-09.
  14. ↑ Ullrich, Kurt (2009-08-07). "Getting together through the generations". Chicago Tribune. Tribune Company. Retrieved 2009-08-07.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Harrison, Lauren R. (2009-08-06). "'Birthday Sex' choice spurs protest against CPS". Chicago Breaking News. Tribune Company. Retrieved 2009-08-07.
  16. ↑ "Activists protest CPS choice of 'Birthday Sex' singer". ABC News. 2009-08-06. Retrieved 2009-08-07.
  17. ↑ Spak, Cara (2009-08-06). "School's 'Birthday Sex' role model draws protests". Chicago Sun-Times. Sun-Times Media Group. Retrieved 2009-08-07.
  18. ↑ Spak, Cara (2009-09-29). "Singers Lionel Richie and Jeremih Set to Perform". About.com. Retrieved 2009-09-14.
  19. ↑ 50 Cent on August 27, 2010 at 2:30pm View Blog (2010-08-27). "Jeremih Feat 50 Cent - "Down On Me" [UPDATED: CDQ - Dirty". ThisIs50.com. Retrieved 2012-03-30.
  20. ↑ "Jeremih x 50 Cent - "Down On Me" - 3D Version". ThisIs50.com. 2010-09-28. Retrieved 2012-03-30.
  21. ↑ http://www.amazon.com/All-The-Time-Explicit/dp/B00C7UO3L8/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1365872759&sr=8-6&keywords=Jeremih+all+the+time
  22. ↑ "SHLOHMO x JEREMIH Songs From Scratch". Yours Truly. March 5, 2013.
  23. ↑ https://twitter.com/Jeremih/status/489807488183566336
  24. ↑ https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dont-tell-em-feat.-yg-single/id886779533
  25. ↑ http://www.allmusic.com/artist/jeremih-mn0001545319/awards
  26. ↑ https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/tonight-belongs-to-u!-feat./id984067406
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 Burkes, Dawn M. (2009-08-22). "Jeremih performs in Dallas riding the wave of his big hit, 'Birthday Sex'". The Dallas Morning News. A. H. Belo. Retrieved 2009-08-25.
  28. ↑ Capobianco, Ken (2009-06-29). "Jeremih, 'Jeremih'". The Boston Globe. The New York Times Company. Retrieved 2009-08-25.
  29. ↑ Rosen, Jody (2009-07-20). "Jeremih: Jeremih: Music Reviews". Rolling Stone. Wenner Media. Retrieved 2009-08-25.
  30. ↑ Turenne, Martin (2009-08-13). "Songwriting puts Jeremih on the fast track". The Georgia Straight. Vancouver Free Press. Retrieved 2009-08-25.
  31. ↑ Singh, Anita (2009-08-26). "Mobo Awards 2009 nominations unveiled". The Daily Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group. Retrieved 2009-08-27.
  32. ↑ Kreps, Daniel (2009-10-13). "Taylor Swift, Michael Jackson, Eminem Lead AMA Nominations". Rolling Stone. Wenner Media. Retrieved 2009-10-14.
  33. ↑ {{cite web|url=http://www.naacpimageawards.net/41/winners}}
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 34.2 {{cite web|url=http://www.martininterculture.com/cma.html}}
  35. ↑ {{cite web|url=http://www.martininterculture.com}}
  36. ↑ {{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbma/winners?page=6}}
  37. ↑ {{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/events/bbma-2015/6524277/billboard-music-awards-2015-finalists}}
  38. ↑ {{cite web|url=http://news.iheart.com/articles/iheartradio-music-awards-490103/iheartradio-music-awards-return-march-29th-13212399/}}

External links