Paul frequently invokes the nickname "Chanderpaul", originating from the similarity between his first two names and cricketer Shivnarine Chanderpaul. In the Vice documentary The Story of 'Get Busy' by Sean Paul, when asked "How did you become 'Sean Da Paul'", Paul recalls how others would call him Chan-der-paul, and the name stuck. He then started saying it in shows and recordings.[10]
Sean Paul Ryan Francis Henriques was born in Kingston on 9 January 1973. His mother Frances, a painter,[12][13] is of English and Chinese Jamaican descent.[14][15][16] His Portuguese paternal great-grandfather's Sephardic Jewish family emigrated from Portugal to Jamaica in the 17th century.[17] Paul’s father also has Afro-European ancestry.[18] Paul's father, Garth Henriques, was believed to be descended from Portuguese horse thieves who were fleeing from bounty hunters in a ship that sank in Jamaica.[19]
Paul was raised as a Catholic, although he also attended the Jewish private school Hillel Academy in Jamaica.[20][21] Several members of his family are swimmers. His grandfather was on the first Jamaican men's national water polo team.[22][23][24] His father also played water polo for the team in the 1960s, and competed in long-distance swimming, while Paul's mother was a butterfly swimmer.[25] When Paul was 15, his father was arrested on charges of manslaughter and sentenced to 15 years in prison; he was released for good behavior when Paul was 19.[17][26]
Paul played for the national water polo team from the age of 13 to 21, when he gave up the sport in order to launch his musical career.[26][27] He attended Wolmer's Boys' School[26] and the College of Arts, Science, and Technology, now known as the University of Technology, where he was trained in commerce with an aim of pursuing an occupation in swimming.[citation needed] In 1992, Paul worked as a bank teller and enrolled in a hotel-management program, learning the basics of French cuisine.[17]
Career
1994–2000: Early beginnings and rise to fame
In 1994, Paul appeared in Carrot Jetter's music video "Nice Time".[28][29]
Zachary Harding told his brother, Jeremy, about a singer that he had heard perform live at a small open mic event in Kingston, who sounded a lot like dancehall deejay and toasterSuper Cat.[30] Jeremy eventually met the singer when Paul came by his studio to ask for some advice. During the meeting, Paul recorded a vocal over Harding's rhythm track and in the process created the song "Baby Girl".[30] Jeremy subsequently became Paul's manager and producer.
Paul began hanging out at the studio every day, and the pair collaborated on several more tracks. When they recorded "Infiltrate" they decided they had something good enough to get on the radio. As Paul started to attract local attention,[31] Harding began looking after his affairs. He later told HitQuarters that his support of Paul's fledgling career initially led him assuming the roles of "DJ, manager, road manager, and security-guard".[30]
In 1997, Paul collaborated with singer Spanner Banner on the song "Ladies Man".[32]
Paul made a cameo appearance in the 1998 film Belly on stage performing. He made a successful collaboration with DMX and Mr. Vegas, "Top Shotter", to the soundtrack of the film.[33][34]
2001–2015: Atlantic Records deal and international success
Paul performing in 2005
In 2001, Paul continued his work with manager and producer Jeremy Harding, Paul released a single "Gimme the Light" after writing and recording his lyrics to the "Buzz" riddim, the single turned out to be a nationwide success in Jamaica and eventually became a worldwide smash hit in 2002,[35][36] ultimately reaching number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, the early crossover momentum of the single would help Paul secure a record deal with Atlantic Records in a joint venture deal with his label VP Records, the single would then appear on his second studio album, Dutty Rock which was released in November 2002.[37] All of its latter hit singles would also receive heavy airplay and rotation on MTV and BET.
In early 2003, the second single "Get Busy" was released and would end up topping the Billboard Hot 100 months later, making it Paul's first number-one hit, it was also the first ever dancehall song to top the chart. Dutty Rock became a worldwide commercial success, peaking in the top ten on the Billboard 200, was certified double-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and eventually selling over six million copies worldwide. Dutty Rock won the Best Reggae Album at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards in 2004. "Get Busy" was also nominated for Best Male Rap Solo Performance in that year. Simultaneously, Paul was featured on Beyoncé's U.S. number-one hit song "Baby Boy" and Blu Cantrell's "Breathe",[38] although didn't perform well in the United States but was a massive hit in Europe. Both helped to push his reputation further still in the United States. This album not only further popularized dancehall music in the 2000s, but also helped developed and popularized the genre of dancehall pop,[39] a musical fusion between the rhythmic styles and melodies of dancehall and pop music.[40]
Paul's third album The Trinity was released on 27 September 2005. The album debuted at number 5 on the Billboard 200, breaking records with its first-week sales for a reggae/dancehall artist, eventually going Platinum in the United States and selling 4 million copies worldwide. The album produced five big hits, "We Be Burnin'", Ever Blazin'", "(When You Gonna) Give It Up to Me" (featuring Keyshia Cole), "Never Gonna Be the Same", and the U.S. chart-topping smash hit "Temperature", making it his third number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with "Temperature" becoming one of his signature hits.[41] The video of "(When You Gonna) Give It Up to Me" was featured in the film Step Up in 2006. He was nominated for four awards at the 2006 Billboard Music Awards, including Male Artist of the Year, Rap Artist of the Year, Hot 100 Single of the Year, and Pop 100 Single of the Year for "Temperature".[42] He also won an American Music Award for "(When You Gonna) Give It Up to Me", beating Kanye West and Nick Lachey, who were also nominated for the award. "Send It On" from The Trinity featured on the 2005 Vauxhall Corsa advert. Paul often contributes his songs to various Riddim Driven albums by VP Records. In March 2007, he returned to Jamaica to perform at the 2007 Cricket World Cup opening ceremony.
The album consists of 20 tracks including "So Fine", "Press It Up", "She Want Me", and "Private Party", which are party tracks, and also love songs such as "Hold My Hand" (featuring Keri Hilson), "Lately", and "Now That I've Got Your Love", among others. Producers on the album include Don Corleone, Jeremy Harding, and Paul's brother Jason "Jigzagula" Henriques.[45] All the songs of the album were added to Paul's Myspace page on the day of release of the album.[46]
The album spawned eight music videos: "Always On My Mind" with Da'Ville, "Give It to You" with Eve, "Watch Dem Roll", "Back It Up" with Leftside, "Push It Baby" with Pretty Ricky, "Hit 'Em" with Fahrenheit and his brother Jason "Jigzagula" Henriques, "Come Over" with Estelle,[47] and also the video of his first single, "So Fine".
Paul appeared in Shaggy's video, "Save a Life", which also includes appearances from Elephant Man and Da'Ville, among others. In an effort to raise money for a children's hospital, Shaggy, Paul, and others had a benefit concert. All proceeds went towards getting new equipment and technology 'For Aid to the Bustamante Hospital for Children'. During the premiere for M-Net's Big Brother Africa: All-Stars on 18 July 2010, he performed his songs "Temperature", "Hold My Hand", and "So Fine".[48]
"She Doesn't Mind" is the second single from the album. It was written by Paul, Shellback, and Benny Blanco and was also produced by Shellback and Blanco. It was released on 29 September 2011 on NRJ and Skyrock (French radios), and to iTunes on 31 October.[52] Like its proceeder, "Got 2 Luv U", it topped the charts in Switzerland, but it debuted at that spot. Paul appeared on the Never Mind the Buzzcocks episode, which aired on 21 November 2011.
In 2011, Paul released his first riddim called "Blaze Fia Riddim" under Dutty Rock Productions, his own label.[53]
In 2012, Paul was asked to team up with Congorock and Stereo Massive to feature vocals on their song "Bless Di Nation".
Paul in June 2012
During 2013, Paul worked on his sixth studio album Full Frequency, which was released on 18 February 2014.[54] The first single on the album, "Other Side of Love", was released to iTunes on 10 June 2013.[55][56] The second single, "Entertainment 2.0", which features 2 Chainz and Juicy J, was released on 25 June 2013.[57] Paul released the official remix to the song on 3 September 2013 with an additional feature from Nicki Minaj.[58] "Turn It Up" was released as a single in the UK on 20 October 2013. It was to be released in Germany on 22 November 2013. "Want Dem All" was released as a single in the U.S. on 5 November 2013. The album features guest appearances from Damian Marley, Iggy Azalea, Brick & Lace, Konshens, Nicki Minaj, 2 Chainz, and Juicy J. Also in 2013, Paul was featured on the single "What About Us" by British girl group The Saturdays. The single went straight to the top of the Official UK Charts with over 100,000 sales in its first week, becoming the fastest selling single of the year at the time of release.
In January 2014, Paul was the main international artist at Fiestas Palmares 2014 in Costa Rica.[59] Also in 2014, Paul was featured on the official English-language version of long-running Latin American chart-topper "Bailando" by Enrique Iglesias featuring Gente de Zona and Descemer Bueno. The video for the English version was shot concurrently with the video for the Spanish version in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. The English version reached top 10 status in the United States and topping the charts of several other countries.
Paul appeared on the EP Apocalypse Soon by electronic music group Major Lazer, on the track "Come On to Me", which was released as the second single from the album, after "Aerosol Can", a collaboration with Pharrell Williams.[60] He also collaborated with Nigerian singer Timaya on a remix of his song "Bum Bum". An accompanying video, directed by Shutah Films, was released online on 11 April.[61] On 6 July 2015, Paul released the music video for his song "Take It Low" on the album Full Frequency.
2016–2018: New label and commercial resurgence
Paul had already became an independent artist after parting ways with Atlantic Records in September 2014.[62][63] Under new management of Jules Dougall of Dougall Group and Steve "Urchin" Wilson, Paul enjoyed a commercial resurgence in his career throughout 2016 after being featured on Australian singer Sia's remix version of her song "Cheap Thrills", it topped the Billboard Hot 100, making it Paul's first number-one hit on the chart since 2006. The song was also a global success, reaching number one in more than 15 other countries. It reportedly ended up becoming the most Shazamed song of 2016.[64]
Following this resurgence, Paul signed a new record deal with Island Records in July 2016.[65]
In October 2016, Clean Bandit released the song "Rockabye", which features Paul and English singer Anne-Marie.[66] It peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent nine consecutive weeks at number one of the UK Singles Chart, and gained the coveted Christmas number one.[67] The song would go on to become a massive global hit in 2017, reaching number one in 18 other countries.
In November 2016, Paul cited Toots and the Maytals as inspiration when it comes to his own personal career longevity by saying, "I've seen some great people in my industry, you know, people like Toots... Toots and the Maytals. Toots he's a great reggae artist and he's still doing it... He's up there in years and he's doing it. Those kind of artists inspire me. I know I'm just going to keep on doing music as long as I can."[68]
On 18 November 2016, he released a new single "No Lie" (featuring Dua Lipa), which served as the lead single from his EP Mad Love the Prequel, which would be released in 2018, making it his first project release with Island Records.[69] The song would eventually become a global phenomenon over the following six years after its release, it became a top-ten hit in 10 different countries and would end up becoming his most streamed song across streaming platforms, the music video, directed by Tim Nackashi, also surpassed 1 billion views on YouTube in April 2022, making it his most popular music video.[70]
One of the few other singles off the EP, "Mad Love", a collaboration with David Guetta, which features singer Becky G, would also make a global impact on the charts, peaking within the top 50 in multiple continents.
2019–present: Crossover to Latin music market and latest projects
In March 2019, Paul collaborated with Colombian singer J Balvin on a bilingual song called "Contra La Pared",[73] the song peaked within the top 15 of the BillboardHot Latin Songs chart, making it his seventh entry on the chart. It was also a major hit in Spain, peaking in the top 10 on the nation's chart and was a top 30 hit in both Colombia and Argentina.
Paul had suggested that Jamaican musicians making use of "hardcore patois", a mixture of English with several languages spoken in Jamaica, create a language barrier that prevents them from becoming successful in the United States and the United Kingdom.[74]
It was announced that he would receive the Order of Distinction (OD) from the Jamaican government on 21 October 2019, "for contribution to the global popularity and promotion of reggae music".[75]
In March 2021, Paul released his seventh studio album called Live n Livin under his own label Dutty Rock Productions.[77]
Paul collaborated with fellow Jamaican artists Spice and Shaggy for a dancehall single called "Go Down Deh". They performed the song live on Good Morning America, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and The Wendy Williams Show. The song was massively well-received worldwide on the internet and was named the "dancehall track of the year" for 2021 by NPR.[78]
In May 2022, Paul released his eighth studio album Scorcha through Island Records.
In April 2023, Paul collaborated on another bilingual song called "Niña Bonita" with Colombian singer Feid, the single peaked within the top 50 of the Hot Latin Songs making it his ninth entry on the chart, it has also become a top-10 hit in both Colombia and Ecuador and a top-20 hit in Peru, Spain and Chile.
In 2011, Paul established his own record label, Dutty Rock Productions, along with his production team.[81] In 2017, Paul signed Jamaican artist Chi Ching Ching to the label, making it the label's first signing.[82] In 2022, in promotion of his eighth studio album Scorcha, he released his own brand of Jamaican patties called the "Scorcha Patty" along with its hot sauce in partnership with a United Kingdom-based Jamaican restaurant called Port Royal, which was made available for a limited time.[83]
Philanthropy
In 2016, Paul donated $1 million JMD toward Bustamante Hospital for Children.[84] During the COVID-19 pandemic, Paul founded the "Sean Paul Foundation" in 2020, aiding less-fortunate communities in Jamaica with donations of groceries to poor families and distribution of tablet computers to primary schools for students.[85]
Activism
Paul has spoken out about climate change. In 2015, he attended the United Nations Climate Change conference, expressing concerns over pollution, the coastal erosions of beaches in Jamaica and has said that athletes in the country are having to "run in smog".[86][87] He has advocated for waste reduction, solar power and the use of electric cars. He collaborated with Paul McCartney, Natasha Bedingfield, Bon Jovi, Colbie Caillat, and various other artists on a single called "Love Song to the Earth" to spread awareness about climate change.[88] In 2018, Paul was named an ambassador for climate change in the Caribbean.[89] In 2022, Paul stated in his efforts to help combat climate change; "I have made the move to make my whole house solar powered. From the water to all the lights, and it runs my studio as well".[90]
Personal life
As a teenager he dated Nicole Wynter, who passed away from a brain tumor at age 17.[91] She is mentioned in the singer's song "Never Gonna Be The Same Again" and a photo of her was shown in the music video.[92]
In 2012, Paul married Jamaican television host Jodi Stewart.[93] In August 2016, it was announced that the couple was expecting their first child.[94] On 26 February 2017, Paul announced the birth of their son.[95] Their second child was born on 20 August 2019.[75]
This is a comprehensive listing of official releases by Jamaican dancehall singer Sean Paul.
Reggae fusion is a fusion genre of reggae that mixes reggae and/or dancehall with other genres, such as pop, rock, hip-hop/rap, R&B, jazz, funk, soul, disco, electronic, and Latin music, amongst others.
"Gimme the Light" is the first single from Jamaican dancehall musician Sean Paul's second studio album, Dutty Rock (2002). The song was originally released in Jamaica in 2001 as "Give Me the Light" and was issued internationally in 2002. "Gimme the Light" was Paul's first hit single, peaking at number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a top-20 hit in Canada, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. It is the most popular hit single from the "Buzz" riddim, which was the debut hit production for Troyton Rami & Roger Mackenzie a production duo of Black Shadow Records in Miami, Florida.
Clifford Smith, better known as Mr. Vegas, is a Jamaican dancehall musician.
Friends for Life is the seventh studio album by Jamaican recording artist Buju Banton. It was released on March 11, 2003 through VP Music Group with exclusive distribution via Atlantic Records. Production was primarily handled by Donovan Germain and Buju Banton, along with Cool & Dre, Jammy "Jamz" James, Sheldon Stewart, Sly Dunbar, Steely & Clevie, Steven "Lenky" Marsden. It features guest appearances from Beres Hammond, Bounty Killer, Fat Joe, Nadine Sutherland, Sons & Daughters Choir and Wayne Wonder. The album peaked at number 198 on the US Billboard 200 album chart, and was nominated for Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards, but lost to Sean Paul's Dutty Rock. The album was supported with charted single "Paid Not Played", which peaked at number 84 on the Official Singles Chart Top 100 in the UK.
Jeanette-Triniti Marilyn Bhaguandas, better known by her stage name Ms. Triniti, is a Soca - Ragga - fusion singer-songwriter who mixes the Soca, dancehall, reggae and pop genres.
Orville Richard Burrell, better known by his stage name Shaggy, is a Jamaican and American reggae musician who scored hits with the songs "It Wasn't Me", "Boombastic", "In the Summertime", "Oh Carolina", and "Angel". He has been nominated for seven Grammy Awards, winning twice for Best Reggae Album with Boombastic in 1996 and 44/876 with Sting in 2019, and has won the Brit Award for International Male Solo Artist in 2002.
Craig Serani Marsh, known professionally as Serani, is a Jamaican singer who has a joint venture deal with Phase One Communications in New York City. He is best known for his involvement in Sean Paul's album The Trinity and his 2008 single "No Games".
Andrae Hugh Sutherland, known professionally as Popcaan, is a Jamaican deejay.
"Like Glue" is a song by Jamaican dancehall artist Sean Paul, from his second album, Dutty Rock (2002). The song was produced by Tony "CD" Kelly, and written by Kelly and Sean Paul. Lyrics from "Like Glue" were originally intended to be the intro to "Gimme the Light" until Sean Paul expanded it and made it into a full song. Lyrically, the song refers to how Sean Paul does not care what people say and that he has to stick to his girlfriends "like glue".
Dutty Rock is the second studio album by Jamaican dancehall singer Sean Paul. Released on 12 November 2002, it features four top 15 Billboard Hot 100 hits, "Gimme the Light", "Get Busy", "Like Glue" and "I'm Still in Love with You". It is also his first album to have a Parental Advisory sticker. The album debuted at number 26 on the US Billboard 200, selling 65,000 copies in its first week and went on to become an international phenomenon, eventually climbing the charts peaking at number 9 on the US Billboard 200, number 2 on the UK Albums Chart and topping the Canadian Albums Chart. The song "Top of the Game" was featured in NBA Live 2004.
The Trinity is the third studio album by Jamaican dancehall singer Sean Paul, released in the United States by Atlantic Records on 27 September 2005.
Full Frequency is the sixth studio album by Jamaican dancehall singer Sean Paul, released through Atlantic Records. The album was originally planned for release on 4 November 2013, but was later pushed back to a release date of 18 February 2014.
Grace Latoya Hamilton, known professionally as Spice, is a Jamaican dancehall recording artist, singer, and songwriter. Known as the "Queen of Dancehall" and credited as one of the most influential female Jamaican artists of all time, she is recognised as one of the most prominent dancehall artists in the world. Known for her aggressive flow, musical versatility and outspoken lyrics, Spice first gained recognition after performing at the annual Sting festival in 2000. She released her first single "Complain" for record producer Dave Kelly's Madhouse Records in 2003. She continued to release singles through the 2000s and was even featured on songs with Jimmy Cliff and Beenie Man.
Chinsea Linda Lee, known professionally as Shenseea, is a Jamaican dancehall singer. She is best known for her guest appearance alongside Roddy Ricch on Kanye West's 2021 song "Pure Souls," which entered the Billboard Hot 100. Through its parent album Donda, she was nominated for Album of the Year at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards. She signed with Interscope Records to release her debut studio album Alpha (2022), which peaked at number two on the Top Reggae Albums chart and number three on the Heatseekers charts; her second album, Never Gets Late Here (2024) peaked at number four on the former chart. Her accolades include an NAACP Image Award and MOBO Award.
Dancehall pop is a sub-genre of the Jamaican genre dancehall that originated in the early 2000s. Developing from the sounds of reggae, dancehall pop is characteristically different in its fusion with western pop music and digital music production. Dancehall pop is also different from dancehall in that most songs use lesser Jamaican Patois in lyrics––allowing it to be globally understood and consumed. It also incorporates the key pop music elements of having melodies, hooks, and the verse-chorus format. Additionally, the genre moves away from the reggae and roots reggae music origins in social and political protest, now lyrically centering on partying, dancing, and sexuality.
Richard Mark Bailey, known professionally as Honorebel, is a Jamaican born singer, rapper, songwriter, producer and CEO of Phantom Music Group and Caribbean Paradise Publishing LLC.
Live n Livin is the seventh studio album by Jamaican dancehall singer Sean Paul, released on 12 March 2021 by his label Dutty Rock Productions. Recorded in Jamaica in various studios, It features collaborations with Assassin, Bugle, Buju Banton, Busy Signal, Chi Ching Ching, Damian Marley, Govana, Intence, Jesse Royal, Leftside, Looga Man, Masicka, Mavado, Mutabaruka, Ras Ajai, Serani, Skillibeng, Sotto Bless, Squash, Stonebwoy, and Suku Ward 21.
10 is the debut studio album by Jamaican dancehall artist Spice. It was released on 6 August 2021 by VP Records. The album's writing and production were primarily handled by Shaggy, who executively produced the record, along with other members of Ranch Entertainment. It features guest appearances by Shaggy, Sean Paul, Olaf Blackwood, Melissa Musique and Spice's son Nicho. 10 was nominated for Best Reggae Album at the 64th Grammy Awards in 2022.
"Light My Fire" is a song recorded by Jamaican singer Sean Paul featuring guest vocals from American singer Gwen Stefani and Jamaican dancehall artist Shenseea. He wrote "Light My Fire" with Shenseea, Saul Alexander "AC" Castillo Vasquez, Gamal Kosh Lewis, Allan Peter Grigg, Rosina Russell, and Emily Warren. It was produced by Grigg, AC, and Paul's brother Jason Jigzag Henriques. In interviews, Paul revealed the collaboration was a result of his admiration of both Stefani and Shenseea. It was digitally released as a single by Island Records on 25 May 2022 in support of Paul's eighth studio album, Scorcha (2022).
↑ "Sean Paul - Hot New Hip Hop". HotNewHipHop. 27 April 2017. Retrieved 31 May 2023. Some artists cannot be classified by one specific genre, and Sean Paul is one of them. The Grammy Award-winning Jamaican has the vocals of a reggae artist, but combines his voice with different beats – hip-hop, R&B, and so on – to create music that has brought him worldwide success.
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