12/06/2010 - 21:45
Grande Scène
Sean Paul
Reggae Hip Hop / Jamaica
Sean Paul exploded onto the international music scene in 2002 and three US number ones later he remains a global superstar. His latest release, last year's Imperial Blaze, offers his trademark compelling mix of dancehall and reggae but also improved songwriting and enhanced vocals. Indeed, Entertainment Weekly stated that the album illustrated why "Paul is arguably the ablest pop ambassador Jamaican music has ever had who isn't surnamed Marley".
Sean Paul’s second album Dutty Rock was his breakout record in 2002, reaching number two in the UK album charts and number nine in the US. Described by the influential Allmusic website as “an infectious record, bursting with hooks and filled with energy”, the album spawned two US single charts number ones in Get Busy and Baby Boy (with Beyonce), which spent nine weeks on the top of the charts, as well as Gimme The Light, Like Glue and I'm Still in Love with You, which all peaked in the top 6 in the UK Singles Chart. He scored another UK number one single in 2003 when he featured on Blu Cantrell’s Breathe.
A break to record his third album The Trinity, which was released in September 2005, failed to dampen his popularity. Stylus Magazine’s review stated that “Sean Paul is a gifted songbird and on The Trinity his vocal gifts and Jamaica’s continued creative vitality are a surefire formula for thrilling music.” That was borne out by five huge chart hits in We Be Burnin, Ever Blazin, Give It Up to Me, Never Gonna Be The Same and another US chart-topper in Temperature.
Imperial Blaze followed in 2009 and the 20-track release is packed with more pop gems including hit single So Fine.
Sean Paul’s second album Dutty Rock was his breakout record in 2002, reaching number two in the UK album charts and number nine in the US. Described by the influential Allmusic website as “an infectious record, bursting with hooks and filled with energy”, the album spawned two US single charts number ones in Get Busy and Baby Boy (with Beyonce), which spent nine weeks on the top of the charts, as well as Gimme The Light, Like Glue and I'm Still in Love with You, which all peaked in the top 6 in the UK Singles Chart. He scored another UK number one single in 2003 when he featured on Blu Cantrell’s Breathe.
A break to record his third album The Trinity, which was released in September 2005, failed to dampen his popularity. Stylus Magazine’s review stated that “Sean Paul is a gifted songbird and on The Trinity his vocal gifts and Jamaica’s continued creative vitality are a surefire formula for thrilling music.” That was borne out by five huge chart hits in We Be Burnin, Ever Blazin, Give It Up to Me, Never Gonna Be The Same and another US chart-topper in Temperature.
Imperial Blaze followed in 2009 and the 20-track release is packed with more pop gems including hit single So Fine.
Beginner's guide
In a tweet: Jamaican dancehall superstar who has sold over 10 million albums and had three US number ones.Best introduction: His breakout 2002 album Dutty Rock best showcases Sean Paul’s Jamaican dancehall and reggae roots while new fans will find his killer hooks and pop sensibilities irresistible.
Songs to download: Gimme the Light, Bubble, Shake That Thing, Breathe, We Be Burnin’, Temperature, So Fine
Key fact: With three number one singles and four other top 10 singles, Sean Paul is the most successful Jamaican artist in chart history, yes even more so than Bob Marley.
Fun fact: Sean Paul played on the Jamaican water polo team form the age of 13 to 21.
They say: "Sean Paul is a bleating, hyper-fast vocalist. His rapping will make your head spin, but it’s impossible not to applaud the dexterity involved.” (The New York Times)
Sean Paul says: "Every time you think a negative thought, it's one step in the wrong direction.”
Press Contact
Agency: Warner MusicContact person: Rosalba Drosi
Email: rosalba.drosi@warnermusic.com
