Chronicling trends in entertainment, pop culture, politics, the arts, and the uncategorized et cetera.

Shallow Nation

September 7th, 2009 at 2:56 pm

Sean Kingston Today Show Video, Photos 9-7-09

Here are Sean Kingston Today Show video and photos from September 7, 2009. The Jamaican singer-songwriter appeared at the Plaza at Rockefeller Center on Labor Day to perform three of his hit singles; his chart topping debut single, Beautiful Girls, along with Fire Burning and Face Drop from his highly anticipated sophomore studio album Tomorrow, which will be released on September 22, 2009. During the performance of Beautiful Girls, he was joined on stage by legendary soul singer Ben E. King best known for his hit single Stand By Me, which the song samples.

This is his second time on the Today Show, and during his brief interview, as co-hosts noted his success at 19, and that he had gotten his start on MySpace where, with persistence he attracted the attention of producer J.R. Rotem. He discussed the autobiographical nature of the songs, in particular, Face Drop which Sean Kingston said is based on personal experience of being rejected in high school because of his size. He expressed enthusiasm over the collaborations, notably Good Charlotte and Wyclef Jean, which are a part of the forthcoming album as well as the 2007 collaboration with Ben E. King on his breakout single which was a No. 1 hit single for four weeks. “It’s about hooking up with talented people,” he said.

The singer-songwriter is profiled in a recent article in Billboard and discussed a range of topics, including his songwriting process and his musical collaborations

As a songwriter, you need to listen to all types of music to get ideas. On my iPod right now, you can hear Daughtry, Miley Cyrus, All-American Rejects, Green Day, Wyclef Jean, Jay-Z, Nas and Good Charlotte.

For instance, I’m a huge fan of the Lady Gaga sound, so I looked up RedOne (who produced some of her hits). He brings this whole electronic synth and dance vibe. I go to the clubs in Miami and I see what’s working there.

In the case of Good Charlotte, not only does the group write all its own music, but when you listen to its songs, they have catchy melodies and good beats. I’m a huge melody person. (Madden twins) Benji and Joel just have this thing about them; they’re so versatile. So I thought it would be fun to work with them.

The article in its entirety can be seen here: “Tomorrow” arrives for Jamaican singer Kingston