Jason Joel Desrouleaux (born September 21, 1989), better known
by his stage name Jason Derülo, is a Haitian-American singer-songwriter,
actor and dancer. After producing records for several artists and
writing songs for Cash Money Records, co-founder of the label 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" in May 2009. The song became
a huge digital hit, selling over five million digital downloads,
gaining an RIAA certification of double platinum, and reaching
number 1 in the US and New Zealand. Derülo released his second
single, "In My Head", in December 2009. His debut album,
Jason Derülo, was released in 2010.
Derülo was born in Miami, Florida,[2] to Haitian parents. His
birth name is Desrouleaux, but he changed the spelling for his stage
name to make it easier to pronounce.
Derülo has been performing since the age of five. He wrote
his first song, "Crush on You", at age eight and was heard
singing part of the song on a Galaxy FM interview. Derülo spent
his youth studying opera, theater, and ballet. He attended Dillard
Center for the Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and graduated from
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.[4]
Music career
2007–2009: songwriting and musical beginnings
Derülo has been writing songs for artists including Diddy,
Danity Kane, Donnie Klang, Sean Kingston, Cassie, Lil Wayne since
he was 16, intent on becoming a solo performer.[5] 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),[6] 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 Records and Warner Bros. Records.
In a HitQuarters interview, Rotem highlighted Derülo's dedication
to his art by saying, "Jason Derülo has one of the most
impressive work ethics I've ever come across – he just keeps
knocking out songs in the studio. That's an amazing quality."[7]
Derülo's music career began in 2006, when he was featured on
Birdman's song "Bossy", which was featured on his album,
5 * Stunna.
2009–2010: Jason Derülo
On August 4, 2009, Jason released his debut single, "Whatcha
Say". It was produced by J. R. Rotem with additional production
by Fuego. The track samples the Imogen Heap song "Hide and Seek".
In late August 2009, the song debuted at number 54 on the Billboard
Hot 100[8] and hit number 1 in November 2009.[9] The single's music
video was released in September 2009; after the single became successful,
Derülo began work on his debut album. He released the second
single from his album, "In My Head", on December 8, 2009.
It debuted at number 63 on the Billboard Hot 100, and reached number
five.[10]
Derülo's debut album, Jason Derülo, was released on March
2, 2010. He spent six weeks promoting the album in his appearances
as one of the opening acts for Lady Gaga's 2009–2010 The Monster
Ball Tour. The third single of the album is "Ridin' Solo," which
was released worldwide on April 26, 2010. By July, the single had
reached number nine in the Billboard Hot 100.[10] Derülo has
also recently been featured in a song by new artist Will Roush called "Turn
it Up," which also features Stat Quo and Young Buck. He also
collaborated with UK singer Pixie Lott on a song called "Coming
Home" which will be on Lott's new album Turn It Up Louder to
be released in the United States in 2011.
Jason Derülo first charted within the top ten of the UK and
Irish Albums Charts in early March 2010.
2011-present: Future History
Derülo's second studio album, Future History, will be released
in September 2011.[11] Derülo is currently detailing his journey
recording the album via a series of webisodes that are posted on
his official website every Friday.[11] Its lead single, "Don't
Wanna Go Home", was released on May 20, 2011.[12]
Tours
2009–2010 The Monster Ball Tour (Opening Act)
2010 The E.N.D. World Tour (Opening Act for Canada dates)
2010–2011 Jason Derülo World Tour (Headlining)
Discography
Main article: Jason Derülo discography
Jason Derülo (2010)
Future History (2011)
Awards and nominations
Year Organisation Award Result
2010 Teen Choice Awards[13] Choice Breakout Male Artist Nominated
Choice R&B Track ("In My Head") Nominated
Choice R&B Album (Jason Derülo) Won
MTV Video Music Awards[14] Best Male Video ("In My Head")
Nominated
Best New Artist ("In My Head") Nominated
MTV Europe Music Awards[15] Best New Act Nominated
Best Push Act Nominated
ARIA Music Awards[16] Most Popular International Artist Nominated
2011 NAACP Image Award[17] Outstanding New Artist Nominated
BMI Pop Music Awards[18] Songwriter of the Year ("In My Head", "Ridin'
Solo", "Whatcha Say, Replay") Won
50 Most Performed Songs of the Year ("Replay") Won
Teen Choice Awards[19] Choice Male Artist Pending
Choice R&B/Hip-Hop Track ("Don't Wanna Go Home")