Edd’s MANtra: The Curious Case of Jay Sean

December 2, 2009Edward BowserEdd's MANtra, music2

As the resident GeorgiaMae music guru, it’s my job to keep my finger on the pulse of the music world. I’m dedicated to keeping my readers informed with detailed analyses. For instance, the 2009 Soul Train Music Awards aired last Sunday.

Ummm, some stuff happened. I guess. Didn’t really watch all of it. But Keith Sweat was there!

Now THAT’S a suit.

Although I’m known for such hard hitting journalism as the item above, I will admit that every once in awhile something will slip through my fingers. Such is the case with Jay Sean.

Last week, my wife and her cousin were going on and on about this guy. I had NO idea who they were talking about. I just assumed he was one of those mopey alternative rock guys they like. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that his song “Down” had been the No. 1 song in the country, ending the Black Eyed Peas’ 26-week reign of terror.

So why on Earth have I not heard of him?

For those as clueless as me, here are three reasons we should have heard about Jay Sean and “Down”:

1. He’s a dreamboat.

At least, that’s what the kids say.

He kinda reminds me of those shirtless werewolf boys from “Twilight: New Moon.” Yes, I saw that movie, but NO, I did not pay for it. I watched about an hour’s worth on bootleg while in the barbershop last week. And it was horrible. Believe me, your life isn’t complete until you see gun-toting thugs getting emotional about pitiful, pasty teenagers.

But that’s a blog for another day.

2. He runs around with Lil Wayne.

Jay Sean made his name in the UK but he’s signed to Cash Money Records stateside. Lil Wayne shows up on “Down” as well. I’m surprised Wayne doesn’t name-drop Jay Sean as much as he does Drake n’ friends. But maybe he does – it’s not like I can understand Wayne all the time anyway.

3.”Down” receives endless radio play.

Although I rarely listen to the radio, I can usually gauge what’s popular by hearing 4 seconds worth of it while swapping my CDs. Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind,” for example, gets a maddening amount of airplay down in Alabama. I figured that would be a more regional hit. But according to the wife, if you throw a rock at cars passing on the highway, you’re guaranteed to hit one blasting “Down.”

Not that I advocate throwing rocks. Use pennies instead.

Now that I’ve piqued your interest, judge “Down” for yourself. Let me know what you think.

My thoughts? Meh. He ain’t Keith Sweat, I’ll say that.