ARTIST TO WATCH: 16 YEAR-OLD SEAN KINGSTON
Thursday, December 7, 2006
By his early teens, Sean Kingston was performing his raps throughout South Florida. “I did talent shows and showcases, but I never really battled,” he says of his effort to get discovered. With Ft. Lauderdale twenty miles north of Miami, Sean has already shared stages with Trina, Pitbull, Ludacris, Pretty Ricky, and Trick Daddy. Like Trick, Sean has definitely felt the allure of street life. Beginning with a breaking-and-entering charge at age 11, Sean has seen his share of trouble. As the youngest of three supportive siblings, this let down the boy’s mother, presently incarcerated herself for identity fraud. “I’ve been through a lot. I did 21 days in jail, been to boot camp, got sent to Jamaica, slept in cars with my family; I had a rough life,” says an appreciative Sean today.
Around 2004, Sean began incorporating elements of his Reggae heritage with his rapping abilities. The gifts have allowed Sean’s music to have a unique blend of street raps with Caribbean flare and catchy, homegrown hooks. This one-of-a-kind presence eventually led Sean Kingston’s music to the ears of chart-topping producer Jonathan “J.R.” Rotem (The Game, Rick Ross, Britney Spears, 50 Cent, Rihanna, Dr. Dre, etc.), who quickly saw potential in the teenage rapper. “He sent me two of his early tracks, and I recorded them, and sent them back in two days,” says Kingston. Soon after J.R. and Zach Katz signed the artist to their Beluga Heights record label – and subsequently Cinematic Music Group for Management, a three-way bidding war between Warner Brothers, Atlantic, and Epic/Sony developed…








62 Comments
1.
2nd2noone
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
I am not feeling this song at all hopefully when he comes out he put something better out because this is horrible. He need to take his ass to school instead of tryna be a rapper.
2.
la française
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
next…
3.
WinLamb5
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
“I’ve been through a lot. I did 21 days in jail, been to boot camp..” THAT’s tough?!
Not feelin this little boy at all.
Echoing #1..get in SCHOOOOOOOOOOL child & cut this fool-mess out.
4.
Namibian Girl
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
Gotta agree with all ya’ll….aint feeling it eitha…
5.
Lydell
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
Trying to get some promotional street credit. I know 16 year olds that would blaze him lyrically. This cat is doo doo. More importantly, he better get his head right or he’ll be sucking dicks in real jail. Young bro, you don’t know whats ahead of you, ain’t cut out for that kinda life.
6.
Bouga
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
I just like the song (the beat and the gy who does the chors/hook), not the rapping.
7.
angelp
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
Ummmm……NO
The only good thing about the song is Trey Songz. I’m not feeling the kid’s skills at all. Not sure why one would think he is an artist to watch.
8.
Nikki
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
He sure ain’t hard to miss that’s for sure..until he started he started to rap..it sounded alright..the hook is straight.
9.
SLIM
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
angelp said:
——————————————————————————–
Ummmm……NO
The only good thing about the song is Trey Songz. I’m not feeling the kid’s skills at all. Not sure why one would think he is an artist to watch.
——————————————————————————–
He’s ok…I have a few “Artist Watch” here for you:
http://dc4-life.blogspot....e-fiasco-consequence.html
10.
i.trustless
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
YALL BE ON HERE EARLY, SHOO I GOT ON HERE EARLY BECAUSE I WOKE UP AT 5AM.
ANYWHO…i didnt listen to the music.
youre 16. stay in school.
since you have been through a tough time, maybe you should expand your education and make better of yourself in a more educational perspective.
but whatever, as a youth, im quiting on preaching.
i might be 19. but i know there are ways and then there are ways to doing an “impact” in society positively.
[dont get me wrong though there are like .001% positive rappers out there]
11.
i.trustless
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
excuse me.
to “being” an impact.
12.
bill
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
Well, If THREE Record labels were fighting over this guy, There may be something to this kid that we are missing…
He could be a great freestyle artist !!!!
A Lot of Record Companies pass over Biggie Smalls when he first came out, so you NEVER know…..
With the Right Producer & Manager, any Artist can soar new heights !!!
13.
drew
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
i love to see new artists get shine
i will be doing a series and few days with interview
http://drewnews.blogspot.com
14.
Perfectly Imperfect
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
Cosign with Bouga… The Trey’s hook is on point
15.
blk dds
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
Cute kid.
16.
caff
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
Who?
17.
R&B Fan 4 Life
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
If record companies are fighting over him, then he got something. Don’t knock his hustle.
18.
Meatloaf
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
Damn, he looks hard…like a young Christopher G. Wallace! Why?
19.
fashiongurl
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
Where are his parents???
I’m guessing they are missing if he was sleeping in cars but that’s a shame because now he’s been adopted by the music industry………….
20.
hood_shit
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
The song was listenable because of Trey… I agree wit my people- KEEP YO MONKEY ASS IN SCHOOL!
21.
EZElmo
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
His childhood must have not been too difficult…looks like he had plenty of tiime to eat. I guess his ghetto has a McDonalds.
No wonder he got caught and sent to jail/boot camp….kinda hard to run from the cop’s when you’re eating a Big Mac and drinking a Slurpee.
Like others have said, the Trey Songz hook was the only part of the track worth listening to. I really don’t see what so “unique” about this style. But hey, that’s just my opinion.
Now Heavy D…that nigga could rap!
22.
mika...
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
LMAO @ Ezelmo!
23.
Nix
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
wonderful
another black teen with hopes and aspirations of being a famous rapper
i guess black people are just born to entertain
nice
just lovely….
24.
J Rilla
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
this kid is the truth…hes already signed to a major record label has the same producer as Rihanna, 50 cent, and more and hes got something diffrent bringing something to the table thats diffrent i like da dude he got some heat
25.
Tyra
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
blk dds said:
——————————————————————————–
Cute kid.
Yeah right….LMAO….he fat and ugly…..looks like he was eating good to me!!!!
26.
MissTee2U
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
dayum another ghetto kid with a hard knock life since when did that become a marketing tool?
27.
Jamaicanballin
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
maybe its because im into reggae music but i like this kid he brings something new to listen to…yall talking about looks. ima dude and even most girls dont care alot about looks when it comes to rap music look at biggie he a huge dude he wasnt good looking but had mad women…so im supporting this kid anyone know when the album comes out…check out his myspace and he is signed to Epic which is same label as Ciara, jessica simpson, and alot more
28.
Ya Bitch Ya!
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
Get a high school diploma then come back hard in the music business.
Seems like alot of upcoming rappers or rappers now forget that quick.
29.
NEWORLEANS_FINEST_CANDI
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
MEATLOAF U TOOK THE WORDS RIGHT OUT MY MOUTH
30.
wifey
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
Not terrible. His flow could be tighter. Sounds like he’s rapping in slow mo’, but I do like how he changes it up w/the Jamaican accent.
I agree with everyone else. Hope this kid is going to school.
31.
q_tis_diva
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
i like trey songs on there.. i didnt really listen to the other dudes part.
32.
LilMamaKatz
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
Bill I agree with u.:)
He could be a great freestyler. Maybe there’s really something abt him. we will neva know if we don’t give a chance 2 this young guy.
33.
poeticblue
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
He looks about 30 years old.
34.
shahron39
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
I like the concept, although I think it sounds like something that could be used in a musical/play. Anyway best of luck to him.
35.
LADYFOLK7-4
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
LIL 6UDDY WUZ KOOL SHIT GIVE DA LIL NI66A CHANCE I LIKE DA LIL JAMAICAN ACCENT
PEOPLE SHOW IZ QUIK 2 PUT A NI66A DOWN INSTEAD OF GIVIN THEM PROPS
6ESIDES ATLEAST HE 6ETTIN HIS HUSTLE ON
36.
JUDAH
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
Has he really been through so much?….Lol. I guess that’s the new way of saying that he’ll have something to say in his “raps”. Right….
37.
huh
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
are you kidding me? “a real ass nigga?” (quote taken from his myspace page.) what is going on in our world? do we really need a “real ass” 16 year-old rap star? is there no other way his musical talents can be used to benefit him (and others) in some healing, lasting way (read: leaving the madness of the streets and his “hard life” behind and reaching higher heights?). instead, record labels want to exploit this young boy’s hardships to make money (bottom line). such a shame that the options are few for our young men.
spitting hardcore lyrics from a self-proclaimed “hustler” (taken from his myspace page) is not what i mean by positive. yes, he may have had a rough childhood (like many have), but thankfully he STILL is a child, and he has an opportunity to take his life in a more rewarding direction. what about his education? can he read/understand/interpret his contracts? spitting “fire” lyrics is really not all it requires (shaking my head in dismay).
i agree that using music to express where he’s been can certainly inspire others. but ONLY if he has a good sense of where he’s going, and doesn’t get caught up in the “hustler,” true-to-da-streets, bling-bling mentality. imo, we can use more diversity of talents in our communities. so, i won’t be supporting this madness by buying a cd. peace.
38.
devilicious
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
It sounds to me more like he’s bragging about being to bootcamp and jail, we already got 50 and the game, next…..
39.
Lozi Bozi
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
cool was feeling trey songz hook like crazy, liked the other kid to his jamaican accent brings something new to the game i could imagine a video coming out and him blowing up with the right track
40.
ijeoma aka jai
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
YAY! TREY SONGZ! I love Trey Songz…who rapping again?
Co-signs with AngelP!!!
41.
youngneef
Thursday, December 7, 2006 /
are u serious?? u ain’t hard.. my lil cousin 14 been stabbed..been in high speed highway chases wit the police..and is currently in jail..im not bragging im just saying boot camp aint hard no more BABY JEEZY!!!!!!!!!!da SNOW BOY…oh yea ur flow is garbage!
42.
JJ
Friday, December 8, 2006 /
Message #26 I agree. The thing is, you can’t come from the suburbs and be a credible rapper for some reason. It’s a requirement to come from nothing and/or sold drugs and had a hard knock life. it’s unfortunate we aren’t rating rap artisit on talent. AND WHAT KILLS ME NOW, is all these rap moguls children aint from the freaking ghetto but they get a pass right? Get the f outta here!!!!
43.
msballer1505
Friday, December 8, 2006 /
Uhh uhhh…that was not hott. Hell come sign me I can do better than that. Need some female mcs newayz to get some respect. oh my goodness…why he try and go bob marley after gangsta. Not cool.
~1505
44.
J dot Speed
Friday, December 8, 2006 /
That shit was garbage, grating on the ears on the real. I mean, first we have Bow Wow, now Sean Kingston. And they wonder why young rappers get no respect. With cats like this perpetuating the stereotype that young’uns don’t belong in the game, would you really fuck with a young rapper like that?
No, and that’s why you have shitloads of rappers on the net and everywhere else that could demolish this kid any day of the week that aren’t getting put on.
45.
miniki
Friday, December 8, 2006 /
i know i am a little late, but i agree with everyone who spoke higher on education , EDUCATION is the one no one can take from you.
46.
r.o.
Friday, December 8, 2006 /
Damn, that was horrible! I hope that you people at CL got your money’s worth for selling you credibility by advocating for that shit!
47.
Jay
Friday, December 8, 2006 /
damn first time to this site after seeing the link posted on another blog…this kid is already big in miami and jamaica and yall are hating heavy…be real with yourselves yall been drinkin that hatorade
48.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Friday, December 8, 2006 /
some body needs to spank him who does he think he is
49.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Friday, December 8, 2006 /
somebody should steal his ass
50.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Friday, December 8, 2006 /
if you all do not know who JR Rotem is let me give you some info
S.O.S. - Rihanna
Best Friend - 50 Cent
Fancy - Destiny’s Child
Memories - Jo Jo
Whoa - Lil Kim
and many many more
51.
NILS
Saturday, December 9, 2006 /
Dude got a ruff voice, could evolve into madd flow when he is older. I don’t digg the jamaican accent. Give him some time to find his right style, he only 16.
52.
Kevin
Friday, March 9, 2007 /
I know this kid….I’m his GED tutor. He’s adamant about passing the test and it was his idea to hire a tutor and start studying up for it. He’s got a good head on his shoulders and is about as passionate about music as anyone I’ve ever known. Very humble and friendly guy. As a matter of fact, when he got signed to a label, he went out and bought an “All-you need-to-know about the Music Business” book so he can learn how to manage his assets and take an active part in managing his own career. I like his stuff too. It’s different and will be embraced soon.
53.
dutra
Wednesday, March 28, 2007 /
this kid has madd talent…listen to colors 2007, the way i live, and push it (remix)
54.
Fruity Pablo
Friday, May 4, 2007 /
Love his music, i just found out about him today.
beautiful girls is my jam.
55.
Brianna Espanto
Monday, June 4, 2007 /
Man……. Sean you have a great music that you made this year in 2007……../.. Dang you are so dang hot (LOL)
56.
Brianna Espanto
Monday, June 4, 2007 /
Um… I wont you as a friend on myspace okay LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love and Kisses to you!!!
57.
marie
Thursday, September 13, 2007 /
i think its a great song you should give the boy a chance fools if he writiin songs like this now imangine in 10 years wat dope he be writin then an all yall wish you were in his shoes rite now dats the problem not his music yal just jealous
58.
007_XXX
Saturday, September 15, 2007 /
u suck u suck u suck
59.
Lil Big Chief
Friday, September 28, 2007 /
“Dem Haters”, y’all need to sit down and stop drinking haterade. It’s bad for your health. I think he is doing a really good job with his style of music. It’s different and that’s needed to survive in the music business these days. I also suggest y’all get out more and have a open mind. Maybe he is getting “home schooled” on the road. Many artists are doing that these days. I’m in the military serving my country and I know that!! You can practically go to “war” and still go to school. Believe me because I know. So y’all need to stop hating and give Lil Sean his props!
60.
x Lauren x
Monday, October 29, 2007 /
like all da songs lol
i luv ‘me love’
its gr8
x lauren x
61.
kbc
Sunday, December 9, 2007 /
i gotta hand it to em like said in comment 53 the kid has skillz and a few other comments up like yea he is 16 but so wat give him time half the comments up here the ppl havent even heard his shit oh u quotin cause the trey songz track aint his best go on ya downloader and get these push it remix colors 2007 dry your eyes real gangstaz and make it rain u wont be disappointed trust me the kids got a flow in there give him time to reach his top he knows wat he wants and hes learnin how to get it trust me i kno wat its like to fight for that lable and i kno kids that can relate to his flow honestly theres a lil kingston in all of us everyone can relate to atleast one of his songs if u really listen ull see the kids gunna hit the top give him his shine like we did 50 lloyd and buck
62.
no
Tuesday, January 15, 2008 /
Been through a lot ? 21 days in jail and sleeping in cars? You really think thats considered being through bad times?
Oh my God, why cant this wanker just piss off.