Jay Sean

• Genre: Contemporary R&B

About

Though few in the U.S. knew the name Jay Sean before the May 2009 release of his hit collaboration with Lil Wayne, "Down," the singer had already found substantial success on two continents. His debut, 2004's Me Against Myself, fused modern R&B with Bollywood and was a big hit in Sean's parents' home country of India. The album also had a substantial impact in the U.K. (where Sean was born), thanks to hit singles "Stolen" and "Eyes on You." His follow-up, 2008's My Own Way, was equally successful, and Sean was dubbed the U.K.'s answer to Ne-Yo. He soon caught the attention of the American record industry and in late 2008 was signed to Lil Wayne's label, Cash Money. Sean and Lil Wayne quickly recorded their duet, which shot to the top of the American charts. He recorded five additional songs for 2009's re-release of My Own Way.

- Sam Chennault