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Sean Kingston

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This article is about the artist. For his self-titled album, see Sean Kingston (album).

Sean Kingston
Kingston in 2013
Kingston in 2013
Background information
Birth nameKisean Paul Anderson
Born (1990-02-03) February 3, 1990 (age 34)
Miami, Florida, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • rapper
  • songwriter
DiscographySean Kingston discography
Years active2007–present
Labels
Websiteseankingstonmusic.com

Kisean Paul Anderson[4] (born February 3, 1990), known professionally as Sean Kingston, is an American reggae fusion singer and rapper. He signed with J. R. Rotem's label Beluga Heights Records to release his 2007 debut single, "Beautiful Girls", which peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100. Preceded by the song, his eponymous debut studio album (2007) peaked at number six on the Billboard 200, and spawned the top 40-single "Take You There". His second album, Tomorrow (2009), was supported by the top five-single "Fire Burning", and met with moderate commercial response. He subsequently released his top twenty duet "Eenie Meenie" with Justin Bieber. His third album, Back to Life (2013), failed to chart and served as his final release on a major label, but spawned the moderate hit single "Beat It" (featuring Chris Brown and Wiz Khalifa).

After his second album, Kingston launched the record label Time Is Money Entertainment, through which he signed then-unknown Canadian rapper Tory Lanez in 2010.[5]

In July 2024, Kingston and his mother were indicted on several federal wire fraud charges.[6]

History

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Anderson was born in Miami, Florida, the first of three children of Janice Turner.[7] Anderson's family moved to their native Kingston, Jamaica, when he was six.[3] Anderson attended Ocho Rios High School in Ocho Rios for three years before immigrating back to the United States.[8][9] His grandfather was the noted Jamaican reggae producer Lawrence "Jack Ruby" Lindo.[10][11][3][12]

Career

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2007–2008: Sean Kingston

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Kingston was discovered on YouTube by Matt Tobin at Beluga Heights Records, and signed to the label in a partnership deal with Sony.[13] In an interview with HitQuarters, label head and producer J. R. Rotem described this process with regard to Kingston:

"Sean Kingston was a rapper when we found him and it was a development process to get him more melodic. At Beluga we essentially refine the talent so that it's more of a marketable product."[13]

In a venture between Epic Records and Koch Records, Kingston recorded and released the single "Beautiful Girls" in May 2007.[14] "Beautiful Girls" was a major hit internationally, topping the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and several other charts, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Spain and the United Kingdom. In the latter country, the song spent four weeks at the summit of the UK Singles Chart.[15] His self-titled debut album was released on July 31, 2007, and has been certified gold by the RIAA for its 500,000 copies sold,[16] while peaking at number 6 on the Billboard 200.

In 2007, Kingston was the opening act for Gwen Stefani's The Sweet Escape Tour and for select dates on Beyoncé's The Beyoncé Experience tour. In 2008, he was one of the opening acts for the Australian leg of Kelly Clarkson's My December Tour.[17]

2009–2010: Tomorrow

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Kingston performing in 2009

The album Tomorrow was released on September 22, 2009. Producers involved in the album included Wyclef Jean; RedOne (of recent Lady Gaga fame); plus, Kingston's original mentor, J. R. Rotem.[18] "Fire Burning" and "Face Drop" were released as singles. Additionally, five promotional digital singles were released leading up to the album. In the meantime, Kingston co-wrote Jason Derulo's debut single "Whatcha Say", that topped the Billboard Hot 100. He also discovered the R&B-reggae singer Iyaz on MySpace and signed him to J. R. Rotem's record label.[19] He also recorded the track "Miss Everything" for the UK girl-group Sugababes studio album Sweet 7 which was released March 15, 2010, in the UK. Kingston and DJ Khaled are being featured on Bow Wow's new single "For My Hood", from the movie, The Lottery Ticket.[20] He had a performance in the O2 Arena where he was supported by Mumzy Stranger.[21]

2010–2013: Back 2 Life, King of Kingz, "Lee Strike" and other projects

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His third studio album was announced to feature T-Pain, Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, Flo Rida, Soulja Boy, Wyclef Jean, Cher Lloyd, Akon and Green Eyed Tayla,[22][23] with its lead single being "Eenie Meenie" with Justin Bieber, released on March 23, 2010,[24] which is also included on Bieber's My World 2.0 album. The second single from the album was supposed to be "Letting Go (Dutty Love)", which features a verse from Nicki Minaj. It was released on iTunes August 3, while the third, "Dumb Love", co-written by Bruno Mars, was released on September 8. A fourth single "Party All Night (Sleep All Day)" was released on December 21, 2010. However none of the four singles were included on any album by Kingston.

Kingston represented the continents of North and South America to sing the Official Theme Song of the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games, "Everyone." He collaborated with four other artists representing their continent, South African Jody Williams representing Africa, Singaporean Tabitha Nauser (Asia), Briton Steve Appleton (Europe), and Australian Jessica Mauboy representing Oceania.[25] However, Kingston was unable to attend the Singapore Youth Olympics 2010 opening ceremony due to passport mix-ups.[26] Kingston was invited to be featured with Cash Money Records/former So So Def member Bow Wow on his single "For My Hood". He performed the song with Bow Wow and DJ Khaled on BET's television program 106 & Park the day after release.

Kingston planned to release a mixtape with pop star Justin Bieber, called Our World. It featured about 12–14 songs and included their versions of songs like "Pretty Boy Swag", Eagles hit single, "Lyin Eyes" and "Billionaire". The mixtape was completed and Kingston showed his fans a preview on uStream on August 19, 2010.[citation needed] However, the album was never released. Kingston also went on to perform on the first leg of Bieber's tour. Kingston released his first mixtape, King of Kingz, on February 3, 2011, as a free download only. The mixtape includes guest appearances by Akon, Flo Rida, Soulja Boy, Justin Bieber, B.o.B, and Tory Lanez. Kingston announced that his new album would be called Back 2 Life.[27] He also said in an interview with MTV that he would be completely re-doing the album and that the previous singles would not be on it. Kingston linked up with T.I. on the set of the video for "Back 2 Life", the street single off his then-upcoming album of the same name. The two shot the video in Los Angeles with comedian Mike Epps. In November 2012, Kingston performed in the Dubai Caribbean Carnival at Downtown Dubai with Jason Derulo and Bow Wow. On April 13, 2013, iTunes put up the preorder of Back 2 Life, its cover art and track listing as well as a release date of September 10, 2013.[28] The album failed to chart on the U.S. Billboard 200, but spawned the hit single "Beat It", featuring Chris Brown and Wiz Khalifa.

2013–present: Road to Deliverance

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In March 2013, Kingston announced plans for his upcoming fourth studio album while stating that he would be recording with Disney and pop star Zendaya. At the same time, he said that they were both recording a song titled "Heart on Empty", which Kingston described as "a soulful ballad that you all will be sure to remember". In November, Kingston also guest starred as Dexter and Saint in an episode of Black Dynamite on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim. In March 2015, Kingston posted on Instagram a picture with Swedish record producer RedOne, confirming that they were working on the album.[citation needed] In May 2015, Kingston posted a snippet of the then-upcoming lead single from his fourth studio album.[29][30] On September 14, 2015, Kingston premiered his first single in two years, titled "Wait Up", the lead single off his upcoming fourth studio album. However the song ended up not included on any album. In December 2015, he released "sina see song" with Sri Lankan music producer Iraj Weeraratne, Indian singer Sonu Kakkar, and Kaizer Kaiz (Sri Lankan rapper).[31] Music videos were released for "One Away" and "All I Got" in January and March 2016, respectively. In March 2017, he announced the release of the Made in Jamaica mixtape, preceded by the single "Chance" that featured Vybz Kartel.[32] However the mixtape was scrapped. In 2018, he participated with Italian singer Giusy Ferreri on the vocal part of the single "Amore e capoeira", by Italian record producers Takagi & Ketra.[33] In 2019, he released his single "Peace of Mind" with Canadian rapper Tory Lanez and Nigerian singer Davido. In June 2020, he announced the creation of the "Professional Rapper Boxing League" with hip hop super-agent, Triple the Mogul.[34][35] On May 21, 2021, Kingston returned with the single, "Darkest Times" (featuring G Herbo), while also announcing his upcoming fourth studio album.[36] On December 31, 2021, Kingston participated with Japanese rapper Tomoro on the single "Let Me Hold You".[37]

On September 30, 2022, Road to Deliverance was released as Kingston's fourth studio album.[38] In 2023, Kingston co-wrote Chris Brown's single "Sensational".[39]

Personal life

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In May 2011, Kingston was involved in a near-fatal jet skiing accident in Miami and was immediately rushed to the hospital.[40] Kingston was required to pay a $180 fine for careless operation in the accident.[41] By 2018, he had begun to ride jet skis again.[42]

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May 2024 fraud and theft charges

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On May 23, 2024, Kingston's rented Southwest Ranches, Florida, mansion was raided by a police SWAT team and his mother was arrested.[43][44] The federal arrest warrant was issued on several instances of alleged fraud and theft.[45] Kingston was arrested a few hours later in California after a concert in Fort Irwin, and he was booked into jail in San Bernardino County.[46] Kingston waived his right to fight extradition and was sent to Broward County jail in Florida.[47][48] A week later, Kingston was released from police custody after posting bail of $100,000.[49]

July 2024 wire fraud charges

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On July 19, 2024, a federal grand jury indicted Kingston and his mother on one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and five counts each of wire fraud. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a scheme to defraud sellers of high-end specialty vehicles, jewelry, and other goods purchased through fraudulent documents.[50] It was reported that Kingston and his mother had $1 million worth of items they obtained fraudulently and did not pay for.[6] For each count, Kingston and his mother face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.[50][51]

The charges follow a February lawsuit filed against Kingston by Ver Ver Entertainment, which claims Kingston did not pay for items such as luxury watches that he purchased. The lawsuit also alleges that Kingston claimed to have a "current and ongoing working relationship" with Justin Bieber and would be able to get Bieber to work on promotional videos on behalf of the company, even though the two had not made a song together since releasing "Eenie Meenie" in 2010.[44]

Activism

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Kingston filmed a public service announcement with Do Something to encourage teens to become active in their communities by forming a Do Something club.[52] In 2010, he appeared with one of his dogs in an ad for PETA, encouraging people not to chain their dogs outside.[53]

Discography

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Main article: Sean Kingston discography

Awards and nominations

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References

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  1. ^ https://www.popmatters.com/sean-kingston-sean-kingston-2496210313.html
  2. ^ https://www.stereogum.com/2217490/the-number-ones-soulja-boys-crank-that-soulja-boy/columns/the-number-ones/
  3. ^ a b c Jeffries, David. "Sean Kingston > Biography". AllMusic. Archived from the original on April 19, 2011. Retrieved June 15, 2010.
  4. ^ ACE. "ACE Repertory". Ascap.com. Archived from the original on March 30, 2019. Retrieved April 14, 2020.
  5. ^ "Who is Tory Lanez signed to?". Capital XTRA.
  6. ^ a b "Rapper Sean Kingston and his mother indicted on federal charges in $1M fraud scheme". Associated Press. July 19, 2024. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  7. ^ Richie, Nik (February 8, 2017). "EXCLUSIVE: Sean Kingston – The Kingston Family Tradition, Momma Kingston Janice Turner Loves To Chargeback". The Dirty. Retrieved December 13, 2017.[dead link‍]
  8. ^ "Jamaica Observer Limited". Jamaica Observer. Archived from the original on October 24, 2020. Retrieved December 13, 2017.
  9. ^ Lewis, Pete (February 14, 2008), "A Beauuutiful Interview with Sean Kingston", Blues and Soul, no. 1003, archived from the original on February 17, 2020, retrieved June 15, 2010
  10. ^ Unterberger, Richie. "Jack "L. Lindo" Ruby > Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved June 15, 2010.
  11. ^ Lewis, Pete (August 17, 2009), "Sean Kingston: Fired Up", Blues & Soul, no. 1023, archived from the original on December 2, 2020, retrieved August 26, 2009
  12. ^ Lucci, Amanda (August 3, 2010). "Sean Kingston talks about touring, third album". Star-News. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved March 6, 2011.
  13. ^ a b "Interview With JR Rotem". HitQuarters. April 4, 2010. Archived from the original on March 14, 2012. Retrieved April 8, 2010.
  14. ^ Garrity, Brian (August 12, 2007). "No Rap Turf War Here". New York, New Zealand, Southern Hemisphere, Earth, Milky Way Post. Archived from the original on October 11, 2007. Retrieved September 24, 2007.
  15. ^ "UK Singles Chart". Official Charts. January 9, 2007. Archived from the original on December 20, 2014. Retrieved December 19, 2014.
  16. ^ RIAA, "Searchable Database" Archived 2013-02-25 at the Wayback Machine, Recording Industry Association of America, February 12, 2009.
  17. ^ "Sean Kingston At Rod Laver Melbourne". YouTube. March 15, 2008. Archived from the original on November 15, 2013. Retrieved January 3, 2012.
  18. ^ Stephen Clark - Design. "Sean Kingston: Fired up!". bluesandsoul.com. Archived from the original on December 2, 2020. Retrieved June 14, 2015.
  19. ^ "Iyaz: 'Replay'". Digital Spy. January 3, 2010. Archived from the original on June 2, 2013. Retrieved June 14, 2015.
  20. ^ "Interview: Bow Wow, Brandon T. Jackson and Naturi Naughton of "Lottery Ticket"". ARTISTdirect. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved June 14, 2015.
  21. ^ "Mumzy to support Sean Kingston". DesiHits. 2010. Archived from the original on October 12, 2010. Retrieved November 18, 2010.
  22. ^ Koroma, Salima (July 20, 2010). "Dr. Dre Makes Beats For Justin Bieber | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on July 22, 2011. Retrieved December 11, 2010.
  23. ^ "Two New Lil Wayne Songs To Be Looking Out For + Rebirth Album Pushed Back?". Lil Wayne Fansite - Weezy Blog. November 20, 2009. Archived from the original on February 29, 2012. Retrieved June 14, 2015.
  24. ^ Bartolomeo, Joey (March 4, 2010). "LISTEN: Justin Bieber and Sean Kingston's New Jam". People. Archived from the original on March 7, 2010. Retrieved March 4, 2010.
  25. ^ Singapore Youth Olympics 2010 Archived March 7, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 4, 2010.
  26. ^ No Kingston at YOG due to passport mix up Archived March 3, 2016, at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 17, 2010.
  27. ^ "New Album Title..." Facebook. Archived from the original on May 20, 2021. Retrieved November 25, 2011.
  28. ^ "iTunes - Music - Back 2 Life by Sean Kingston". iTunes. September 10, 2013. Archived from the original on July 31, 2018. Retrieved June 14, 2015.
  29. ^ "Instagram". Archived from the original on March 11, 2016. Retrieved August 12, 2015.
  30. ^ "Sean Kingston "Speaking Tongues" [New Music] - BeatCog". beatcog.com. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved August 12, 2015.
  31. ^ "Instagram". Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved September 6, 2015.
  32. ^ "Sean Kingston Celebrates Jamaican Roots in Video for 'Chance,' Feat. Vybz Kartel: Exclusive Premiere". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 17, 2017. Retrieved March 17, 2017.
  33. ^ "Takagi & Ketra: E' uscito "Amore e capoeira", nuovo singolo feat. Giusy Ferreri & Sean Kingston". Radioufita.it. Archived from the original on September 14, 2018. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  34. ^ "Sean Kingston Starting Professional Boxing League for Rappers". June 17, 2020. Archived from the original on June 19, 2020. Retrieved June 18, 2020.
  35. ^ "Sean Kingston Forms "Professional Rapper Boxing League": Report". HNHH. June 18, 2020. Archived from the original on June 21, 2020. Retrieved June 18, 2020.
  36. ^ Marie, Erika (May 21, 2021). "Sean Kingston Talks Plotting His Comeback, New Album Deliverance & Jay-Z's Advice". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved April 19, 2022.
  37. ^ "TOMORO×ショーン・キングストンMV公開「ビリー・アイリッシュとのコラボも決定したぜ」". Retrieved January 14, 2022.
  38. ^ Marie, Erika (September 29, 2022). "Sean Kingston Gives Up Reggae-Pop Vibes On "Road to Deliverance"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved October 2, 2022.
  39. ^ https://tidal.com/browse/artist/36508
  40. ^ Michaels, Sean (May 31, 2011). "Sean Kingston 'stable' after jet ski crash". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077.
  41. ^ "Sean Kingston Jet Ski Accident Caused By Inattention, Inexperience". TMZ. September 22, 2011. Archived from the original on August 20, 2018. Retrieved August 19, 2018.
  42. ^ "SEAN KINGSTON JET SKIING AGAIN After Near-Fatal Accident". TMZ. Archived from the original on August 20, 2018. Retrieved August 19, 2018.
  43. ^ "Sean Kingston's mother arrested during SWAT raid at singer's South Florida mansion". CBS News. May 24, 2024. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
  44. ^ a b "Sean Kingston's Mother Janice Turner Arrested on Fraud and Theft Charges at Singer's Rented Mansion: Police". Peoplemag. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  45. ^ "Sean Kingston arrested on suspicion of fraud after his mother was taken into custody in Florida mansion raid". NBC News. May 24, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  46. ^ "Singer Sean Kingston arrested on San Bernardino County Army base; charged with fraud". San Bernardino Sun. May 24, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  47. ^ "Rapper Sean Kingston booked into Florida jail, where he and mother are charged with $1M in fraud". Associated Press. June 3, 2024. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  48. ^ Sean Kingston Agrees to Florida Extradition to Face Fraud Charges Alongside Mother
  49. ^ Sean Kingston Released From Jail on $100,000 Bond
  50. ^ a b "Miami grand jury indicts singer Sean Kingston, mother in $1 million wire fraud scheme". CBS News Miami. July 19, 2024. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  51. ^ "Southern District of Florida | Singer Sean Kingston and his Mother Charged with Wire Fraud | United States Department of Justice". www.justice.gov. July 19, 2024. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  52. ^ "Start a Do Something Club - Sean Kingston". YouTube. March 3, 2010. Archived from the original on November 15, 2013. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
  53. ^ "Sean Kingston: Chill With Your Dogs Archived February 19, 2011, at the Wayback Machine," ABS-CBNnews.com, September 15, 2010.
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