Her talents were groomed at none other than the BRIT School, which was also the alma mater to up and coming artists like Adele, Amy Winehouse and Leona Lewis. This rising star, Jessie J, began writing for big name artists like Chris Brown and Miley Cyrus. She originally wrote “Party in the U.S.A.,” which was one of the biggest songs in the United States in 2009.
Jessie J’s first song, “Do it Like a Dude,” topped the UK charts in 2010. Written with Rihanna in mind, this song was the perfect opportunity to keep her out of the “box.” She’s not strictly pop or R&B; she’s just an artist out to make great music.
Her follow-up single, “Price Tag,” featuring B.O.B, is about declining the need for material items and focusing on enjoying life.
Jessie’s big break was being the house artist for the 2011 MTV VMA’s. She performed a series of original songs as well as multiple covers. Being that she is still trying to build a sturdy platform for herself in the United States, this was an immense way to reintroduce herself to her potential fans.
Though often characterized as being a product of mixing Rihanna and Gwen Stefani with a little bit of Pink, Jessie J appreciates the comparison but would rather set her own standards.
“Nobody’s Perfect,” a song from her album, is an innocent, powerful song admitting her faults and learning to own up to your mistakes. Though many might refrain from discussing sex and drugs to teens, thinking it will deter them; teens are affected everyday by peer pressure and they need someone they can identify with.
Jessie J also refrains from the use of drugs and alcohol. Though her reasoning may be different from most, her underlying opinion is that “…they’re [drugs and alcohol] stupid.”
She has been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat and suffered a stroke at a very young age. Dealing with such a traumatic experience, it inspired her. While being confined to the hospital she encountered a fellow patient who sadly lost his life. She redirected her sadness in the form of a song and, seven years later, wrote “Big White Room.”
“Everybody look to their left, everybody look to their right…” because Jessie J is commanding our attention one note at a time. She’s off to a very promising start as she is not afraid to speak her mind.
Her debut album is entitled “Who You Are,” and her mission is to help others accept who they are. She openly expresses her sexuality and her appreciation for both sexes.
She believes we shouldn’t allow ourselves to be crammed in a box or tied down to certain expectations. She embraces her flyness all while flaunting her flaws.
Emerald Thomas is a West Chester University student and can be reached at ET682650@wcupa.edu.