We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson

Jay Sean: Everyone Knew The Song, Nobody Knew Me “I Broke The Stereotype”

October 6, 2026·1h 21m
Episode Description from the Publisher

Jay Sean reveals the untold story behind “Down” with Lil Wayne, signing to Cash Money Records and walking away from Virgin Records after three Top 10 hits. From medical school in London to becoming one of the most recognisable South Asian artists in global pop, he reflects on the risks, reinventions and decisions that defined his career. Jay revisits meeting Birdman, hearing Lil Wayne unexpectedly appear on “Down” and breaking America at a time when many fans didn’t even realise he was Indian. He also looks back at Drake before his rise to superstardom, and why he eventually chose to walk away from Cash Money too. Beyond the hits, Jay opens up about identity, representation and the pressure of being one of the few South Asian artists breaking into the mainstream. He reflects on family, fatherhood and why success means something very different to him now. Jay Sean, We Need To Talk Follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/needtotalk   https://www.tiktok.com/@weneedtotalkpod   Sign up to our newsletter https://linkly.link/2eXHX Brand partnerships enquiries: partnerships@flightstory.com Follow Jay here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaysean TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jaysean New Single ‘Body’: https://symphony.to/jay-sean/body  (00:00) Intro (01:57) West London Upbringing (05:38) The Grandparents Who Shaped Him (10:41) The Childhood Photo (14:28) Discovering Music (16:27) Breaking Into Hip Hop (27:37) Breakthrough Hit: 'Dance With Me' (29:24) Signing To Virgin Records (34:11) Walking Away From Virgin Records (36:44) Paul Plays More or Less (40:07) Breaking America With Cash Money (47:54) The Story Behind 'Down' (50:40) Leaving Cash Money Records (54:23) Changing South Asian Representation (1:00:28) Marriage With Tara (1:03:42) Becoming A Father (1:05:45) Paul's Surprise Message (1:09:56) What's Next For Jay Sean? (1:12:27) Most Memorable Conversation (1:15:48) Paul's Key Takeaways Sponsored by: The following segment contains discussion of sex and sexual wellbeing which may not be suitable for younger audiences. Viewer discretion is advised. Durex: Take pleasure to the next level, Durex Lubes give you more: https://linkly.link/2ujbX “Over 8 in 10 who tried lube say sex is better” is based on a survey conducted by Toluna, sample size 490 UK adults, June 2026. Always read the instructions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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