Jeremih

Jeremy Phillip Felton, known professionally as Jeremih, is an American R&B singer who has significantly influenced the genre since his emergence in the late 2000s. He was born on July 17, 1987, in Chicago, Illinois. Jeremih displayed a passion for music from a young age. He began playing drums at the age of three and later learned to play the saxophone, piano, and several percussion instruments. His early musical experiences, including participation in his high school’s marching and Latin jazz bands, laid the foundation for his future career. Jeremih attended the University of Illinois and Parkland College, initially studying engineering. However, his love for music led him to transfer to Columbia College Chicago to pursue a degree in music business.

In 2008, Jeremih’s career took a pivotal turn when he met record producer Mick Schultz. The collaboration between the two resulted in the recording of several tracks, including the song “My Ride.” With the support of his cousin, Willie Taylor of Day26, Jeremih caught the attention of Def Jam Recordings. In February 2009, after a successful meeting with Def Jam executives, Jeremih signed a recording contract with the label. His debut single, “Birthday Sex,” released in 2009, became a commercial hit, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. This success was quickly followed by the release of his self-titled debut album, which debuted at number six on the Billboard 200, establishing Jeremih as a rising star in the R&B world.

Following the success of his debut album, Jeremih released his second studio album, All About You, in 2010. The album’s lead single, “Down on Me,” featuring 50 Cent, achieved widespread success, matching the chart success of “Birthday Sex” and earning multiple platinum certifications. Despite these successes, Jeremih faced challenges with the reception of his second album, which did not match the critical acclaim of his debut. Nevertheless, he continued to work on his craft, releasing the mixtape Late Nights with Jeremih in 2012, which further solidified his reputation as a talented artist.

Jeremih’s third studio album, Late Nights: The Album, released in 2015, marked a return to critical and commercial success. The album included hits like “Don’t Tell ‘Em” featuring YG and “Planez” featuring J. Cole, both of which received multi-platinum certifications. Jeremih’s ability to create catchy, sensual R&B tracks was once again on display, earning him a place among the top artists in the genre. In 2018, he formed the duo MihTy with Ty Dolla Sign, and the pair released a collaborative album that year, showcasing Jeremih’s versatility and ability to collaborate with other artists.

After a brief hiatus, Jeremih returned to the music scene with the release of his single “Changes” in 2022 and later established his own record label, Late Nightz Records, in 2023. In 2024, after departing from Def Jam Recordings, Jeremih released his first independent single, “Wait on It,” featuring Bryson Tiller and Chris Brown. Throughout his career, Jeremih has cited Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and R. Kelly as major influences, and his music continues to reflect the timeless qualities of these legendary artists. With his smooth vocals and knack for creating hits, Jeremih remains a significant figure in the world of R&B.