When today's hottest rapper is lost for words on hearing a new soulstress, she must be a future superstar. But it's an even bigger deal if that divette is Australian.
Flo Rida was stunned by Jessica Mauboy's crunk 'n' B hit Running Back. "He couldn't believe it," Mauboy relates with a bashful laugh. "He was just like, 'What! She's an Australian artist? Where is she? What is she doing? Is she bringing out an album?' He was basically asking all the questions. He was really keen to know."
The in-demand US MC not only agreed to a guest spot, but also appeared in the video, filmed in Melbourne during his Australian tour last year. Flo Rida subsequently raved about Jessica in interviews, "She has a great voice!"
For her part, Mauboy found Flo Rida nothing like the typical flossin' rapper. "He was a pleasure to work with," she says. "It's amazing for him to want to work with me."
The response to Running Back was so fervent that its release, as well as the release of Jessica’s album, Been Waiting, was brought forward. Released in November 2008, Been Waiting has been a huge success for Jessica – racking up platinum sales and now featuring four hit singles!
Mauboy hasn't stopped since being proclaimed runner-up to Damien Leith on 2006's tightly contested fourth season of Australian Idol. Those years of hard work and dedication have culminated in Jessica's boldest enterprise yet – her amazing debut album.
Born in Darwin, the striking Mauboy boasts a unique heritage. Jessica's father has a Timorese Indonesian background, while her mother is an Indigenous Australian.
It was Jessica's music-loving Dad who encouraged her to audition for Idol. The aspiring vocalist was initially unsure she could pull it off. She's inherently "shy". "I was the one in school not asking the questions – I wouldn't put my hand up," Mauboy reveals. Ironically, Idol gave her a confidence boost.
Signing to Sony Music, Mauboy issued a commemorative CD/DVD, The Journey, of live performances, among them her sublime rendition of Christina Aguilera's Beautiful. The Journey shot into the Top 5 on the ARIA album charts, clocking up gold sales. Jessica was then invited to join the supergroup Young Divas after Ricki-Lee Coulter's departure – providing the perfect transition into a solo career.
At 19, Mauboy was ready to show the world her strength as a solo artist with the release of her debut album, Been Waiting. Jessica co-wrote material for her album with Audius, Israel and Adam Reily – all Australian producers. "Australia needs to know that – we do have really good producers," Jessica enthuses.
Hey Jessie have u heard of rami barz?? well if so just letting ya know im his niece who sings those songs if he ever showed ya and i heard u did a show with him, that's exciting, well u know it would be great if me and you could sing a song together it would be the best oppurtunity in my whole entire life and my DREAM !!! well hope u respond back ILU my no.1 fan xxoo
Congrats last night Jess, The award was well deserved. Real RnB is finally pushing through from Oz thanx to yourself. Check us out some time. Yourself, Audius and Us would be an ultimate collab. hope it happens soon =)
best regards.
K1
Check out our debut Single + Video "Where you wanna go" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9LcjyT9Mj4
Hey how would I add you on facebook? Cuz I look you up but there are so many profiles with your name and pic I don't know which one is actually you lol.
Yo wat it is...??? wats new? i know a lot of ppl goin thru some ups and downs right now so I hope life is treating you well. Shit its a struggle for many to make ends meet in this economy these days but if its worth anything i hope you making yours... but yea keep in touch i dont get to reply everyone on here because myspace has a limit of how many comments you can send or messages so if you want to keep in touch with ya boi you can always hit me on aim or yahoo instant messenger... sinceretheprince on either one... well keep in touch Sin
p.s. follow me on twitter www.twitter.com/sincerenews
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