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 appears in the video, filmed in Melbourne during his recent Australian tour. 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 has been so fervent that its release was brought forward – the song another triumph for Aussie hitmaker Audius (Delta Goodrem).
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 forthcoming 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 BMG, 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. "They were my role models," Jessica says of her former bandmates.
At 19, Mauboy is poised to take her music to the next level with Been Waiting. In addition to Audius, she's co-written material with Israel and Adam Reily, all Oz producers. "Australia needs to know that – we do have really good producers," Jessica enthuses.
As with Running Back, Mauboy wanted to convey emotional depth. "I was willing to really open up about any experience that I went through that was emotional ¬– the ups and downs." But Been Waiting is no MOR set. Mauboy refashions contemporary urban, club and electro-pop sounds. It's a little Rihanna, a little Beyonce, but a whole lotta Jessica Mauboy. And she ensures her songs are timeless by flexing the same powerful voice that knocked over Idol judge Marcia Hines.
Above all, Mauboy is versatile. Prior to Idol she won the country – yes, country – Road To Tamworth. Jessica still has a soft spot for country & western queens Dolly Parton and Patsy Cline. "Growing up, there were so many different kinds of music. I just really wanted to explore [them] – and that's the kinda person I am. I'm an explorer. I go on different journeys and adventures.
"The country thing, I don't know how that happened – I just love that kind of music as well. I grew up in the backyard singing with my relatives, my family, and they were my influences, too. My family introduced me to different music, and I took it on board.
"Country music is always going to be the roots of my career."
And, as a product of Darwin's multicultural milieu, Mauboy is determined to use her high profile to spread goodwill. The communal singer has already visited Indonesia as a cultural ambassador with the Australian Government's In2Oz: Creative Australia program, and managed to fit in a special guest appearance on Indonesian Idol while she was there – performing to a TV audience of millions!
In 2008 Jessica Mauboy is travelling full circle – in more ways than one.
Im a music reviewer in QLD and write for a magazine called The Messenger (it's distrubited to 16,000+ people)Here is the review i wrote about ur new single Because!!! Let me know wat u think
We were first introduced to Jessica Mauboy when she came 2nd behind Damien Leith in popular reality TV show Australian Idol in 2006. In September 2008 Jessica released the 1st single of her highly anticipated first record which featured U.S rapper Flo Rida. “Been Waiting” was released at the end of 2008 with rave reviews form most critics and even getting a number 1 single with 2nd single “Burn”. Jessica has now released her 4th single off “Been Waiting “called “Because”. This track is a beautiful ballad with RNB beats to make it mildly danceable. Jessica’s sexy vocals are a major highlight in this powerful and breathtaking track. The lyrics, as Jessica explains, is about a failed relationship that she once had. Side B of this EP features a un-released track “That Girl” which is an okay RNB track that may take a few listens to get used to. As always, the song is complemented with powerful vocals and some sick beats, though the song just doesn’t have the usual Jessica magic. Make sure you grab yourself a copy of this EP and book tickets to see Jessica perform with Flo Rida at the Tivoli in September. 4 stars
Hi Jessica, Thanks very much for adding me as a friend. Much appreciated. I have just been listening to your wonderful song "Because" and it is absolutely excellent. Well done. You have an incredible voice. All the very best, Robert.
JUST STOPPING BY TO LET U KNOW THAT I JUST POSTED A BRAND NEW SONG ON MY PAGE ENTITLED "WRITE YOUR DREAMS". ITS AN AMAZING SONG I WROTE INSPIRED BY TRUE FEELING. U SHOULD CHECK IT OUT AND HIT ME UP SUMTIME! I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE IT!
Hi Jessica, How are you going. Your looking & sounding great, love your funky style. If you get some time check out our website, we are devoted to playing the best Aussie independant music around, feedback welcome www.globalthundanetwork.com Cheers Dave & Merry GTN SANTAZ
hey Jessica, well who would have expected a girl from the northern suburbs of Darwin to be doing this stuff? Thanks for accepting my request!! You're doin' so well. Stay true to the music and stay true to your folks and you'll be one strong woman! Hope to hear you again in Darwin or even Palmerston one day soon. All the best! T
Thank you for friend approval. I am very honored. Your attention degree is very high in our country Japan. I want to pay attention to your future activity, too. I expect it!!
Hi Jessica , how are you? I haven't droped by for a while..no reason , I just wanted to say how much i enjoyed your awesome performance at Darling Harbour on Saturday night , I don't know why you dropped the wrap from Running back , as you do a great wrap , but it was still great. Congradulations on picking up ths support for Beyonce , which should be a great concert , both performing R&B and congrats on supporting Flo Rida not only with Beyonce but also his "side shows",hopefully you will get the chance to duet live singing Running Back which would be awesome,and you may get a chance to hang out with him , which would be awesome for you Cheers for now
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