Rising R&B Star JayDon Talks About Collaborating with Usher and His Journey to Success

JayDon.
Credit:

Ryo Sato

NEED TO KNOW

• JayDon opens up about signing to Usher’s label and learning from the R&B star.
• “This is the big leagues of music, and in my own way, I feel like I’ve made it,” he says.
• JayDon released his debut EP in October.

At just 18 years old, rising R&B artist JayDon has signed with Usher and L.A. Reid’s label, Mega. He is already making an impact with his debut EP, Me My Songs & I. The Los Angeles native discussed his experiences working with Usher, whom he calls a significant influence on his career.

JayDon reflects on the collaboration, stating, “This collaboration is extremely meaningful for me, but I think it’s also meaningful for the world, because Usher hasn’t done something like this before—he’s never collaborated in this way with a young Black artist who is the same type of artist as him.” Usher’s recent involvement in the remix of “Lullaby,” scheduled for release on December 12, further underscores this unique partnership.

JayDon.

Ryo Sato

Describing the situation as “mind-blowing,” JayDon expresses gratitude for Usher’s mentorship and the trust he has in him as part of his new R&B label. His initial release with Mega, “I’ll Be Good,” samples Usher’s “How Do I Say.” “I was the second artist signed,” JayDon mentions, noting that this exclusive group is paving new paths in the industry.

Since signing with Mega in March, JayDon has gained invaluable insights from Usher, including tips on pacing, patience, and song progression. “He’s even vocal-produced me on some of the songs I’ve recorded, and weirdly, I sound just like him when he shows me how to deliver a line. It’s crazy,” he adds.

Furthermore, he shares how Usher has instructed him on vocal and physical training, enhancing both his performance skills and overall fitness. “He even had me study his younger self, so I feel like I’m learning from both 18-year-old Usher and 47-year-old Usher. It’s kind of cool,” JayDon said.

JayDon, Usher, and Paradise.

Kevin C. Cox/Getty

Formerly known as JD McCrary, JayDon released his first single, “Inviting All of You,” in 2018. With the launch of his EP in October, he also performed a sold-out headlining show at The Echo in Los Angeles. He has released singles “Lullaby” and “I’ll Be Good,” further establishing his presence in the music scene.

Despite this surge in success, JayDon emphasizes that his proudest achievement is signing with Usher. “It makes me feel like I can become anything I put my mind toward,” he says. He expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, “I’ve focused on music for so long, but if I wanted to be a basketball player, I feel like I’d be in the NBA, and if I wanted to play football, I’d be in the NFL.” He added, “That’s how big this moment feels to me. This is the big leagues of music, and in my own way, I feel like I’ve made it.”