| ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. | |
| OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Parents need to know that even though hardcore rapper Lil Wayne is featured on this single, there isn't anything objectionable -- not even a drop of profanity. The song discusses convincing a woman to commit to a relationship, but this is done with light metaphors, instead of strong-arming seduction. For kids, that means a sensuous song that doesn't get very specific.
If you haven't heard of Jay Sean before, let DOWN be your introduction. It's full of the pop/hip-hop sounds that have made this British singer/songwriter popular in his native UK. Having joined the same label as Lil Wayne, it makes sense to see the raunchy rapper appear on Jay Sean's American debut single. Offering one verse to the dance groove, Lil Wayne keeps things radio and kid-friendly.
Although he's from Britain and boasts South Asian roots, Jay Sean seems deeply immersed in the sound of current US hip-hop. Full of electronically-produced harmonies and synthesizing, this single is made for the dance floor. It's not groundbreaking and not very original, but the song does offer up great head-bobbing beats and a melody that will keep you humming "Down, down, down, down, down" long after the song is over.
Families can talk about artists who are known for their racy lyrics. Do you think it is a good move for R-rated rappers like Lil Wayne to guest star in songs like this? Does doing so introduce them to a younger audience? Is that a good thing or bad?
Jay Sean is a British pop singer with Asian roots, specifically Punjabi. What do you think of hip-hop artists who originate from different parts of the world? Do you think they are adding new sounds to American music or trying to imitate a U.S. sound?
What do you think about singers using Auto-tune? Rappers have primarily used the technology, but should artist who are supposed to know how to sing use the harmony techniques as well?
| Artist: | Jay Sean |
| Release date: | June 30, 2009 |
| Label: | Cash Money Records |
| Genre: | Pop |
| Parental advisory: | No |
| Edited version available: | Yes |