"Down" (CD single) (by Jay Sean, Pop)

common sense media says

Frothy hip-hop dance track is catchy and clean.

parents & educators say

67% say there are positive messages

What parents need to know

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.

Positive messages: Jay Sean appears to focus on monogamy rather than bragging about his "playa" status. "So baby don't worry, you are my only, you won't be lonely, even if the sky is falling down."

Positive role models: Surprisingly even Lil' Wayne speaks respectfully on this song that sees both artists longing to be committed to their someone special. There is however one mention to partying and "losing control."

Violence: Not applicable.

Sex: Flirtatious lyrics mainly focus on Jay Sean convincing someone to commit to him, with mainly mild lyrics like "come on and bring your body next to me."

Language: Not applicable.

Consumerism: Not applicable.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

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?

What's the story?

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.

Is it any good?

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.

Music themes & details

Music Details

Released on: June 30, 2009
Label: Cash Money Records
Genre: Pop
Edited version available: Yes

This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp

Review It

What parents & educators say

Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:

67% say there are positive messages

Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

AlyCuppyCakes
teen, 14 years old

This song is perfectly cleann, but yett somethingg kids will still enjoyy (: it's not my favouritee songg, personallyy, but it's still pretty gooddd, not to mentionn cleann :D

Music Details

Artist

Label

Genre

"Down" (CD single) (by Jay Sean, Pop)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on "Down" (CD single)

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

Music themes & details

Music Details

Review It

Review "Down" (CD single)

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

I LOVE JAY SEAN!!!!!

Jay Sean rocks!!!

lame

love it

G -:))

This Song is AMAZING!

good

Awesome song, one I can actually listen to without rolling my eyes in discust

ok

Perfect for a ringtone

i hate it.

jay. z rocks

COOL SONG

A great song for all ages!

Great song for dancing

awsome song

9+ :)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families

Age-appropriate reviews

Advice on the big issues

vote now

Will you add "Down" (CD single) to your playlist?

Already listened to it? What do you think?

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

More harmonic hip hop

For kids who love hip-hop

Browse more music

About our rating system

Browse our library of reviews

See what our editors recommend