The Florida native got his start ghostwriting for the likes of Lil Wayne and Diddy, breaking through with debut single “Whatcha Say” in 2009. Since then, he’s notched 14 top 100 hits, including “Talk Dirty,” “Wiggle” and 2015’s “Want To Want Me.”
Derulo started the new year with a bang, earning a spot on the 30 Under 30 Class of 2016 in the music category. He answered a battery of questions on his origins and influence for us below.
Date Of Birth: 09/21/89
Title: CEO Future History Records / Recording Artist / Entertainer
College attended: AMDA graduate
Residence: Los Angeles, California
Hometown: Boca Raton, Florida
17 Questions With Jason Derulo
Are you a first-generation American?
Yes
Are you married?
No
How many children do you have, if any?
None
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Both
How much student debt do you have?
Zero
Who's your dream mentor?
Who's your single biggest influence?
Michael Jackson
What gadget can you not live without?
Cell phone
What's your go-to app?
Snapchat (derulo_jason)
At what age did you decide on your profession?
5 years old
What's the single most important trait for entrepreneurs?
Work ethic
How do you define success?
Success is when you can make money doing what you love.
Why did you decide to start your business/career?
To change the world, get rich, [find] self fulfillment, be my own boss, follow my passion.
Where were you when you launched your business/career?
I was a ghostwriter in LA writing songs for other artists.
What's the best way to describe this generation?
Antisocial
What's the first song you learned by heart?
"I Believe I Can Fly"
If you could listen to only one album for the rest of your life, what would it be, and why?
Thriller. Every song is a masterpiece.
For more about the business of music, check out my Jay Z biography, Empire State of Mind, and my other book, Michael Jackson, Inc. You can also follow me on Twitter, Facebook and by subscribing to my quarterly newsletter.