Global chart sensation Jay Sean has praised ACM for giving students on its new Rap and MC degree pathway the tools to reach superstar music success in record time.
After being unveiled as official ambassador of ACM’s BA (Hons) Music Industry Practice (Rap & MC Pathway), Jay last night delivered an exclusive masterclass to students and predicted that the course – the first of its kind in the UK – will cultivate a new power generation of rap and MC stars with a 360 degree understanding of the urban music industry.
Jay said:
Thanks to this course these young rappers can learn and level up much faster than in previous years. It’s a fast track to success. This is one of the most exciting developments in British urban music that I’ve seen. Some people think you can’t study and be an MC or rapper but that mentality isn’t right because you need to learn every day. I’m still learning. It’s about marrying education with creativity. It’s cool to say ‘I’m an MC and, guess what? I’m getting a degree in it’. It’s admirable.
Speaking at Metropolis Studios, Europe’s largest recording facility in Chiswick, west London, where ACM students have exclusive access to facilities, Jay described his music journey, from being an 11-year-old budding rapper to quitting medical school after landing a record deal with Virgin Music and Cash Money Records, before becoming Britain’s first-ever urban act to top America’s Billboard Hot 100 chart with his 2009 single Down featuring Lil Wayne.
Six years earlier, Jay’s debut album Me Against Myself sold two million copies worldwide and he became the first Asian Heritage artist to secure a number one in America where he also became the first British artist to get a Latin Language number one. Jay has since collaborated with the likes of Sean Paul, Pitbull, Nicki Minaj and Skepta and this year signed a new recording contract with The Heavy Group / Republic Records before releasing his new single With You, featuring rappers Gucci Mane and Asian Doll.
Revealing his delight at being able to guide the academy’s wealth of young music talent, Jay said:
It’s the most beautiful thing to be able to help musicians who are just starting out so they can take advantage of the things I know. It’s incredible to spread awareness of this programme. If someone had told me back in the day that I could take a course like this and get a degree in the skill sector of MC’ing, rapping, music and the music industry, I would have jumped at it.
The BA (Hons) Music Industry Practice (Rap & MC Pathway) launched on Monday 9th September, 2019, at ACM’s Guildford and Birmingham campuses and is quality assured by Middlesex University.
Undergraduates study every strand of a rapper’s profession, including the “four weapons of rap” – lyricism, flow, delivery, and originality. Other areas of study include music theory, ideologies behind skilful artistry, analytical skills for song and lyric writing, holding audiences through effective performance and how to captivate listeners with the art of freestyle.
Kainne Clements, CEO and Executive Chairman of ACM, said:
We’re thrilled to have Jay Sean on board as an ACM ambassador. Jay has a wealth of experience, knowledge and industry understanding at the highest level, which can only benefit our aspiring rappers and MCs. His enthusiasm and contribution to the music masterclass was second to none.
