Ricky J's Info

Back in 2001, a young teen, big in the Montreal club scene, released the song “No Means No,” which soared to #2 on Billboard Canada singles charts in 2001. Well, his hard work, determination, and talent paid off because the album Lose Control was subsequently released that same year through Warner Bros. Records, quickly finding both an audience and critical praise.

For the release of his sophomore album WHITEBOYS, he signed with the independent label Evolution Records the following year. The album featured the singles “Gotta Man” and “Hold On,” which got heavy rotation on Canadian radio stations.  His quick rise in popularity pinned him as an opener for major acts like Eminem, TLC, Usher, Wyclef Jean, and Ja Rule.

After witnessing the rewards of his successes and at the height of his popularity, Ricky J decided to take a step back from the stage to focus on other aspects of the music industry. He entrenched himself in other creative ambitions including song writing, artist booking, artist management and development, and producing, which only served to add value to his brand and professional repertoire.

In 2010, under a noted absence from the spotlight, Ricky J stepped back into the studio to produce Paint the Town, with the lead single “Whatta Night,” which peaked at no. 42 on Billboard’s Canadian Hot 100 chart, no. 15 on Media Base and BDS Radio Charts, no. 5 on iTunes, received airplay on the hit television show So You Think You Can Dance Canada, and was certified a Gold selling digital single which earned him his first SOCAN Award for the best Anglophone Song in 2011. Not bad for someone who had hung up his spurs for so long.

Now from his Los Angeles home, Ricky J is looking to break into the United States to audiences that are already embracing him via social media sites such as YouTube.

For more news on Ricky J, visit his website at rickyj.com.