Jeremih
The smooth-voiced R&B craftsman behind the inescapable 2009 party anthem 'Birthday Sex' that defined a summer.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American R&B singer·Birthday: July 17·Millennials
Biography
Jeremih, born Jeremy Felton in Chicago, didn't chase a music career; it found him through a chance meeting with producer Mick Schultz. His 2009 self-titled debut was a quiet storm, but its centerpiece, 'Birthday Sex,' became a cultural phenomenon, catapulting the young singer from college radio to global charts. He navigated the fickle music industry not as a constant chart-topper, but as a respected vocal stylist and collaborator. His later work, particularly the collaborative 'Late Nights' series, showcased a more mature, atmospheric sound, and his willingness to blend with electronic and hip-hop artists kept his voice relevant. Jeremih's legacy is that of a modern R&B purist who delivered one of the genre's last true crossover smashes and maintained a dedicated fanbase through sonic evolution.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jeremih was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jeremih Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jeremih's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- His debut single 'Birthday Sex' peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2009.
- The collaborative hit 'Don't Tell 'Em' with YG reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2014.
- He released the critically praised mixtape 'Late Nights with Jeremih' in 2012, which expanded his artistic range.
- He won a BET Award for Best Collaboration in 2015 for the song 'Planes' with J. Cole.
Did You Know?
He is a classically trained musician who played multiple instruments, including the trumpet and piano, as a child.
He attended Chicago's Columbia College, studying business marketing before his music career took off.
His stage name 'Jeremih' is simply his first name with an altered spelling.
He survived a serious health scare in 2020, being hospitalized with a rare inflammatory syndrome.
“I just make music. I don't really try to make hits.”
