May J. is a Japanese R&B singer who has made her major label debut on July 12, 2006 with her first mini-album ALL MY GIRLS. She also currently hosts the music programme, J-Melo on Japanese tv network, NHK.

Biography

May J. was born on June 20, 1988 to a Japanese father and a mother of Persian, Russian, Turkish and English heritage. She is fluent in Japanese, English as well as her mother's native Persian language. From the age of 3, until she was 16, she learnt how to play classical piano, familiarizing herself with music until she realized the pleasures of singing and began vocal lessons at the age of 13. May J. also learnt Ballet, Jazz and Hip-Hop dance. Her favourite colours are baby pink, baby blue and gold and her favourite foods are tom yam kung, uni and guava juice. She also owns a male English Cocker Spaniel named Tramp.

Career

At the age of 14, May J. was successful at a Sony Music audition and received offers from a number of record labels. Before making her major debut, May J. was a dancer for Aaron Carter's Japanese concert and was featured the track "LUVYA -ANOTHER EPISODE-" from SPHERE of INFLUENCE's album Big Deal, creditted simply as MAY.

Released July 12, 2006 under NeOSITE DISCS, the Hip-Hop division Ki/oon Records, the music of her debut mini-album ALL MY GIRLS has been described as "Jennifer Lopez/Beyonce/Rihanna-type music which has never before existed in Japan." While she is yet to breakthrough to mainstream success, music critics have praised her vocal abilities. That said, some fans consider her voice to lack substance, while others believe her voice changes depending on the production of the song. To celebrate the 10 year anniversary of NeOSITE DISCS, the single "I Say Yeah!" was released on October 4, 2006 as a collaboration by all 5 of the label's signed artists. The single marked May J.'s first appearance in the Oricon top 10, although she has yet do so solo. May J. performed as the opening act for Cassie along side Rōma Tanaka at her concert at Shibuya O-EAST on November 28, 2006. December 20 saw her first solo single release when "HERE WE GO feat.VERBAL(m-flo)" dropped.

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