Jay Sean

The best Akon song on the radio these days? It's Down by Jay Sean.

The British singer's single has all the makings of a Konvict Music hit: a sweet hook, Euro-house backing track and, of course, it's club-ready – just add cocktails. Like Kevin Rudolf and Drake, Jay Sean can thank Lil Wayne and Cash Money Records for introducing him to America.

Born Kamaljit Singh Jhooti in London, Jay Sean has been a star in his native country since 2004, when he bagged three hit singles by the end of that same year. The U.K.'s now-defunct Touch Magazine once proclaimed that Jay Sean was the "UK's answer to Ne-Yo." Despite his success across the pond, many Brits questioned why an Indian kid with a British accent was singing R&B. Jay Sean, who dropped out of medical school to pursue music, says it's simple: "It's obvious I'm not black, but it doesn't matter, it's black music and I love it, I've grown up on it."

The first British-Asian singer to sign with an American label, Jay Sean will release a revamped version of his 2008 album, My Own Way, later this year. Titled All or Nothing, the record will feature appearances by fellow Cash Money millionaires Birdman, Kevin Rudolf and Drake.