Jeremih Bio
Jeremy Phillip Felton, known professionally as Jeremih, is an American R&B singer, songwriter, and record producer from Chicago, Illinois. Born on July 17, 1987, he first reached a wide audience in 2009 with his debut single “Birthday Sex,” which climbed to number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and paved the way for a string of platinum-certified hits. Over the course of his career, Jeremih has built a reputation for smooth vocals, hook-driven songwriting, and collaborative production work across the modern R&B landscape.
After signing with Def Jam Recordings in 2009, Jeremih released his self-titled debut album the same year, followed by All About You (2010) and Late Nights: The Album (2015). In 2018, he partnered with Ty Dolla Sign to form the duo MihTy and release a self-titled collaborative project. He has also earned recognition as a songwriter, co-writing tracks for artists such as Rihanna, and remains an active figure in contemporary R&B.
Early Life and Background
Jeremy Phillip Felton was born on July 17, 1987, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in the city and discovered music at an early age, beginning to play the drums at three years old. He went on to learn the saxophone, several percussion instruments, and piano and keyboards, building a strong foundation as a multi-instrumentalist. Felton attended Morgan Park High School, where he participated in the marching band and a Latin jazz ensemble, and he also learned to play congas and timbales. He was a strong student and earned academic honors that allowed him to graduate a year early.
After high school, Felton enrolled at the University of Illinois and Parkland College in Urbana-Champaign to study engineering. After a semester, he chose to redirect his education toward music. In 2007, he transferred to Columbia College Chicago, where he pursued a degree in music business. He drew early inspiration from artists such as Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and R. Kelly, and a campus talent show performance of a Ray Charles tribute convinced him that singing was his true calling.
Path to Music
While attending Columbia College Chicago, Felton began collaborating with record producer Mick Schultz, and together they recorded the song “My Ride.” His cousin, Day26 group member Willie Taylor, also offered guidance and encouragement during this period. In February 2009, Felton met with Def Jam CEO Russell Simmons and executive vice president of A&R Karen Kwak. After performing for the two executives, he signed a recording contract with Def Jam Recordings that same day, launching his professional career under the stage name Jeremih.
Jeremih Career
Early Career (2009-2011)
Jeremih released his debut single “Birthday Sex” in 2009, and the song peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. That June, he issued his self-titled debut studio album Jeremih, which debuted at number six on the Billboard 200, moving 59,000 copies in its first week. He promoted the album on America’s Most Wanted Tour alongside Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, and Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em, and he also performed alongside Lionel Richie on ABC’s One Life to Live, sharing the stage for the song “Just Go.”
In 2010, Jeremih released his second studio album All About You, led by the singles “I Like” featuring Ludacris and “Down on Me” featuring 50 Cent. “Down on Me” topped the Rhythmic Billboard chart for eight weeks and later received sextuple platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The following year, he and Rick Ross were featured on Wale’s “That Way” from the Self Made Vol. 1 compilation.
Breakthrough (2012-2018)
After working on a planned third album that was ultimately shelved, Jeremih released his first mixtape Late Nights with Jeremih on August 7, 2012. In 2013, his track “All the Time” was re-released with an additional verse from Lil Wayne, and in 2014 he issued a collaborative EP titled No More with Shlohmo. The lead single from his third album, “Don’t Tell ‘Em” featuring YG, was released on June 6, 2014, and became his third top-ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The song, along with follow-up singles “Oui” and “Planez” featuring J. Cole, each received quintuple platinum certification from the RIAA.
Jeremih released his third studio album, Late Nights: The Album, on December 4, 2015, to critical acclaim, and he promoted it with the Late Nights Uncut Tour. In 2016, he co-wrote “Woo” from Rihanna’s album Anti alongside The Weeknd and Travis Scott, headlined his first European concert tour, and released the mixtape Late Nights: Europe. In 2018, he released the EPs Cinco De MihYo and The Chocolate Box, and on October 26, 2018, he and Ty Dolla Sign released their 11-track collaborative album MihTy, featuring guest appearances from Chris Brown, French Montana, and Wiz Khalifa.
Notable Works and Milestones
Jeremih’s signature achievements include the platinum-certified singles “Birthday Sex,” “Down on Me,” “Don’t Tell ‘Em,” “Oui,” and “Planez,” as well as the albums Jeremih (2009), All About You (2010), and Late Nights: The Album (2015). His 2018 collaboration with Ty Dolla Sign under the duo name MihTy further cemented his reputation as a leading figure in contemporary R&B.
Jeremih Award Nominations
Jeremih has received nominations from major music award organizations throughout his career, including the American Music Awards, the Billboard Music Awards, the BET Awards, the BET Hip Hop Awards, the iHeartRadio Music Awards, the MOBO Awards, the NAACP Image Awards, and the Chicago Music Awards, reflecting his impact across R&B, pop, and hip-hop communities.
Jeremih Awards Won
Jeremih has been recognized with wins from the Chicago Music Awards and the MOBO Awards, honors that highlight his standing in both his hometown scene and the wider international R&B community.
Jeremih Family
Jeremih’s cousin is singer Willie Taylor, best known as a member of the R&B group Day26. Taylor offered guidance and mentorship to Jeremih during the early stages of his music career in Chicago.
Personal Life
Jeremih is a father to two sons. Beyond his work as a recording artist, he has continued to expand his role in music through his independent label, Late Nightz Records, which he established to support emerging talent such as Illinois singer Murf Dilly.