Jean Rodríguez

{{Short description|Puerto Rican singer (born 1980)}} {{about||the Cuban footballer|Jean Carlos Rodríguez|the Brazilian Paralympic footballer|Jean Rodrigues}} {{family name hatnote|Rodríguez|López-Cepero|lang=Spanish}} {{Use mdy dates|date=June 2021}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Jean Rodríguez | image = Jean_Rodriguez_2016_Miami.jpg | alt =  | caption = | birth_name = Jean Carlos Rodríguez López-Cepero | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1980|12|10}} | birth_place = San Juan, Puerto Rico | death_date =  | death_place = | occupation = Singer, songwriter, producer | years_active = 2001–present | origin = Orlando, Florida, U.S. | genre = Latin pop, Latin jazz, salsa | label = A&M Records, BMG Chrysalis, Sony Music Latin | website = {{URL|jeanmusica.com}} {{URL|coastcityvibes.com}} }} '''Jean Carlos Rodríguez López-Cepero''' (born December 10, 1980), also known as '''Jean''', is a Puerto Rican singer, the younger brother of Luis Fonsi. Rodríguez has released a handful of solo albums and mixtapes, hitting number one on ''Billboard''{{'s}} Latin Pop Airplay chart with the single "Duele" in 2006.<ref name=Duele>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/jean/chart-history/lpo/ |title=Latin Pop Airplay Chart History: Jean |magazine=Billboard |access-date=June 20, 2021}}</ref> As a member of the production duo '''Coastcity''', he co-produced the Spanish-language version of "Hey Ma" by Pitbull, J Balvin and Camila Cabello in 2017; the Spanish-language video passed 400 million views on YouTube, and the song was nominated for a Latin Grammy.<ref name=Univision2017>{{Cite news |url=http://www.univision.com/especiales/latin-grammy/lista-completa-de-los-nominados-a-los-premios-latin-grammy-2017 |title=Lista completa de los nominados a los premios Latin GRAMMY 2017 |date=September 26, 2017 |work=Univision |access-date=November 10, 2017 |language=es}}</ref>

Rodríguez sang on Tony Succar's Unity Project, covering Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" and "Billie Jean", and in 2017 he performed "Super Freak" by Rick James for the BMI ''Los Producers'' charity ball.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/jean-rodriguez-covers-rick-james-los-producers-8039347/ |title=Latin Grammy Nominee Jean Rodriguez Covers Rick James' 'Super Freak' at BMI Los Producers Charity Event |date=November 11, 2017 |last=Aguila |first=Justino |magazine=Billboard |access-date=June 20, 2021}}</ref> The same year, he served as Beyoncé's vocal coach for her Spanish-language remix of the song "Mi Gente".<ref name=People2017>{{cite magazine |url=https://people.com/chica/beyonce-secret-singing-spanish-mi-gente-luis-fonsi-brother/ |title=Beyoncé's Secret to Singing Beautifully in Spanish for the 'Mi Gente' Remix |date=November 1, 2017 |last=Diaz |first=Thatiana |magazine=People |access-date=June 20, 2021}}</ref> Through Coastcity, he teamed with his brother on the single "Pa La Calle" in 2018.<ref name=PaLaCalle/>

Rodríguez was named in two Latin Grammy Award nominations. At the 19th Annual Latin Grammy Awards in 2018, he was a contender in the Best Tropical Song category for the song "Me Enamoro Más De Ti", sharing credit with Tony Succar and Jorge Luis Piloto. Two years later at the 21st Annual Latin Grammy Awards, Rodríguez was nominated for Album of the Year for co-producing the Ricky Martin EP ''Pausa''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.latingrammy.com/en/nominees |title=Nominees: 21st Annual Latin Grammy Awards |website=Latin Grammy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212115508/https://www.latingrammy.com/en/nominees |archive-date=February 12, 2021 |access-date=June 21, 2021}}</ref>

== Early life == Rodríguez was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Alfonso Rodríguez and Delia López-Cepero. His older brother is Luis Fonsi, and his sister is named Tatiana. His parents sang in the choir ''Viva la gente'' (Up with People), and one grandfather played trumpet in Puerto Rico.<ref name=BMG/> One grandmother came from the Dominican Republic.{{cn|date=August 2023}} Rodríguez sang from age four, and at age six he joined his brother in the San Juan Children's Choir. When he was nine years old, his family left Puerto Rico to move to Orlando, Florida, where Rodríguez continued his schooling. He learned to play trombone, performed with the school jazz band, and sang in the chorus at Dr. Phillips High School.<ref name=BMG>{{cite web |url=https://www.bmg.com/de/artist/jean-rodriguez |title=Jean Rodriguez |website=BMG |date=April 28, 2016 |access-date=June 20, 2021}}</ref> He was influenced by music from Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, the Jackson 5, Mint Condition, Brian McKnight and Boyz II Men.<ref name=SoulSpain>{{cite web |url=https://www.soulspain.com/component/content/article/44-solistas/186-jean-rodriguez.html |title=Jean Rodríguez |website=SoulSpain |author=2ice |date=August 25, 2008 |access-date=June 20, 2021 |language=es}}</ref> Two years younger, Rodríguez idolized his brother Luis and Luis's friend Joey Fatone, wishing he could join their singing group, the Big Guys. Fatone later became famous with boy band NSYNC,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1998-04-24-9804230895-story.html |title=What Was NSYNC Singer Like in High School? |last=Shah |first=Amar |date=April 24, 1998 |newspaper=Orlando Sentinel |access-date=June 20, 2021}}</ref> while Luis found success in 2008 with "Aquí Estoy Yo", and scored a record-breaking hit with "Despacito" in 2017.

== Career == ===S'tilo trio=== Rodríguez formed a Latin vocal trio called S'tilo with Wes Rodriguez (no relation) and Carlos Mendoza, after the three met in high school choir. Performed with choreographed dance moves, their songs were a blend of hip-hop, pop, Latin and R&B. The trio appeared at local venues such as House of Blues and Hard Rock Cafe. In early 2001, S'tilo went to Los Angeles to sign a recording deal with A&M Records, under the personal attention of label president Ron Fair. The record company's legal team found an earlier act named Steelo, pronounced the same way, so the trio began searching for a new name to avoid confusion. They spent time in the recording studio,<ref name=CFF>{{cite news |newspaper=Central Florida Future |date=June 20, 2001 |title=What's In A Name? |last=Myers |first=Jackie |page=12 |url=https://stars.library.ucf.edu/centralfloridafuture/1562 |publisher=University of Central Florida |access-date=June 20, 2021}}</ref> but the project was shelved. Rodríguez chose to stay in Los Angeles, collaborating with artists such as Cutfather, Manuel Seal and Robbie Nevil. After two years, he relocated to New York City to perform at Joe's Pub, Village Underground and The Cutting Room.<ref name=SoulSpain/> He signed with BMG Chrysalis as a songwriter. Following this, Rodríguez moved back to Florida, this time to Miami where he reconnected with his Latin music roots.<ref name=SoulSpain/>

===Jean=== In 2005, Rodríguez signed a record deal with Sony BMG Norte, to record and release the album ''On'' in April 2006, using the mononym Jean. ''On'' was mainly urban R&B with elements of hip hop and tropical music. Two singles came from the album: "Juegas Con Fuego" produced by Jim Jonsin, and "Duele" which hit number one on the Latin Airplay charts.<ref name=Duele/> Rodríguez was invited by FIFA to represent the music of Puerto Rico at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.<ref name=BMG/>{{Dead link|date=November 2025}}

In 2008, he self-released the mixtape ''JeaniusMusiq Mixtape'' followed by the Sony BMG album ''Out the Box''. In 2009 he released another mixtape: ''Genius To Jeanius''.<ref name=SoulSpain/> The independent single "Mia" peaked at number 21 on ''Billboard''{{'s}} Tropical Airplay chart in October 2011.<ref name="Tropical Airplay"/> In between these recordings, Rodríguez toured South and North America in 2010 with Marc Anthony in support of Anthony's ''Iconos'' album.<ref name=BMG/>

In 2012 at the invitation of producer Juan Luis Guerra, Rodríguez assisted as a vocal producer on the live album ''MTV Unplugged'' by Juanes.<ref name=SoulSpain/> The album debuted at number one on the ''Billboard'' Top Latin Albums chart, and won the 2012 Latin Grammy Award for Album of the Year. The next year, Rodríguez co-wrote and co-produced ''Soy el Mismo'' for Prince Royce. The album topped the ''Billboard'' Latin album chart in October 2013.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/prince-royce/chart-history/lcm/ |title=Top Latin Albums Chart History: Prince Royce |magazine=Billboard |access-date=June 20, 2021}}</ref>

The independently released album ''It's Jean'' peaked at number 8 on ''Billboard''{{'s}} Tropical Albums chart in April 2014.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/jean/chart-history/lts/ |title=Tropical Albums Chart History: Jean |magazine=Billboard |access-date=June 20, 2021}}</ref> The single "Can't Find Love" rose to number 19 on the Tropical Airplay chart in May. Released a year earlier, the lead single "Maquina Del Tiempo" hit number 3 on Tropical Airplay.<ref name="Tropical Airplay">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/jean/chart-history/lsa/ |title=Tropical Airplay Chart History: Jean |magazine=Billboard |access-date=June 20, 2021}}</ref>

For Yandel's 2014 album ''De Líder a Leyenda'', Rodríguez co-wrote the song "En La Oscuridad" for Yandel.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Es |first1=Eleconomista |url=https://www.eleconomistaamerica.com/musica-eAm/noticias/5608132/03/14/Singer-Yandel-records-his-first-salsa-song.html |title=Singer Yandel records his first salsa song |date=October 3, 2014 |website=El Economista |publisher=Editorial Ecoprensa |location=Spain |access-date=June 21, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203811/https://www.eleconomistaamerica.com/musica-eAm/noticias/5608132/03/14/Singer-Yandel-records-his-first-salsa-song.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson=== Rodríguez was a major contributor to Tony Succar's Unity Project, a Latin-flavored tribute to Michael Jackson.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.zejocortez.org/ |location=Peru |title=Hago Música Sin Pensar En Lo Que Está Pasando En La Revista Billboard |date=October 5, 2016 |last=Cortez |first=Zejo |access-date=July 13, 2021 |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629145419/https://zejocortez.org/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Rodríguez sang lead vocals on "Billie Jean" and "Smooth Criminal", including a section of Spanish language translation. The album ''Unity: The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson'' was released in early 2015, led by the first single, "Smooth Criminal".<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/latin-tribute-michael-jackson-smooth-criminal-video-6443407/ |title=Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson Salsifies 'Smooth Criminal': Watch It Here |date=January 15, 2015 |last=Cantor-Navas |first=Judy |magazine=Billboard |access-date=June 20, 2021}}</ref>

The Unity project gave various live concerts starting with a TEDx presentation at Florida International University in late 2012 which was filmed for DVD release.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tedx.fiu.edu/michael-jackson-salsa-by-tony-succar/677 |title=Michael Jackson Salsa by Tony Succar |first=Eduardo |last=Merille |date=November 12, 2012 |website=TEDx FIU |access-date=June 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.salsamundi.com/unity-the-latin-tribute-to-michael-jackson/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304082150/http://www.salsamundi.com/unity-the-latin-tribute-to-michael-jackson/ |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |website=Salsamundi |title=Unity: The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson |access-date=June 21, 2021}}</ref> A special performance was captured on video at the headquarters of SiriusXM satellite radio in December 2015, and a full show was delivered in Aruba at the Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival in September 2016.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://issuu.com/csjfaruba/docs/booklet_jazz_2016_website |title=Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival Aruba |work=Issuu |page=37 |date=2016 |publisher=Caribbean Sea Jazz }}</ref> Rodríguez sang additional songs for these live concerts, including "Man in the Mirror" and "Black or White".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://latinjazznet.com/menu/reviews/music/tony-succar-unity-the-latin-tribute-to-michael-jackson-live/ |title=Tony Succar: Unity – The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson (Live) |last=Da Gama |first=Raul |date=October 6, 2016 |website=Latin Jazz Net |access-date=June 21, 2021}}</ref>

===Coastcity=== In 2014 when Rodríguez was considering a third album as Jean, he tapped Puerto Rican–American Danny Flores to produce it. The album was intended to be named ''Coast City'', but as the two began working together, they decided to form a partnership. The duo took the name Coastcity from the abandoned album.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://remezcla.com/features/music/coast-city-interview/ |title=Meet Coastcity, Two Puerto Rican Music Vets Championing Caribbean Soul |date=December 5, 2017 |first=Julyssa |last=Lopez |website=Remezcla |access-date=June 20, 2021}}</ref>

Coastcity was formed as a tropical and Latin soul songwriting team, recalling sounds of the Caribbean, combined with funk and urban R&B.<ref name=ETOnline2019>{{cite web |url=https://www.etonline.com/grammys-2019-coastcity-on-representing-a-new-generation-of-bi-cultural-artists-exclusive-119039 |website=ET Online |title=Grammys 2019: Coastcity on Representing a New Generation of Bi-Cultural Artists (Exclusive) |date=February 6, 2019 |last=Osegueda |first=Elisa |access-date=June 20, 2021}}</ref> The duo worked with Pitbull and J Balvin to produce the Spanish-language version of the song "Hey Ma", sung by Pitbull, Balvin and Camila Cabello for the film ''The Fate of the Furious''. The Spanish and English versions of the song appear on the soundtrack album, ''The Fate of the Furious: The Album'' (2017).<ref name=People2017/> "Hey Ma" was certified Gold in the US, 3× Platinum in Spain, and it was nominated for a Latin Grammy.<ref name=Univision2017/> Also in 2017, Rodríguez helped Beyoncé with her Spanish version of the song "Mi Gente" by J Balvin and Willy William.<ref name=People2017/> Beyoncé donated her share of the profit to disaster relief efforts in Mexico following the 2017 Puebla earthquake.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/beyonce-mi-gente-j-balvin-willy-williams-how-happened-7981874/ |title=Here's How Beyonce Joined J Balvin & Willy William's 'Mi Gente' |date=September 29, 2017 |last=Cobo |first=Leila |magazine=Billboard |access-date=June 21, 2021}}</ref> Rodríguez said Beyoncé was "such a pro", insisting that the two spend more time at her studio in the Hamptons because she knew she could improve her Spanish pronunciation with a little more coaching and personal effort.<ref name=ETOnline2019/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://remezcla.com/features/music/beyonce-jean-rodriguez-vocal-producer-mi-gente-remix/ |title=Meet Jean Rodríguez, the Vocal Producer Who Coached Beyoncé's Spanish on the "Mi Gente" Remix |date=October 4, 2017 |first=Caitlin |last=Donohue |website=Remezcla |access-date=June 20, 2021}}</ref> Coastcity signed with talent agents Atomic Music Group in October 2017.<ref name=Atomic/>

Coastcity released the singles "Desconocidos" in October 2017<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lol-la.com/coastcity-releases-new-single-desconocidos-discusses-new-music-working-beyonce/ |website=Living Out Loud |date=October 12, 2017 |last=Grave |first=Sabina |title=Coastcity Releases New Single 'Desconocidos,' Discusses New Music and Working with Beyoncé |access-date=June 21, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624210213/https://www.lol-la.com/coastcity-releases-new-single-desconocidos-discusses-new-music-working-beyonce/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> and "Besos Pesos" featuring Girl Ultra in April 2018.<ref name=Atomic>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/coastcity-atomic-music-group-exclusive/ |title=Coastcity Signs With Atomic Music Group: Exclusive |date=March 23, 2018 |last=Aguila |first=Justino |magazine=Billboard |access-date=June 21, 2021}}</ref> Both of these were included on the duo's first album, ''Coastcity'', released in 2018. Other songs on the album include the single "Noche y Manaña" and the Prince-inspired "Countach". Further singles from the duo include the Father's Day special song "Lullaby" in 2018,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article243652842.html |title=Coastcity releases new single "Lullaby" for Father's Day |date=June 18, 2020 |last=Diaz |first=Al |newspaper=Miami Herald |access-date=June 21, 2021}}</ref> and the 2019 singles "Salvaje", "Nadie Es Santo", "Juicio Criminal" and "Contigo" – the latter song featuring Fuego and Nat'Lee.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.latinousa.org/2019/02/28/salvajepremiere/ |title=Grammy-Nominated Puerto Rican Duo Coastcity Premieres New Single 'Salvaje' |date=February 28, 2019 |website=Latino USA |access-date=June 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://remezcla.com/releases/music/coast-city-fuego-natlee-miami-summer-jam/ |title=Coastcitys 'Contigo' ft. Fuego & Nat'Lee Is an Eternal Miami Summer Jam |date=October 10, 2019 |first=Jenzia |last=Burgos |website=Remezcla |access-date=June 21, 2021}}</ref> Coastcity's EP ''1190'' was released in 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/1190-mw0003398757/releases |title=Coastcity – 1190 |website=AllMusic |access-date=June 21, 2021}}</ref> One more single came out of the EP: "Circulo", featuring Cierra Ramirez.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/Circulo-Explicit/dp/B07YD92D77 |title=Circulo [Explicit] – Coastcity (feat. Cierra Ramirez) |website=Amazon |access-date=June 21, 2021}}</ref>

Coastcity released a single in September 2018, "Pa La Calle", featuring Luis Fonsi, Rodríguez's brother.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.miaminewtimes.com/music/coast-citys-preciosa-is-like-puerto-ricos-second-national-anthem-10795252 |newspaper=Miami New Times |title=Coastcity and the Second Puerto Rican National Anthem |last=Rojo |first=Ana |date=October 5, 2018 |access-date=June 20, 2021}}</ref> A video of the song shows the brothers having a stylish evening out while Flores drives them around, joining the party. On Vevo, the video attracted more than two million views. "Pa La Calle" was the first time that Rodríguez and Fonsi released a song together.<ref name=PaLaCalle>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/coastcity-luis-fonsi-pa-la-calle-video-8474950/ |title=Coastcity & Luis Fonsi Premiere Special Collaboration 'Pa La Calle': Watch |date=September 13, 2018 |last=Fernandez |first=Suzette |magazine=Billboard |access-date=June 20, 2021}}</ref>

== See also == {{Portal|Puerto Rico|Biography|Music}} *List of Puerto Ricans

== References == {{reflist}}

==External links== *[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74EIxwiGgWE "Smooth Criminal" – Tony Succar, Jean Rodriguez] on YouTube *[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-la00kibBg "Me Enamoro Más De Ti"] on YouTube. Studio video with Tony Succar, Rodriguez and Jorge Luis Piloto. *[https://www.coastcityvibes.com/ Coastcity official website] *[https://soundcloud.com/coastcityvibes Coastcity on SoundCloud]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rodriguez, Jean}} Category:1980 births Category:Living people Category:Dr. Phillips High School alumni Category:Latin pop singers Category:21st-century Puerto Rican male singers Category:21st-century Puerto Rican singers Category:Puerto Rican male singer-songwriters Category:Singers from San Juan, Puerto Rico Category:Latin music songwriters Category:Latin music record producers