• July 17, 1991
• Mann is a Los Angeles-based rapper whose real name is Dijon Shariff Thames. He was discovered by record producer J. R. Rotem, who has worked with Rihanna, Leona Lewis and Gwen Stefani.
• Mann gained international recognition with his 2010 hit single "Buzzin'," which features a sample from the 1986 Nu Shooz song "I Can't Wait." The track was produced by J.R. Rotem and includes a guest verse from 50 Cent, who became a mentor to Mann after hearing the song on the radio.
• After putting out his first album, Mann's World, on J. R. Rotem's label Beluga Heights in 2011, he started his own label, Peace Life Quality Recordings, to issue his music.
• Mann describes his music as a blend of hip-hop and pop, aiming to create a sound that is both accessible and celebratory. He draws inspiration from classic West Coast artists like Snoop Dogg, DJ Quik, and Dr. Dre, and seeks to reintroduce feel-good music from the past with his unique twist.
• Mann promotes a positive, uplifting message through his "Birthday Philosophy," which is about living each day as if it's a new beginning. He emphasizes being approachable and down-to-earth, encouraging others to enjoy life without being conceited.
• Mann's artistic journey began with acting and dancing before he transitioned to writing and performing music. Despite initial skepticism from peers, he persisted and developed his skills, eventually making music his primary focus.

Comments

More Songfacts:

Just A GirlNo Doubt

Gwen Stefani wrote the early No Doubt song "Just a Girl" as a message to her overprotective father.

Master Of PuppetsMetallica

When Metallica performed in China in 2013, they weren't allowed to play "Master Of Puppets," probably because the theme of being controlled by a higher authority didn't sit well with the Chinese government.

White ChristmasBing Crosby

Bing Crosby debuted the song "White Christmas" in the 1942 movie Holiday Inn, where he plays a New Yorker stuck in Southern California for Christmas and missing the snow. The song became a Christmas classic and the basis for the 1954 movie White Christmas, also starring Crosby.

GrenadeBruno Mars

"Grenade" was a term used on the show Jersey Shore to mean an ugly girl. Bruno Mars says his hit song with that title was written before the show started.

Blowin' In The WindBob Dylan

Thanks to a Newsweek article, there was a long-standing rumor that Bob Dylan stole the song "Blowin' In The Wind."

AlejandroLady Gaga

The songs on Lady Gaga's The Fame Monster album represent a "fear" of some "monster." "Alejandro" is her "fear of sex" monster.

Editor's Picks

Sam PhillipsSongwriter Interviews

Collaborating with T Bone Burnett, Leslie Phillips changed her name and left her Christian label behind - Robert Plant, who recorded one of her songs on Raising Sand, is a fan.

Country Song TitlesFact or Fiction

Country songs with titles so bizarre they can't possibly be real... or can they?

QueenFact or Fiction

Scaramouch, a hoople and a superhero soundtrack - see if you can spot the real Queen stories.

Billy Joe ShaverSongwriter Interviews

The outlaw country icon talks about the spiritual element of his songwriting and his Bob Dylan mention.

Michelle BranchSongwriter Interviews

Michelle Branch talks about "Everywhere," "The Game Of Love," and her run-in with a Christian broadcasting network.

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.