Ever wondered what Sean Paul is actually saying in his electrifying song intros? Hint: It’s not his name. Unlike other artists like Jason Derulo or DJ Khalid, Sean Paul doesn’t kick off his tracks by dropping his own name. Instead, the legendary rapper has a completely different shoutout that he belts out, which many of us have been getting wrong all along.
Let’s delve into the backstory of this iconic intro. Sean Paul’s rapid-fire delivery has often left fans puzzled, but it turns out his famous opening lines aren’t just catchy—they’re a nod to his interest in cricket, a sport known historically as ‘the gentlemen’s game.’ While cricket in the 16th century was a pastime for the upper class, Paul has modernized its association by merging it with his dynamic music style.
So, what’s the real scoop behind “Sean da Paul”? In a revealing 2022 interview with Vice, the 51-year-old artist spilled the beans. Paul disclosed that his trademark phrase isn’t a self-mention but rather a tribute to a notable cricket player.
“Everybody was like, ‘Chanderpaul’, and yo, that name stuck. And then I just started to say it at shows and met the dude Chanderpaul years later, and he’s like, ‘Yo!’. But yeah, big up to Shivarine Chanderpaul,” Sean Paul explained.
This revelation might surprise many, including those who thought the dancehall icon was giving a quirky shout-out to himself. The truth has sparked conversations among fans, with one user on X sharing that he had long suspected a ‘weird tribute’ to Chanderpaul, a theory which was only confirmed after discovering the Vice interview.
Next time you’re gearing up for a karaoke night, remember this fun fact—you now know exactly how to master the intro to hits like ‘Temperature’ and ‘Like Glue.’ No more mumbling through the beginning; you’ve got the correct shoutout to nail, all thanks to this intriguing bit of music trivia. Ready to impress? You’re welcome!