Singer Jason Derulo talks ‘Dirty’

By: 11 years ago

In this April 15, 2014 photo, Jason Derulo poses for a portrait in Los Angeles. Derulo, 24, says both his new album, “Talk Dirty,” and single of the same name reflect his growth as a singer and songwriter. “I’m comfortable with talking about what my life is and things that I go through,” said Derulo, whose hits include “Whatcha Say” and “In My Head.” AP

LOS ANGELES— Jason Derulo knows his recent hit, “Talk Dirty,” is risqué, but he’s not too worried about it.

“I try to be conscious of offending anybody, but not that much,” he said. “I really just try to do my thing and of course there is going to be backlash on every song that I do, so I don’t worry myself too much on that. People saying things like ‘objectifying women.’ I’m like, ‘What are you even talking about?'”

“Talk Dirty” has dominated pop radio, and the song has peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has sold 3.2 million tracks and features lyrics like “but your booty don’t need explaining” and “first-class seat on my lap girl.”

“I wasn’t surprised that it would hit mainstream. I think in 2014 things, you know, are getting more and more free (and) liberal,” he said. “I hear a lot worse.”

The smash is from Derulo’s third album of the same name; it debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 albums chart last month. The album was released internationally last September under the title “Tattoos,” but the renamed American version features some new tracks.

Derulo, 24, says both his new album and single reflect his growth as a singer and songwriter.

“I’m comfortable with talking about what my life is and things that I go through,” said Derulo, whose hits include “Whatcha Say” and “In My Head.”

“This album is a direct representation of who I am as a person and how I speak,” he added. “If I was talking to my best friend, you know, this is how I would explain it.”

The album is Derulo’s first to feature guest stars, and hip-hop acts are a strong part of the pop singer’s project. Snoop Dogg, 2 Chainz, Pitbull, Tyga and Kid Ink make appearances.

Derulo, who is finding more success on the urban charts thanks to “Talk Dirty,” says he started musically in the hip-hop scene.

“Most people don’t know my background, but when I first started writing songs for other people it was for hip-hop artists,” said Derulo, who co-wrote Birdman’s “Bossy” and songs for Diddy that didn’t make his album.

“The world knew me as a pop artist when I first came out (in music), which was cool, you know. I think I’m the first black male artist to actually come out as a pop artist,” he added.