From what started as a chorus inspired by a house party, J Hus’ lead single “Did You See”, taken from his Gold accredited debut album Common Sense, blew up to become the biggest hit of his career thus far. In a video for Apple’s Beats By Dre, Hus, alongside his long-term in-house producer JAE5, talk us through how the track came about.
In the video, shot both in the studio and in various urban settings, Hus explains how the track started with a two bar that he had stuck in his head, which was inspired by a block party he attended a few days prior and would go on to become the tracks catchy, timeless chorus. Unanticipated for both Hus and those who receive his music, the track would go on to storm the charts, peaking at number nine in the UK.
Before going into the studio to record the song, J Hus states how he felt pressured during the recording of his debut album, after being absent for almost a year. Resultantly, he described “Did You See” as his comeback anthem, helping him really make his mark on the scene. As the video unfolds, so does the formulation of how the track was produced. JAE5 mentioned how the wah-wah sound in the back is actually his own vocals, which he distorted using various guitar amplifier plug-ins to create its end product sound.
Check out J Hus on Beat x Beat above, before being sure to check out his recent trip to BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge to perform a live rendition of “Bouff Daddy”, plus an exclusive cover of 50 Cent’s perennial hit single “21 Questions” right here on GRM Daily.