Though Mr. Hudson released his debut single "Supernova" with Kanye West last year, the British singer is probably best known in the States for his collaboration with another superstar, Jay-Z, on his hit single "Young Forever." Yes, Mr. Hudson, born Benjamin Hudson McIldowie, is the Sting-like voice that soars on Jigga's larger-than-life, pop crossover hit about eternal youth. The success of that single allowed Mr. Hudson a spotlight on SNL, performing the song live on national television. He even got rub shoulders with sitcom-star-turned-internet-phenom Betty White. And now that the introductions have been made, Mr. Hudson is releasing his own album Straight No Chaser under the G.O.O.D. music label. Check out our Q&A with the singer below.
Q: In interviews you've mentioned that this album was yours and Kanye's attempt at making you a pop star. What does being a pop star mean to you today?
A: Perhaps i'm in denial but I don't really walk around thinking "I'm a pop star" partly because although I've had some success in the UK, there's a lot of work to be done in the rest of the world. It's just the beginning.
Q: The song "Anyone But Him" is seething with palpable bitterness, jealousy and disappointment. It's a great tune. Was it inspired by a real life love triangle?
A: Now that would be telling! When I'm writing a lyric I will swerve between personal experience and fiction.
Q: How do you feel about the success of your collaboration with Jay-Z on "Young Forever"? Do you feel like Jay is introducing you to US audiences?
A: Incredible. Yes, it's really kicked in the door for me. It's not everyday you get the call, "Do you wanna come and sing on Saturday Night Live?" I've been given some great opportunities and now I have to try to do justice to them.
Q: What was it like doing SNL with Jay? Did you get to meet or see Betty White? She's developed a cult following on the internet in her post-Golden Girls career.
A: Betty White was very sweet and was running things basically. And Jay is so cool and such a gentleman. There was a wonderful atmosphere on set.
Q: With the recent success of La Roux and Taio Cruz, do you think the time is ripe for British pop acts to crossover in the US?
A: Yes, I think North America is always open to British sounds as long as it's fresh. I'm particularly happy when an act is embraced despite singing with an English accent (e.g. The Smiths, Bowie, Blur, The Streets). That's a real achievement.
Q: What challenges do you think face you in trying to conquer the US market vs the UK?
A: Scale, the size of the continent! But I think the big challenge is finding a home for my music on US radio. The stations seem to be more genre specific than in the UK and my music doesn't fit in one category which I'm proud of to be honest. So we'll see!
Q: Will you be featuring on any of your G.O.O.D music colleagues albums? We know you're on Big Sean's "Way Out."
A: It's a family and I'm the English cousin, which means I can't be at every barbecue but I'll try to be at all the weddings, christenings, graduations and bar mitzvahs.
Q: Will you be launching a tour in the US to promote the album? What's the next single fans can look forward to?
A: We're just putting the first US tour together now. I'm very excited about getting to the other side of the pond. Jay-Z and Kanye have made the introductions and now I need to speak for myself. Should be an interesting conversation.
Check out the song "Anyone But Him" featuring Kanye West below. His album Straight No Chaser is available on iTunes and Amazon now.
Mr Hudson - Anyone But Him[Feat. Kanye West][Single Version]-kenewest by CoolChip
