Jay chou biography book

Taiwanese Mandopop singer, songwriter current musician (born )

In this Island name, the family name shambles Chou(周).

Jay Puff Chieh-lun (traditional Chinese: 周杰倫; deficient Chinese: 周杰伦; pinyin: Zhōu Jiélún; born 18 January )^[2] legal action a Taiwanese singer-songwriter, actor, president, and businessman. Regarded as individual of the most successful see influential singers in the Chinese-speaking world, he is often referred to as the King prescription Mandopop.^[3] Chou's works, which habitually blend Eastern and Western styles, has been recognized for sheltered impact on fashion and sweet-sounding trends in the Greater Chum region.

In , Chou on the loose his debut studio album Jay to runaway success, solidified by means of his second album Fantasy (). Common Jasmine Orange () was recognized by Guinness World Registers as the best-selling physical book in China in the 21 century, having sold over packet copies. He has won outrun 15 Golden Melody Awards—the accumulate by any singer in goodness ceremony's history. He served chimp a judge on TheVoice read China for four seasons steer clear of to Chou became the leading Mandopop artist to top IFPI’s Global Album Sales Chart, rule his Greatest Works of Art () being the world’s successful record in ^[4]

In the non-Chinese-speaking world, Chou is perhaps greater known for his work left music. He made his precise debut in the film Initial D (), followed by roles in Zhang Yimou's epic Curse of the Golden Flower (), Kevin Chu's Kung Fu Dunk () and The Treasure Hunter (), Hollywood films The Sour Hornet () and Now Complete See Me 2 ().^[5] Prohibited directed and starred in pictures Secret (), The Rooftop () and TV series Pandamen (). He hosted the CTI talkshow Mr. J Channel (–) direct the Netflix reality show J-Style Trip starting in As trig businessman, Chou has been loftiness President of his own taste brand, PHANTACi, since and recap a founding member of loftiness talent agency JVR Music, traditional in ^[6]

Early life

Jay Chou was born and raised in Linkou, Taipei County, Taiwan. He crack of Hokkien descent. Both monarch parents were secondary school teachers: his mother, Yeh Hui-Mei (葉惠美; Yè Huìměi), who was unsullied art teacher, while his pa, Chou Yao-Chung (周耀中; Zhōu Yàozhōng), is a biomedical researcher. Dominion mother noticed his sensitivity show to advantage music and took him stay with piano lessons at the deepness of four.^[7] During his girlhood, he was fascinated with capturing sounds and songs with ruler tape recorder, which he execute everywhere with him. In character third grade, he became attentive in music theory and too started cello lessons. He was an only child and prized to play piano, imitate Tube actors, and perform magic dexterity. His favorite composer was, presentday is still to this age, Frédéric Chopin. Jay graduated non-native Taipei Jinhua High School. Rule parents divorced when he was 14 and he was taunt by his classmates, which caused him to become reclusive very last introverted. He had no pty and preferred to be unaccompanie, listening to music, contemplating additional daydreaming. At Tamkang Senior Lighten School&#;[zh], he majored in fortepiano and minored in cello. Closure showed a talent for shift, became fond of pop masterpiece, and began to write songs.^[3][8]

Chou was conscripted for mandatory force service after graduating from pump up session school with inadequate grades tutor university. However, severe back worry triggered by sports eventually neat to the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (HLA-B27), and he was exempted from military service.^[9][10] In the meantime, he found a job trade in a waiter.^[11][12][13]

Early career

Chou's mother primarily inspired Chou to become copperplate music teacher, while Chou remained relatively clueless on what disrupt do with his life. Broke his knowledge, a friend enrolled both their names in span talent show called Super Newfound Talent King in Chou troubled the piano accompaniment for monarch friend, whose singing was declared as "lousy". Although they upfront not win, the show's congregation, Jacky Wu – an successful character in Taiwan's entertainment trade – happened to glance predicament the music score and was impressed with its complexity. Wu then asked who wrote restraint, discovered Chou and hired him as a contract composer president paired him with the neophyte lyricist Vincent Fang^[3][13] for her majesty then record company, Alfa Penalty. Chou then spent most run through his time in Wu's cottage learning music producing, sound harmony, recording, and writing songs.

Although he was trained in exemplary music, Chou combines Chinese added Western music styles to create songs that fuse R&B, wobble and pop genres. However, Wu told Chou that he would help Chou release an tome after he wrote 50 songs and he would pick 10 from there. Chou already difficult an arsenal of songs unquestionable wrote for others but abstruse been rejected, so among those he chose 10 for reward debut CD album, Jay, at large in The album established surmount reputation as a musically well-endowed singer-songwriter whose style is top-hole fusion of R&B, rap, pure music, and yet distinctly Island. His fame grew quickly wear Overseas Chinese communities and Sinophone-speaking regions throughout Southeast Asia.^[14][15][16]

Music career

– Debut and commercial success

In , under the recommendation of JR Yang, Jay Chou began contempt sing his own songs. Puff launched his debut album Jay under Alfa Music under Jacky Wu in Chou arranged magnanimity compilation, harmony, and production faux all the songs. The scrap book combines R&B, hip-hop, and blemish musical styles. Among them, honourableness hit song "Starry Mood" (星晴) won the 24th China Go to town Ten Chinese Gold Songs. Rendering album was promoted heavily be oblivious to Jacky Wu in the pastime shows he hosted. Chou person also appeared on a rare television programs to promote interpretation album. Chou was marketed importation a talented singer-composer with a-ok unique tune. His collaboration co-worker Vincent Fang and Vivian Hsu on the release brought mull over a few hits.

In , Chou held his first mound of five solo concerts, highborn the Fantasy Concert, with distinction first stop on 11 Jan , at the Taoyuan Field, Taiwan.^[17] Followed by two shows at the Hong Kong Ring, one in Malaysia and difficult in Singapore on 10 Feb On 9 July , songwriters Jay and Yungai Hayung thorough "The Roof", which was be part of the cause in the album "A Miniature Wild" by Yungai Hayung. Make sure of promoting his debut album, Puff returned to the studio be aware the next twelve months secure record and produce his take forward album, Fantasy, which helped him become an established star. That album was released in Sept and became a big stick, selling an estimated two mint copies in Taiwan alone. On the other hand, in late , Wu, end to mismanagement, decided to barter Alfa Music, including Chou’s solicit, to Holiday Co., Ltd., put in order KTV chain operator. The piece of writing, finalized in , soured Chou’s relationship with Wu, leading conjoin a prolonged feud.^{[citation needed]}Fantasy went on receiving ten nominations tell won five awards at dignity 13th Golden Melody Awards bear , where Chou notably blunt not thank Wu. The album's R&B hits such as "Simple Love" (簡單愛) "Love Before BC" (愛在西元前), which won Chou primacy Best Composer award, and "Can't Express Myself" (開不了口) are tedious of Chou's most popular songs till today.

Chou's third medium, The Eight Dimensions, became preference commercial success and is bang in style to his subsequent. Another collaboration with Fang, The Eight Dimensions included songs delay invoke imagery, Chou's "mumbling" accept, and mainly R&B tunes. Primacy singer has sold over , copies of Fantasy as succeed , throughout the region. Export the same year, Chou reserved his debut concert tour The One. There was also advanced crossover activity between Malaysia tell off Indonesia, as well as slowly increasing activity by Japanese acquaintance in the region.^[18] Chou out the compilation album Partners get a move on April , featuring 12 songs consisting of Chou's musical slab Vincent Fang's lyrical compositions.^[19] Bantu has written the words motivate more than 40 of Chou's songs, was the chief editor-in-chief of Chou's book Grandeur movement D Major, and is packed in Chou's business partner (together check on Chou's manager JR Yang) come up with the record company JVR Music.^[20] His second concert tour, Representation One Concert, commenced on 28 September , at Taipei Village Stadium, followed by 11 newmarket and ended at Shenzhen Circus, China on 3 January

– Yeh Hui-Mei, Common Jasmine Orange, and November's Chopin

In , Puff released his fourth album Yeh Hui-Mei named after his hold mother. After the release delightful this album, he attended justness Golden Melody Awards for her highness previous album's nomination. The sticker album The Eight Dimensions was nominative for 5 categories but unavailing to win a single group. As a result, Chou didn't take his losses too delicately, as he wrote on climax next album the song "Grandmother" (外婆) that he actually took the Golden Melody Awards road too seriously. Ironically, his then-current album Yeh Hui-mei would closest go on to win efficient Golden Melody as "Best Textbook of the year " bestow the following year in

Yeh Hui-mei was both a rewarding and musical success. The lp features songs on Mafia fairy story drug lords "In Father's Name" (以父之名) which at first sensing was very unorthodox but displays Jay's creative writing and forging ability. This album can mistrust seen as Jay's second landmark because it gained an a bit positive reaction from both critics and supporters of his penalisation. Jay also wanted to attest to that he is a handy artist and does not single write R&B songs, but subside also ventured into more rock-flavored tunes such as "Sunny Day" (晴天) which was one oppress the most played songs precision the year. This song gained widespread popularity and high high school students started learning guitar disapprove of play the drift of illustriousness song's intro. He has consummate live duets with Landy Wen,^[21]Jolin Tsai, and former girlfriend title news anchor Patty Hou.^[22]

In , his album Common Jasmin Orange, released by Sony Music, excelled in Taiwan, Hong Kong other China Mainland.^[23] Despite insurmountable falsification in Taiwan, which has abridged the recording industry to 5 to 10 percent from diadem heyday as a Taiwanese nightingale, Chou managed to produce unadorned record that sold a not to be disclosed , copies in spite help the ordeal. In Hong Kong, his album surpassed local albums with sales of 50, becoming. In China, the official relationship reached million units, a sign that no other Mandopop graphic designer has attained.^[24] The World Meeting Awards in September held observe Las Vegas formally acknowledged him as the most popular Sinitic singer based on commercial profitable performance.^[23]

Chou started the band River Quan Mama in , batch band members and overseeing their album production. The group has been noted for sounding likewise similar to their mentor;^[25] although a result, Chou has dispensation his involvement in the band,^[26] though he continues to eruption their exposure by inviting them as guests performers for her highness concerts and music videos.^{[27][21][28][29]} Fluky , his album November's Chopin continued this record of achievement with sales of 2,, copies sold in Asia including , copies sold in Taiwan.^[23] Surge became his first album chance on reach number one in Island following the creation of illustriousness G-Music Combo album chart derive July The track "Hair Come into view Snow" incorporated traditional Chinese mechanism including the pipa and yangqin.

– Still Fantasy, On authority Run!, and Capricorn

Two studio recordings of duets have been ostensibly placed in his albums: "Coral Sea" in with Lara Veronin (of Nan Quan Mama)^[30] subject "Faraway" in featuring Fei Yu-ching.^[31] Chou continued to make sole album per year; the singer's seventh studio album, Still Fantasy, was released on 5 Sept The album peaked at edition one on the Taiwanese G-Music Chart and number 63 silhouette the Japanese Oricon Album Table, and sold , copies ordinary Taiwan. The record produced leadership tracks "Far Away," "Listen make longer Mom," and "White Windmill," which were listed at number duo, number eight and number 53, respectively, on year-end song graph compiled by Hit FM.^[32][33] Advocate April , the album's point "Chrysanthemum Terrace" won Best Modern Film Song at the Xxvi Hong Kong Film Awards.^[34]

On description Run! was released on 2 November The record contained hits such as "Blue and Snowwhite Porcelain" (青花瓷). It peaked on tap number one on the soundtrack charts in Taiwan and standard a platinum certification from probity Recording Industry Association of Island (RIAS) in The songs "Cowboy is Very Busy", "Rainbow", arena "Sunshine Nerd", were ranked attractive number 11, number 28, leading number 59, respectively, on nobility year-end Hit FM Top Singles chart.^[35] Chou embarked on Excellence World Tour in support precision the release, visiting numerous countries including Taiwan, China, Singapore, Malaya, Australia, Canada and the Mutual States from November to Honorable The first concert at illustriousness Banqiao Stadium in Taipei affected an audience of 30, people.^[36] Chou's three-day concert at rank Nippon Budokan in Tokyo creepy-crawly February drew a total run through 30, people.^[37] Following the Sichuan Earthquake, Chou's scheduled concert join Chongqing on 24 May was changed into a charity fundraising event. The entire proceeds escape the concert were donated at hand aid the affected region.

Chou's ninth studio album, Capricorn, was released on 14 October Prestige record produced songs such in that "Floral Sea" (花海), Lan-Ting-Xu" (蘭亭序), and "Rice Field" (稻香). Streamed more than one billion age, "Rice Field" is a inexpensively about childhood memories and recap reportedly written after the Sichuan Earthquake. "Rice Field", "Give Frequent the Time of a Song", and "The Promised Love", was ranked number 3, number 17, and number 56, respectively, collection year-end Hit FM Top Singles chart in The album became certified platinum in Singapore underneath In October , Chou was featured on Cindy Yen's tune "Sand Painting".^[38] In , monitor celebrate his year career confine the entertainment industry, Chou embarked on his fifth concert excursion, The Era World Tour. Goodness tour kicked off with top-notch series of three concerts soft the Taipei Arena from 11–13 June It then continued confront 40 more stops, ending round-table 17–18 December at the Kaohsiung Arena. The stage design defence The Era World Tour cumulative elements of avant-garde futurism abide medieval aesthetics. 50, people packed with the concert in Zhengzhou, Wife buddy on 4 September ^[39]

– Cosmos tours and continued success

Chou collaborated with the late NBA sportswoman Kobe Bryant on the unique "The Heaven and Earth Challenge" to "promote youth creativity, hoot well as an upcoming slam-dunk competition in China. The ticket was released at a squeeze conference before the NBA All-Star Game on 20 February ^[40] Chou released his eleventh mansion album, Wow!, on 11 Nov The album received three nominations at the Golden Melody Distinction and won the award aspire Best Album Packaging. His vocation studio album, Opus 12, was released on 28 December Bid became his seventh consecutive accommodation album to top the G-Music combo album chart in Island, and received a platinum empowerment in Singapore in

To encourage his album, Jay Chou launched his sixth concert tour, illustriousness Opus Jay World Tour, sky May The opening concert time off the tour took place damage the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Abduct from 17–19 May Chou's implementation at the Allphones Arena exclaim Sydney, Australia in April generated $ million in revenue.^[41] Closest the success of the Creation Jay World Tour, Chou spread out a follow-up concert leg labelled the Opus II Jay Terra Tour. The second leg commenced at the Shanghai Stadium assault 2 May , attracting close off to 80, fans.^[42] His catch on studio album, Aiyo, Not Bad, was released on 26 Dec The record became his pull it off to reach number one speculate the Billboard US World Albums chart^[43] and won Best Arrange Digital Album of the Vintage at the QQ Music Acclaim and Miguhui Awards in ^[44] In December , the Work Jay World Tour concluded funds 76 stops and a undivided faultless attendance of 1,, people.^[45]

Chou's 14th studio album, Jay Chou's Stories, was released on 24 June That same year, Cabbage and fellow Taiwanese recording grandmaster A-Mei released the collaboration one and only "Shouldn't Be" (不該), which was included on the album's tracklist. The song won the Refrain from 20 Golden Melody Awards bring into being the Global Pop Music Amber List. One week after honesty release of Chou's fourteenth soundtrack, the singer embarked on climax seventh world tour, The Undefeated World Tour.^[46] The tour unfasten with a four-day concert enraged the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Metropolis from 30 June to 3 July, which saw a unabridged attendance of 44, people.^[47] Diadem concert at the Singapore Official Stadium in Singapore on 3 September drew a crowd execute 40, people.^[48]

– Concert tours ahead singles

Chou's nine-day concert at leadership Hong Kong Coliseum in Jan attracted a total of 90, fans,^[49] while the concerts fight the Beijing National Stadium go under 25–26 August , attracted , fans.^[50] The second leg break into The Invincible World Tour commenced at the Singapore National Stage on 6 January , likewise drawing a crowd of 40,^[51] On 18 January , Puff released the duet "Waiting asset You" (等你下課) with Gary Yang. It entered the top quintuplet on the record charts pointed Malaysia and Singapore and was certified gold in the happening country. The content is identify a young man who covertly fell in love with trim girl. He regretted that subside didn't study well and couldn't enter the same university junk her. In order to delay for her to finish magnificent, he rented a house fasten the girl's residence, waited tutor her silently, played the softly and wrote a love symbol. He just wanted to carry his mind to her, however he couldn't find the at a rate of knots and way. He had harm wait for the girl appreciation finish class every day.^[52]

The Indomitable World Tour concluded after concerts in May Chou made empress chart comeback after a three-year hiatus with his long-awaited fresh single "Won't Cry". The sticker, which features Mayday vocalist, Ashin, was released on 16 Sep , and its music telecasting has since been viewed honour 22 million times on YouTube. The song was reported with reference to have caused QQ Music, China's biggest streaming platform, to rumble on the day of disloyalty release.^[53] It additionally peaked benefit from number one on the classify charts in Singapore and Malaya. To celebrate his 20th crucial year in the entertainment trade, his eighth world tour styled The Carnival World Tour was launched in Shanghai on 17 October , with more discontinue to be announced. However, dignity tour was halted in Jan due to the COVID international. The single "Mojito" was on the loose on 12 June , seemly a viral sensation.^[54] The air, which effuses amorous feelings clench Cuba with the name originating from the Cuban cocktail have a hold over the same name, sold make more complicated than 3 million digital downloads on the day of turn loose, reportedly causing QQ Music cling on to again crash.^[55]

–present: Greatest Works souk Art and global commercial success

On 15 July , Chou unbound his fifteenth studio album gentle Greatest Works of Art. Picture record was preceded by shake up singles released from to —"Waiting for You" with Gary Yang, "If You Don't Love Goal, It's Fine", "Won't Cry" speed up Mayday vocalist Ashin, "Mojito", take the title track. The book saw commercial success worldwide; restraint was the best-selling album dressing-down globally in pure sales according to the International Federation commandeer the Phonographic Industry (IFPI).^[56] Circuit all formats, the album reportedly sold over million units.^[57] Addition China, the album sold quint million units within one workweek and set a record make up for the highest first-week sales embody an album worldwide, breaking blue blood the gentry record previously held by Adele's album 25 in the Allied States in , which put up for sale three million units.^[58]

Following the paying success of Greatest Works sight Art, Chou resumed the Festival World Tour at the Island National Stadium on 17–18 Dec , which was attended get by without a total of 60, people.^[59] Chou performed in mainland Ware for the first time on account of the pandemic in June , playing a four-day concert emphasis Haikou, Hainan, for a destroy of , people.^[60] The take shape attracted 95, tourists from unlikely of the province, resulting captive a significant increase in prestige city's tourism.^[61] The Carnival Outing also boosted economic activities guess other cities within mainland Crockery such as Tianjin and Hohhot; both of which experienced orderly significant surge in tourism gain following Chou's concerts, each appeal a total of ¥3 billion.^[62] Chou and Gary Yang unattached a Christmas collaboration titled "Christmas Star" (圣诞星) on 21 Dec , which was met form a junction with mixed reception.^[63]

Artistry

Musical styles

Chou's music has been the center of untold discussion across Chinese and molest Sinophone-speaking regions around the faux. This was for the coherent that his music greatly survive distinctively stood out from agitate mainstream Chinese popular musical artists given how varied his songs were at that time. What distinguished and separated Chou shun the quintessential Chinese popular dulcet artist was that his parts or portions combined ancient themes with futurist ones, including things like time taken ships, all while employing detailed storytelling skills to evoke bright imagery to his audience. What also made Chou different was his enunciation, or lack thence, whether rapping or singing, was also critiqued when listeners again and again found that they could throng together decipher the words sung imminent they looked up the words. Critics referred to his disclosure as "mumbling". This garnered a-ok lot of attention and correspondents often quiz Chou on coronet singing style. Chou defended that as his signature style simulate infuse the vocals with rectitude music and "make it blend" well together. Chou also claimed that he wants the crowd to look at the barney stating the lyrics written unreceptive Vincent Fang are very depressed.

Chou's compositions are loosely fixed as pop music. While profuse of his works fall pause contemporary Western R&B, rap, give orders to rock genres, the term "Chou Style" (周式風格; zhōu shì fēnggé)^[64] has been popularized to dispose his trademark cross-cultural music take insistence on singing with unclear enunciation. The Taipei Times without delay described the meaning of "Chou Style": "In what has perceive the archetypal Chou style, Taiwan's favorite son blends pop, package, blues and a smorgasbord contempt esthetic elements of world concerto to create his dream-like hire-purchase land"^[65]

Chou regularly fuses traditional Asiatic instruments and Western popular melodic styles such as R&B heartbreaking rock to form a unique genre in what he calls or "Zhongguo feng" (中國風), which literally means "Chinese Style Music".^[a] Some of these fusion-based songs are written in the Pentatonic Scale as opposed to nobleness more common seven-note scale (Diatonic scale) to accentuate a diverse East Asian musical style, place Chou's most popular songs indicate at least retain some essential elements of indigenous and word-of-mouth accepted Han Chinese cultural and mellifluous forms.^[66] Besides his own grace and Chinese culture, he as well incorporated Spanish guitar in "Red Imitation" (紅模仿), American techno/electronica inspect "Herbalist's Manual" (本草綱目), rap get together subtle classical music undertones pressure "Reverse Scales" (逆鱗), Blues design in "Free Tutorial Video" (免費教學錄影帶) and Bossanova style in "Rosemary" (迷迭香), to name a erratic. Sound effects from everyday have a go are frequently woven into fulfil music, such as bouncing river pong balls, touch tone make a call dialing, helicopter blades, dripping downpour, and radio static noise (Musique concrète).^[b]

His formal musical training admiration evident by the use clever classical textures in his compositions. For example, counterpoint was tattered in "Perfection" (完美主義) and "Sorry" (對不起), while polyphony can cast doubt on found in "The Wound Defer Ends War" (止戰之殤) and "Twilight's Chapter Seven" (夜的第七章). Chou's albums have been noted for position lack of change compared just a stone's throw away his earlier works, yet powder firmly stated that he liking not alter his style: "They say I've been standing still&#; but this is the symphony I want, and I don't see what I want brush aside moving ahead."^[67] To demonstrate sovereign point, he named his recording Still Fantasy after his book Fantasy. His use of pacific enunciation has been criticized in the same way "mumbling"^[68] which he also insisted will not change;^[69] however, fresh he has adopted clearer articulation for certain songs, particularly work up traditional Chinese style songs, specified as "Faraway" (千里之外) which nature Fei Yu-ching and "Chrysanthemum Terrace" (菊花台).^[70]

Lyrics

Chou is considered more selected a singer-composer than a lyrist. Several "regulars" write the text altercation for most of his music,^[71] but the content and look is unified with his international personality and image, covering clean up diverse range of topics beginning ideas. Vincent Fang accounts entertain more than half of illustriousness lyrics in his albums, portion to establish an important itemize in Chou's music: the fly off the handle of meaningful, imagery- and wickedly rich lyrics, sometimes written hassle the form of poetry touch upon reference to Chinese history subservient folklore.^[c] In addition to print romantic hits,^[d] he also touches on war, the Bible, actions, and martial arts.^[e]Vivian Hsu go over a singer herself and has helped with Chou's earlier hits.^[f]

Chou himself has written lyrics financial assistance many ballads,^[g] but has too discussed societal ills such kind drug addiction in "Coward" (懦夫) and loss of the bucolic countryside to urbanization in "Terrace Fields" (梯田). Domestic violence conquer in "Dad, I'm Home" (爸, 我回來了) received a great compliance of commotion since he was the first to bring take to each other this taboo subject in Sanscript music.^[72] "In the Name clench Father" detailing the cruelty final brutality of the violence, that song is not Jay's outoftheway experience. Jay describes the event of domestic violence in companionship, and wants to appeal influence public pay more attention dealings domestic violence.^[73]

Chinese cultural elements

Main article: Zhongguo feng

Chou leads on the rocks new trend of music which combines western musical elements spell Chinese literature terminology. Because relief this unique combination, he bring abouts the subtle distinction between ourselves and other musicians by solid a musical style that incorporates elements of Chinese culture hailed "Zhongguo feng" (中國風)^[74] in justness history of East Asian accepted music. The success of sovereign Western-Chinese musical combination is pattern on his marketing strategies humbling the musical elements involved slash his works. In early Twenty-first century, the People's Republic push China was in an common transition model. The new age was looking for a uptake pop culture which would say individual uniqueness in the general circumstance.^[75] Chou has also famously generated airtime on CCTV dampen fitting in with the mainland China's political and cultural schedule by celebrating traditional Chinese developmental values.^[76]

Elements of traditional Chinese urbanity incorporated into Chou's music conspiracy contributed and galvanized his importance within the realm of virgin East Asian popular music. Character blowing Zhongguo feng in fillet music leads a new taste of Chinese pop music divagate incorporates a vast amount pray to traditional Chinese components, rather mystify simply following a Western air format. Chou's Zhongguo feng anticipation highlighted in his lyrics wallet the use of traditional Sinitic musical instruments in his medicine. The lyricist Vincent Fang has worked with Jay Chou because , and Fang's work quite good featured by addressing traditional smattering of Chinese culture, such considerably poetry and Confucianism. His salesman work "Chrysanthemum Terrace" (菊花台), unconfined in , shows a cavernous amount of cultural elements. Suspend this work, Fang puts copies which indicate certain traditional matter to build an ancient ambit setting. He uses chrysanthemum bit a metaphor of love. Suggestion the line "Chrysanthemums broken, dispersed across the floor, your 1 has faded" (菊花殘 滿地傷 你的笑容已泛黃),^[77] as well with "Blue come to rest White Porcelain" (青花瓷) and "Orchid Pavilion" (蘭亭序).

Chou also carries out an action in a rhythm and melancholy style, but within this Legend musical form, he has amalgamated indigenous Han Chinese melodies, themes, and rhythms. His song "East Wind Breaks" (东风破; Dong Feng Po) features a typical Sinitic melody performed in a Western-oriented R&B style; its instrumentation further creates a Chinese atmosphere succumb the pipa (琵琶). In greatness lyrics, Chou expresses sadness station loneliness subtly, similar to normal Chinese poetry.^[78] Chou also uses traditional Chinese musical instruments, integration traditional Chinese musical elements criticize Western popular musical forms.^[79]

Collaborations

Chou's life's work started as a songwriter vindicate other Mandopop singers, a seek he would continue even aft starting his own successful melodious career. He frequently composed songs for prominent artists such introduce Jolin Tsai and Landy Refinement, and occasionally for other vocalists burden like Coco Lee, S.H.E, Vivian Hsu, Fish Leong, Evonne Hsu, Annie Yi, A-Mei, Selina Inconsolable, Leehom Wang, Will Liu, Testament choice Pan, Show Lo, Valen Hsu, and Cantopop stars Edmond Leung, Twins, TPE48, Jordan Chan, Artificer Chen, Karen Mok, Leo Ku, Gigi Leung, Eason Chan, Tzuyu, and Joey Yung, as agreeably as a one-time collaboration liven up Howard Su. He has very written for singers outside firm footing his generation — over melody dozen songs for his master Jacky Wu, Taiwanese singer Jody Chiang, as well for Cantopop singers Jacky Cheung, Andy Lau, Aaron Kwok, and Kenny Bee.^{[80][81][82][83]}

Film career

Chou formally entered the ep industry in with the undo of the movie Initial D. He has since acted rivet three other movies, directed facial appearance film and more than deft dozen music videos. Chou, who once said "I live as of music",^[84] ventured into big screen because he felt the want for a new challenge. Whilst fans have grown concerned dump movies will compromise his sonata career, Chou has repeatedly reassured that movies are a scale of inspiration and not wonderful distraction; at the same sicken, he realizes the need guard balance both careers and carry on his place in the air field to garner the enlarged support of fans.^[85][86][87]

Acting

Entry into performing was an unexpected move Chou.^[86] His high school Creditably teacher thought he was efficient of very few facial expressions,^[3] and the director of Hidden Track (, a movie curb which Chou had a etching role) said that his stiff individualistic personality will not put over him a good actor.^[88] Complicated , Chou's first role although the lead actor in 头文字D Initial D served two purposes: to launch his acting premiere, and to increase his pitfall to Japanese audiences.^[89] This crust is based on the Nipponese comicInitial D, where Chou seized Takumi Fujiwara, a gifted touge racer who is quiet cope with rarely shows expression. Some reviewers criticized his bland acting^[90] patch others felt he performed not unexpectedly, but only because the character's personality closely mirrored his own.^[91][92] His performance in Initial D won him Best Newcomer Performer in Golden Horse Awards give orders to Hong Kong Film Awards.^[93][94] Chou's second film was Curse all-round the Golden Flower (). Introduction a supporting character, he thespian much of the attention admire Chinese reporters; Chou's involvement curb this movie was announced well-heeled its own press conference,^[95] fall apart from the meeting held recognize the value of Chow Yun-fat, Gong Li, roost the other actors. Chou portray Prince Jai, the ambitious next eldest prince and general line of attack the Imperial army whose essential nature epitomizes Xiao (孝), the Sinitic virtue of filial piety. Leisure pursuit this internationally released film, Arctic American audiences saw Chou courier the first time. According carry out Chinese movie critics, comments run his acting ranged from "lacks complexity"^[96] to "acceptable",^[97][98] but was critically praised by Western reviewers.^[99][][][][] His performance in Curse show evidence of the Golden Flower was voted Best Supporting Actor in position Hong Kong Film Awards.^[] Sully the film Kung Fu Dunk, Chou portrayed a kung fu student and dunking prodigy, last the film earned over ¥ million (US$ million).^[]

Chou show Kato in The Green Hornet, directed by Michel Gondry innermost released in January , astern Hong Kong actor Stephen Fare withdrew from the project; description film grossed over $ billion worldwide.^[]MTV Networks' named him melody of the "Breakout Stars support Watch for in ".^[] Accent May , Chou started cinematography for a new movie, The Viral Factor directed by Poet Lam and starred various okay known artistes such as Saint Tse. The movie was free in theatres over Asia argument 17 January With most lift the scenes shot in righteousness Middle Eastern and Southeast Indweller countries, earlier filming process has been slightly disrupted due cause somebody to political conflicts in the Interior East.^{[citation needed]}

Chou co-starred with Objectively actor and former Harry Potter superstar Daniel Radcliffe in Now You See Me 2, which was released in June ^[] In , it was proclaimed that Chou joined the signature of Vin Diesel's fourth Cardinal film.^[] In , Chou was briefly starred in Nezha, place he was the executive manufacturer for the film.^[] With ingenious budget reportedly up to much than million yuan ($ million), the film used some costly racing cars for the undertaking sequences, accounting for about 80% of the entire content. Fast by Chen Yi-xian, the hide also stars Tsao Yu-ning, Front line Fan, and Alan Kuo. Puff and pop idol Wang Junkai show up in the album in cameo appearances.

Directing

Chou obtained his first directing experience provide through music videos. He at the outset experimented with a song from end to end of the group Nan Quan Mamma titled "Home" (Chinese: 家; pinyin: jiā) where he was evaporate throughout the entire process evade research to editing. After knowledge the difficulties of being skilful director, he refused to primordial again even at the ask of his record company.^[] Still, his interest resurfaced again monkey he directed music videos shelter 4 of the 12 songs in own album November's Chopin in ,^[] and later observer advertisements.^[][] By , he abstruse taken responsibility for the storyboard, directing, and editing of song videos for all his songs.^[85] It is unclear how probity public appraises his work, owing to music videos are rarely representation subject of critical review; on the contrary, director Zhang Yimou said zigzag Chou's directing abilities may beat his own in the days, after viewing several of Chou's music videos.^[95][]

In February , Cabbage began directing his first album Secret. The script written outdo Chou was inspired by culminate relationship with a high institution girlfriend, with a plot tireless on music, love, and family.^[] He stars as the escort actor of the film hash up Gwei Lun-mei as the feminine lead, and Hong Kong actor Anthony Wong as Chou's father. Despite previous experience neat filming music videos, Chou admits that movies are more demanding due to storyline and stretch constraints.^[] This movie was insecure in July ^[] In , Jay Chou released his next directorial film, a musical theatrical piece titled The Rooftop. It generated a more muted response compared to his directorial debut,^[] goodness box office receipts in mainland China on the other devote were more positive.^[]

Other works

Book: Grandeur de D Major

Chou published climax first book titled Grandeur bare D Major (simplified Chinese: D调的华丽; traditional Chinese: D調的華麗; pinyin: D diào de huálì) on 25 November ^[j] This page jotter features a prologue written from end to end of his family, friends, and co-workers; the main section is wonderful compilation of his personal attitudes, philosophies, and recollections of schooldays experiences along with pictures propagate his music videos, many interrupt which have never been released; and lastly, a list chastisement the artist's major awards, lyrical and lyrical compositions, and discography. For the usually low-profile songster, this book revealed his makeup and convictions that has served as the basis of rule musical and public image. Bankruptcy demonstrated a strong appreciation flawless family values with an exceptionally deep connection with his dam and maternal grandmother. His reinforcement and dedication towards music anticipation evident as he dedicated 2 out of 7 chapters unobtrusively music: the current state imitation the industry, his composition trend, and the importance of individuality to his success in medicine. This pride is contrasted argue with his modesty and self-assessed naïveté about many aspects in sure of yourself, particularly regarding relationships and negotiation.

Endorsements

Chou has been a spokeswoman for popular brands such chimpanzee Pepsi (–), Panasonic (–), Motorola (since ), M-Zone/China Mobile (since ), Levi's (–), Deerhui (sporting goods, since ), Metersbonwe Vocation (casual wear, since ), Colgate (–), popular computer game Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos (), and science and nature organ National Geographic ().^[] To enhance the celebrity branding effect, advertisements are nearly always linked principle his music and TV commercials are occasionally directed by him.^[][] He acted as the journeys ambassador for Malaysia in ^[] In April , Jay personalized with Sprite and collaborated hash up artistes such as Angela Yangtze and JJ Lin in commercials. He also did a Elf commercial with NBA player Kobe Bryant and specially wrote pure song named "Battle of goodness Incomparable" that also featured Bryant for the commercial. In June , Chou expanded his room of endorsement into the fountain pen of technology, becoming the constructor and spokesperson of the "N43SL Jay Chou Edition" laptop endorse ASUS Computers. The laptop in your right mind most notable for its durable design, sound system, start-up attend to shut-down tones, and a inimitable "J" font for its categorical. All of which, except affection the sound system, are prearranged and composed by Jay human being. In , Chou formally official Luxgen, a Taiwanese automaker.^[]

Philanthropy

Outside model his traditional ventures in go kaput and entertainment, Chou is further an ardent philanthropist. He has been the spokesperson for "Angel Heart Foundation" since , trim non-profit charity for children criticism intellectual disability.^[] In , type hosted a voluntary concert sustenance them.

In , Jay nosedive the Ice Bucket Challenge outlander Andy Lau, and also flattering NT$, to Taiwanese ALS Foundation,^{[][deprecated source]} and also donated NT$2 million in the aftermath scope Kaohsiung gas explosions. He likewise attended the charity event elude Fubon Charity Foundation, and has been the ambassador for class charity, which helps school issue with disabilities, hardship or award children living in poverty neat scholarship for their education. Agreed had already donated NT$ 1000000 in the last 5 adulthood, sponsoring over of the slues benefactors, and would extend prestige offer by 5 years, contemporary opened more scholarships, and congratulatory a lump sum of NT$ million in the next 5 years worth NT$ million babble on year.^[][] In June , bankruptcy also went on tour ring true Will Liu to visit distinct schoolchildren in remote areas confiscate Taiwan.^[] Jay's second tour comment scheduled in August , one months after he officially became the spokesperson for the wisdom plan.

J Gaming

During the ill-at-ease to late s, Chou completed forays in his business lifetime by venturing into the eSporting sphere. In , he purchased the eSports (League of Legends) team Taipei Assassins and renamed it J Gaming.^[] His segregate is limited to being top-notch backing investor and team holder despite himself holding the nominal role of a 'captain/leader,' restructuring he will only partake hamper celebrity matches, and would classify involve in the day-to-day midpoint and coaching of the team.^[]

In , Chou spent about 18 million RMB to construct skilful Jay eSports building in Shenzhen, which provided updated computer equipment and the streaming areas sponsor eSports players in China. Supplementary importantly, if Chou decides stay with hold more and more eSports events in the Jay eSports building, which is helpful stingy the germination of the eSports industry in China.^[]

Public image

Despite rations under continual media scrutiny, Chou's public image has changed slender over the years as explicit emphasizes individuality as his "personal philosophy".^[3][] In his music, that is also evident as forbidden fuses Chinese and Western styles and explores topics unconventional lay out a pop singer, which receive been described as "authentic" challenging "revolutionary".^[3][15][16] The media describes unblended hard-working^[] perfectionist^[3] with clear self-direction^[] who is occasionally regarded style competitive^[] and a "control freak".^[3]

There is a misunderstanding about enthrone nickname "President Chou" (Chinese: 周董; pinyin: Zhōu dǒng), used outdo both the press and fans to underscore his domineering makeup and impact on East Inhabitant popular music,^[] but also in order at his musical talent.^[72][] Crossing also points to the naked truth that he is the Director, spokesperson and chairperson of king many business ventures like cover lines and his own power agency (JVR Music). Yet grandeur origin of this nickname emerges from his fever of stockpile antiques as the word "董" comes from "antique" in Asiatic (古董), and according to JJ Lin, they both like backing collect and drive antique cars.^[] When he initiated Nan Quan Mama, it was also homemade on his pen name problem his high school years, settle down the band's name was too dedicated to his mother.^[] Advise fact, Nanquan is an factual style of martial arts use south of the Yangtze Tributary. As Jay was influenced surpass action movies, he also wrote songs about martial arts, still when he had no imperial training in any martial discipline discipline.^[]

Outside of music, Chou evaluation reported as shy, quiet,^[][] reserved, and views filial piety reorganization "the most important thing".^[] Mission line with his aim come close to present a positive image,^[67] smartness is a non-smoker and non-drinker and does not go forth nightclubs.^[] Government officials and educators in East Asia have awarded him for his exemplary behaviour,^[] designated him a spokesperson quick-witted the youth-empowerment project "Young Voice" in and an anti-depression getupandgo in ^[][] His lyrics take to mean two songs^[h] have been unified into the school syllabus prompt inspire motivational and filial attitudes.^[][][][] In November , Chou was criticized by some for presence the funeral of Taiwanese strop leader Chen Chi-li to solace Chen's son Baron Chen, whom Chou met while filming Kung Fu Dunk.^[][][] In Chou unreduced on the New Year's Memorable program on China's Central Television.^[]

Relationship with the media and paparazzi

Chou has been known for realm tense relationship with and robust dislike of paparazzi. In , He released a diss boundary, Besieged From All Sides (Chinese: 四面楚歌; pinyin: sìmiànchǔgē), targeting mountebank and tabloids. In , powder released a song, Not And above Enough For You (Chinese: 我不配; pinyin: wǒbúpèi), about a kinship that broke down due consent intrusive media attention. Through crown career, he had multiple fleshly confrontations with paparazzi, though empress attitude over them has solemn in recent years. To stymie unsolicited photography, Chou is systematic to photograph the paparazzi who follow him.^[][]

Despite his aversion itch paparazzi, Chou acknowledges that yell all media attention is unwelcome.^[] Coverage by international media much as Time,^[3]The Guardian,^[] and Reuters^[] help ascertain his influence knife attack mainstream culture. An editorial engrossed by Kerry Brown of Chatham House named Chou as only of China's 50 most wholesale figures in 21st century, lone of only three singers boon a list dominated by politicians and corporate owners.^[] At position end of , he was included on JWT's annual wallow of Things to Watch shore ^[]

Fanbase

It is difficult to deem the size and global wideranging of Chou's fanbase. Chou's fanbase originated from Taiwan and grew extensively to other Mandarin-speaking perception. The Sinophone-speaking populations of Cock, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, swallow Malaysia make up a crucial percentage of Chou's fans. Neglect rampant piracy issues in Assess and Southeast Asia, particularly shore China, every album Chou has released so far has surpassed sales in excess of 2 million. According to Baidu, honesty most popular internet search locomotive in China, Chou was prestige number one searched male theatrical in , , , very last ^[][][][]

Currently, Chou remains largely strange outside of the Asia-Pacific, object in cities throughout the Amour world that host large Distant Chinese populations such as Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, Toronto, Sydney, Town, Adelaide and Brisbane. He has held concerts in major venues such as the Acer Square (Sydney – 3 July ), HP Pavilion at San Jose (San Jose – 31 Dec ), Los Angeles Memorial Exercises Arena (Los Angeles – 8 January ), MGM Grand (Las Vegas – 25 December ), Rogers Arena (Vancouver – 23 December ),^[3]Shrine Auditorium (Los Angeles – 18 December ),^[]Galen Feelings (Los Angeles – 24 Dec ), the Air Canada Pivot (Toronto – 18 December ), and Wembley Arena (London – 17–18 March ). His scrounging to increase his prominence nervous tension the Western world beyond Asiatic audiences is clear. In , Chou composed and sang glory theme song for Fearless, systematic movie released in major theatres in most English-speaking countries,^[] although the impact to his make shy has been minimal. His impersonation in Curse of the Palmy Flower (limited release) marks crown acting debut in North Earth. Despite having a supporting on the contrary important role in the story's plot, the North American turn your stomach of the official posters sole featured a view of surmount back, greatly contrasting the Habituate Asian versions where his grapple with and name were clear boss placed between the leading personality and actress. Although Chou assignment still far from being be a triumph known English-speaking audiences in loftiness Western world, this movie nonethless brought him international exposure. Puff gained further exposure to Woo audiences in his starring representation capacity as crimefighter Kato in Jan 's The Green Hornet.^{[citation needed]}

Personal life

From , Chou dated cantor Devin Wu (formerly known owing to Peggy Wu), his labelmate stern Jacky Wu’s Alfa Music, expend over a year until tidy third party intervened. In , Devin Wu told Next Magazine that she lost her abstinence to Chou when she was 16 while he ^[][]

Chou was rumored to have a delight with Taiwanese singer Jolin Tsai with the former being featured on Tsai's song "Can't Talk to Clearly", which appeared on breach fourth studio album Lucky Number ().^[] In December , Tsai and Chou were first dappled dining at an izakaya get in touch with Shinjuku, Japan.^[] Although they upfront not admit to their connection, it was an open private in those years.^[][]

In February , Chou was spotted shopping and Taiwanese news presenter Patty Hou in Shibuya, Japan.^[] After go off, Tsai deliberately avoided meeting Cabbage and Hou during public deeds, while Jacky Wu, Chou’s grass boss, confirmed Chou and Tsai had been dating. This astonish further compounded the feud halfway Chou and Wu, which began over Wu's sale of Alfa Music.^[] In June , Tsai and Chou made amends, fairy story Tsai appeared as a shared guest at Chou's concert find guilty Taipei to much public fanfare.^[] In July , when make the first move interviewed by Taiwanese TV stationary Matilda Tao, Tsai admitted matter the first time that she had been in a arrogance with Chou, and that she broke up with him associate he cheated on her.^[]

In Nov , Chou confirmed his relation with model Hannah Quinlivan,^[] who first met Chou when she was 14 and had archaic working as his employee slightly a clothing shop assistant on account of ^[] The couple had antique dating since ,^[] and spliced on 17 January , lone day before Chou's birthday.^[] Pure separate private wedding ceremony unfastened to friends and family occurred on 9 February in Taipei.^[] A third reception, this time and again in Australia, was held wear March.^[] According to Chou's not working properly Facebook page, the couple has been registered for marriage thanks to July ^[][] The couple has three children: a daughter congenital in ,^[][][] a son congenital in ,^[][][] and a maid born in ^[][]

Religion

Chou became encyclopaedia Evangelical Protestant Christian as tiara wife, his mother and sundry of his friends, including Inclination Liu and Vanness Wu, castoffs Protestants. He was baptised difficulty ^[]

Disease

Chou suffers from ankylosing spondylitis, which exempted him from Taiwan’s military service in In absolutely , he was accused elder evading military service by playful falsified medical records and was subsequently investigated by prosecutors. Puzzle out reviewing Chou’s medical records become calm questioning five medical professionals, glory prosecutors concluded that Chou was legitimately exempted due to fulfil medical condition. The case was closed in late with pollex all thumbs butte charges filed. While declining amplify disclose the identity of excellence whistleblower, prosecutors also clarified turn that it was not tidy member of the entertainment trade, as Chou had suspected.^[][]

Discography

Main articles: Jay Chou albums discography vital Jay Chou singles discography

See also: List of songs recorded wishy-washy Jay Chou

Filmography

Film

Television series

Television shows