"Long Distance Relationship" captures the essence of Stein's romantic side, a facet of the artist rarely seen by dancehall fans, but one that speaks to his versatility as a lyricist and performer. The track is also based on reality.
"My girlfriend lives halfway around the world, so I'm literally living in a 'Long Distance Relationship,'" discloses Stein. "It's from the heart. I sing about things that really happen."
Stein reveals he felt a female would be better for the hook of this R&B-esque song, and he reached out to Carlington Livingston who manages dancehall artist Tiana. They went into the studio almost immediately and exited with this hit in hand.
Stein recently completed a promo run in the U.S., performing on a school tour in New York City that promoted peace to students. He also performed at numerous radio and promo events including shows for New York's HOT97 Massive B (Bobby Konders & Jabba) in Brooklyn, HOT 93.7 FM's Diva Nikki Z in Hartford, Connecticut, LinkUp Radio 93.5 FM's Kevin Crown at SOB's in Manhattan, and at Shaggy's Ranch Entertainment record label launch, alongside Beenie Man, just to name a few.
Stein also did on-air, in-studio radio interviews with Nikki Z on HOT 93.7 FM, Hartford's leading hip-hop station, and in New York City with Dubmaster Chris for 93.5 FM Irie Jam Radio, and Kevin Crown for LinkUp Radio. He was also featured on numerous underground radio and TV stations, newspapers and web interviews, as he continues to bring new awareness to his brand.
Stein is now back in Jamaica and ready to tackle production on his debut album, All Or Nothing, due in January 2013. He is also looking forward to touring more, and returns to the U.S. for a concert on July 14 in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. After spending extensive time in the U.S., and working with other international musicians, Stein now heads back to the drawing boards to create, enhance and expand his music, for his fans both at home and aboard.
Famous for his profound, prolific lyrics and versatile, fluid flows, dancehall artist Stein emanates the sounds of the streets, the people, and the true essence of dancehall music, in Jamaica.
Stein was born Jermaine Melvil Lee-King on April 8, 1983 in St. Thomas, Jamaica. His mixed heritage pays tribute to his Kingston-born father of Chinese and Afro-Caribbean descent, and his Portland-born mother of Afro-Caribbean ancestry. He was first nicknamed Einstein by a female cousin, after she saw his undone hair in a local barbershop and noted the resemblance to Albert Einstein. The nickname caught on within the entire community, and once he transitioned into a dancehall artist, the teenager could not get away from it as local crowds hailed him as 'Einstein,' whenever he hit the stage. As he has matured into a dancehall deejay, singjay (singer), and songwriter, the artist's music has evolved and so has his name.
Stein, first performing at the tender age of seven, finessed his sound and his lyrical content for years. He eventually gained prominence in the dancehall scene in 2007, with his breakout hit "Rise Di Machine (Caliber)" on the Power Cut Riddim, produced by Stephen "Di Genius" McGregor. Stein secured a number of hits over the years through chemistry in the lab with McGregor and other notable dancehall producers, including Chimney Records (Jordan McClure and David "Hizzle" Hayle), Cashflow Records, Big Yard (Robert Livingston), and UTP 007 Records (Supa Hype).
Melodies aside, what sets Stein apart is his indelible talent for crafting hardcore, gritty, sexy dancehall lyrics to perfectly accompany any riddim presented to him. His musical process can be challenging because he often has so many lyrics in hand, it is difficult to choose in which direction to take the track. His knack for lyrics also brings substance to his music, as fans are able to party to his songs in the dance halls, but can leave, listen to his music in their car or at home, and be able to take something away from each tune. This has granted Stein the opportunity to loop his lyrics into the sounds of other dancehall icons, penning several hit tracks or Bounty Killer and Beenie Man.
Expanding his repertoire as an entertainer has placed Stein on stages across Europe, the United States and the Caribbean. Career highlights include a 2008 European tour, where Stein was elated at the reception he received from fans in Germany, France, Belgium and Italy. Having relished notoriety as a predominantly underground artist in Jamaica until then, the tour exposed Stein's music to an international fan base, which he currently enjoys.
The year 2012 sees Stein putting his stamp on the global map with four singles garnering airplay throughout Europe, Africa, North America and the Caribbean. With current hits such as "Shell Dung The Party," "Summer Time Again," "Visa Buddy" and "Again & Again," Stein is determined to bring his brand of dancehall to the worldwide audience, and spread the sounds of the Caribbean beyond all borders.