When you hear the name Jason Derulo, the first thing that probably comes to mind is that singsongy tune that's become a signature on most of his tracks: "Jason Derulooo!"
But that soundbite is missing from his latest single, "Talk Dirty," and it's not likely to appear anywhere on his upcoming album, "Tattoos." After fracturing his neck last year, the 23-year-old singer is closing the door on his past, which includes that five-syllable sign off. "I think it's still kicking in people's heads," Derulo said about retiring the line. "Regardless if I put it in the song or not, they're still gonna sing it."
Cleaning up his past has made room for a serious relationship with "American Idol" alum Jordin Sparks. Though Derulo admits he's not ready to tie the knot tomorrow, wedding bells could be in his near future. "Yeah, marriage is on my mind," he said. "You know, I found that special person ... but when the time is right."
Before performing Thursday in Pioneer Court, Derulo sat down at The Langham Hotel and talked about his tattoos, proposing to Sparks and the rules of talking dirty. Because yes, there are rules when it comes to talking dirty.
When you're staying in a hotel, do you ever use an alias or a fake name to hold your reservation?
I do [laughs]!
What's your alias?
I can't tell you. Then it won't be an alias anymore, and I love my alias.
Fair enough. Your new album is called "Tattoos." How many tattoos do you have?
I have nine.
Which is the most meaningful to you?
I can't pick one that's the most meaningful 'cause they're all meaningful in different ways. But the newest one I got is really meaningful because it's the only one I got outside of ... actually, no, I'm lying. I just recently got it in Bora Bora, and it's a Polynesian tattoo and it's a Tahitian warrior tattoo. And it's one I really like a lot. I have "undefeated" right here (points to left wrist), and they're kinda both the same thing-just after my injury and everything ... just not letting anything overtake me, just to keep things on the up and up.
Any tattoos that you regret?
I have a tattoo that's not my favorite because I don't think the tattoo artist was as good as people told me that she was ... Yeah, it's a feather painting that goes into birds up to my neck. But I don't really like the way the feather painting looks.
Let's chat about your latest single, "Talk Dirty." What are the do's and don'ts of talking dirty?
You have to do it in a sexy voice. That's a definite do. You don't want to be too rough or too abrasive when you're talking dirty. You want to still be sexy with it. But don't talk nasty [laughs]. You don't really want to hear someone be like, "Throw up on me." That's not dirty, that's nasty.
That is nasty. Have you ever sent a dirty text to the wrong person?
Nah, I can't say that I have. That's a fear of mine though. I double check.
You recently serenaded your girlfriend, Jordin [Sparks], onstage and your next single is called "Marry Me." Is it safe to say you have marriage on your mind?
Yeah, marriage is on my mind. You know, I found that special person ... but when the time is right.
Are you the type of guy who would plan an over the top proposal-or would you do something more low-key?
I don't know yet. I feel like I'm the type to do something extravagant though. But Jordin seems to be very simple. But I still would probably do something pretty lavish.
When you injured your neck last year, you wore a blinged-out neck brace. What's become of it?
It's chilling actually! I'm gonna put it in a glass box, and like have it in the game room.
I heard that you retired singing your name (Jason Derulooo!). Why?
It was just the end of a chapter to me. You know what I'm saying? That's pretty much it ... nothing too serious. It's just like, close that door.
What do you imagine it doing in retirement?
What, you mean my name in the song? What do I think it's doing?
Yup!
I think it's still kicking in people's heads. It's still doing its thing and forcing people to sing it. Regardless if I put it in the song or not, they're still gonna sing it (laughs). Just because I retired it doesn't mean that everybody else has.
Plus:
On his guilty pleasure TV show:
"I don't know if I hate to admit this, but I [bleeping] love `Breaking Bad' right now ... I think I've got one more episode of season two. They told me that it's just getting steamy, and I'm like, `What?! Just getting steamy? No, it's [bleeping] amazing right now.'"
His go-to drink:
"Vodka tonic."
His go-to vodka:
"Grey Goose."
On ordering flowers for Sparks:
"You're about to get me in trouble right now. (pause) Lilies, I think? I think they're lilies. OK, let's just keep it safe. I'd order just a bunch of roses and a bunch of lilies. I can't think of any other ones."