R&B newcomer JayDon has signed a deal with R&B icon Usher and legendary music exec L.A. Reid‘s label mega in partnership with Larry Jackson’s gamma.
The 17-year-old singer, formerly known as JD McCrary, became known for voicing young Simba in the 2019 live-action adaption of The Lion King.
“JayDon is a generational rarity and an entertainment phenomenon with musical brilliance evident from his earliest days,” says Reid. “We are thrilled to support his promising career as he begins this new chapter with us at mega.”
Along with his signing announcement, JayDon has released his new single, “I’ll Be Good,” which samples Usher’s 2001 deep cut “How Do I Say” from 8701. The nostalgic production retains the sweet Spanish guitar strums from the original while adding a knocking beat that could easily fit on Ne-Yo’s In My Own Words album (think: “So Sick” and “Sexy Love”).
On “I’ll Be Good,” JayDon courageously takes accountability for his wrongdoings in a relationship while reaffirming his devotion.
“Girl, if you find it in your heart / Then I’ll be good / I’ma try / I’ma do better, better / Then, I’ll be good / By your side / I’ma do whatever, ever / There shouldn’t be a reason / That I can’t love on you,” he croons.
Regarding his new song, JayDon tells Rated R&B, “‘I’ll Be Good’ is a love song about the ups and downs of a relationship. Basically, a guy who made a few mistakes with his girl, and now he’s trying to win her back! Really fun song to make, really fun to record, and I hope everyone enjoys the journey of the song.”
“I’ll Be Good” is JayDon’s second song release of 2025, following “Lullaby” featuring Paradise, L.A. Reid’s son, who is also signed to mega. The earworm was written by Felisha King (formerly of R&B group Cherish) and produced by HARV.
Before that, he teamed with 310babii for “Ah! Ah!” released in November 2024.
JayDon is expected to release his debut EP later this year.
Stream JayDon’s new song “I’ll Be Good” below.
