Jay Z is Naughty Boy's next target after album release

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Naughty BoyImage source, Emi Music

Naughty Boy has revealed that he wants his second album to have a more international feel.

The producer, who rose to prominence working on Emeli Sande's award-winning debut album, has just released his first record.

Hotel Cabana features Ed Sheeran, Bastille, Emeli Sande, Wretch 32 and Professor Green.

He says he wanted to make a very British album but is looking for global stars for his follow-up.

"Obviously I'd love to work with Jay Z but I'd never ask him," he says.

"I'd like for him to know about me first, that would be the next stage for someone like him, because I respect him on so many levels.

"Also Adele would be crazy, maybe a track with Adele and Jay Z together?"

The past 12 months has seen Naughty Boy, whose real name is Shahid Khan, go from the shy producer hidden in his studio to a pop star in his own right.

"I still didn't anticipate this much excitement around it and the kind of reaction I am getting," he explains.

"That is what I wanted, people to love it and think that this is something special and that just makes it all worthwhile."

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Naughty Boy says he wants to work with Jay Z

While Naughty Boy is chatty and animated, you can see how he might feel uncomfortable with a lot of attention.

"I've taken to it better than imagined but the whole fame game is crazy," he admits.

"I feel like I've got something to say and I feel like the music and where I've come from, I want to use that to inspire others.

"Getting used to that is cool because I am not as scared as I thought I'd be.

"Someone meets you and you're Naughty Boy and they're excited, you've changed someone's day a little bit. I'm seeing the other side and it's nice."

The producer will head to the United States later this year to promote Hotel Cabana and weave his production magic across the Atlantic.

Before that, he says he's excited about attending Professor Green and Made in Chelsea's Millie Mackintosh's wedding in September.

"That will be like a mini-holiday as it's in the countryside," he laughs, admitting he would like a spin on the decks.

"I'm a bit of a wedding DJ, I'd play some Meatloaf, like I Would do Anything and a bit of Shania Twain.

"I know all these wedding songs, pure cheese, maybe then I'd play some Joe Goddard and just mix it up and some Naughty Boy.

"I'm pretty sure he's got a DJ booked but if he hasn't, then yeah, I'm available Stephen."

Naughty Boy's debut album Hotel Cabana is out now.

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