Meet Jane Zhang - The Chinese Pop Star Timbaland Took Under His Wing

Asian Mega Star Set For U.S. Debut With Timbaland’s Help

Jane Zhang made it big in her native China as a contestant on the country’s version of “American Idol.”

And now, with the help of producer Timbaland, the 32-year-old popstrel is trying to crack the U.S. with a hip-hop inflected pop sound. She recently dropped her new single, “Dust My Shoulders Off,” which made it into the top five on the iTunes charts. The song is from her upcoming album, which Timbaland executive produced, and will hit the shelves early next year.

“This album is totally brand new, a brand new style,” Zhang told BOSSIP. “Music has been the meaning of my whole life. I love to sing. It doesn’t matter the style….If something inspires me to push me somewhere I will not say no. I will just go and try.”

After her 2005 appearance on reality show “Super Girl,” Zhang went on to become a household name in China, and cinched the China Pop Arts Awards gong for best new singer seven years in a row.

Zhang said she was recording with Timbaland’s frequent collaborator J-Roc in Los Angeles two years ago when Timbaland’s manager showed up and sat in on the session. Impressed, he arranged a meeting between Zhang and Timbaland, and the rest is history.

Timbaland said he hoped Zhang’s work would show how much the east and the west have in common.

“Jane is a global artist, “ he said in a statement to BOSSIP. “Working with her was a great experience. Our collaboration allowed us to continue bridging the gap between Chinese and American pop culture.”

Zhang, who married her manager in Orvieto Italy, just two weeks ago, said she’s tried singing just about everything – even opera – and considers her new hip-hop pop project in America as just another part of her evolution as an artist.

“I’m still on my journey,” she said. “It’s not just about being my country or in another area, it’s about music. I want to speak to more people in more areas. I’ve got a chance to try new music, and everything is fresh for me.”

Check out “Dust My Shoulders Off” below: