Ayo Jay’s stage name is a shortened version of his real name, Ayoola Ogundeyi, Jr. ∙ Jay cites Michael Jackson, Eminem, Akon, Usher, and Nigerian artist 2Face Idibia as influences. ∙ Although he was born in London and raised in Lagos, he has lived in all five boroughs of New York City, which he considers “the best city in the world.” ∙ He attended CUNY’s Baruch College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics in 2013. ∙ He was named Most Promising Act to Watch at the 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. ∙ In 2016, Rolling Stone included Jay in its list of 10 New Artists You Need to Know.