Jay‑Z’s “Wishing on a Star” Re‑release and the Young Boy Who Played Jay Z
- HausHill Media
- Mar 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 15
Background on the song and its long‑awaited global release
Origins of the track – “Wishing on a Star” was written by Billie Rae Calvin and first recorded by Rose Royce in 1977. Jay‑Z covered the song for the UK edition of his 1997 album In My Lifetime, Vol. 1; the version features Gwen Dickey (lead singer of Rose Royce) on the chorus.
Limited original release – At the time, US labels often released region‑exclusive singles overseas so they could continue promoting other singles domestically.
Jay‑Z’s single was pressed as a limited UK/European single and was not released commercially in the United States.
This regional strategy made the track a deep‑cut favorite among fans rather than a mainstream hit and explains why many American listeners had never heard it.
The music video – An accompanying music video was filmed in 1998. Jay‑Z does not appear on camera; instead, child actor David Sincere Aiken portrays young Jay‑Z growing up in Brooklyn’s Marcy Houses .
2026 global release – On March 11, 2026 (28 years after the original single’s release), Jay‑Z’s company Roc Nation announced that “Wishing on a Star” was finally available worldwide on streaming platforms and released the full music video on the official JAY‑Z YouTube channel.
Within a day the video had tens of thousands of views and comments noting that the song was “28 years old” but still timeless (YouTube comments, March 11 2026).
The release coincided with the launch of a limited European vinyl edition offered through JAYZ30.com.
David Sincere in the 1998 Music Video
Early life and breakout role – David Sincere Aiken was born in South Jamaica, Queens, New York. At eight years old he landed his first lead role when he was cast to play a young Jay‑Z in the “Wishing on a Star” video .
The video depicts the rapper’s childhood in the Marcy Projects and gave the budding dancer national exposure.
Dance training and formation of Queenz Finest – Aiken began formal dance training at the Edge School of the Arts (ESOTA) at age 13, studying ballet, jazz, tap and African dance . In high school he formed a hip‑hop dance company, Queenz Finest, which performed across New York City and on television shows such as BET’s 106 & Park and NBC’s Showtime at the Apollo.
Becoming a Choreographer and Performer
Aiken’s early exposure led to work with many prominent artists. He has choreographed and performed for Chaka Khan, Smokey Robinson, Beyoncé Knowles, Pharrell, Daft Punk, Brandy, Ashanti, MC Lyte, Teyana Taylor and toured with Keyshia Cole.
Topaz Arts adds that he worked with choreographers such as Frank Gatson, Fatima Robinson and Laurie Ann Gibson.
During the mid‑2010s Aiken moved to Los Angeles and became a lead dancer for entertainer Wayne Brady. Aiken traveled and choreographed for Brady’s Making It Up tour and appeared with him on shows including The Wendy Williams Show, Let’s Make a Deal, The View, Dancing with the Stars and the NAACP Image Awards.
The Queenz Finest (dance team) biography notes that Aiken choreographed for Brady on tour and doing TV spots for CBS’s Let’s Make a Deal.
Aiken choreographed Lil Mama’s “Sausage” and “Shoe Game” music videos and served as a choreographer on her TV One film When Love Kills.
He has also choreographed videos and live shows for Ayo Jay, Bad Gyal Dydy, Mariah Lynn, Bianca Bonnie, Chinese Kitty, Driicky Graham and others
Pursuing his own artistry, Aiken released a 1990s‑inspired mixtape titled Bullpen and singles such as “Coke & Sprite.”
Check out “The Listen Now” Mixtape by David Sincere.
Where is David Sincere today?
Although he is best remembered by many hip‑hop fans for his portrayal of young Jay‑Z, David Sincere has continued to cultivate a multifaceted career:
Celebrity choreographer and director – He remains active as a choreographer for artists across hip‑hop and R&B. Recent credits include live performances for rising artists and continuing work for Lil Mama and Wayne Brady. He also directs music videos and stage shows (e.g., Bullpen 2 performances).
Educator and community leader – Through his dance company Queenz Finest he mentors young dancers and frequently hosts workshops and shows in Queens and Los Angeles.
Recording artist – He continues to release dance‑focused singles and mixtapes, blending hip‑hop, reggae and pop influences.
Significance of the 2026 release
The release of the “Wishing on a Star” video and global streaming debut of the single is more than a nostalgic celebration—it serves to highlight overlooked pieces of Jay‑Z’s catalog and to recognize the contributions of artists who worked on the project.
The video’s child‑actor narrative gave David Sincere his start; since then he has built a career as a respected choreographer and performer.
By making the video widely available, Jay‑Z not only satisfies long‑time fans but also brings renewed attention to a dancer‑turned‑artist who has spent the past two decades shaping performances for other musicians.
Conclusion
“Wishing on a Star” was a deep cut that never reached mainstream American audiences. March 11, 2026 marked the track’s first worldwide release along with its official music video, which features David Sincere Aiken as a young Jay‑Z.
Aiken’s journey—from child actor in a niche music video to well‑traveled choreographer, dancer, director and recording artist—illustrates how early opportunities in hip‑hop can lead to sustained creative careers.
The 2026 release therefore operates as both an archival project for Jay‑Z’s catalog and a reminder of the broader artistic community that contributes to hip‑hop’s evolution.
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