Sean Garrett has written thirteen No. 1 hits for stars such as Beyoncé, Fergie and Usher. Now the songwriter is stepping into the spotlight and trying his hand at being an entertainer.

Americans might not know Sean Garrett as a recording artist, but he is big in Japan–like 10 stories tall. “In the middle of what they call Times Square in Tokyo, I got this big billboard screen with a whole montage of my first video,” says Garrett about his recent trip to Japan. “It was unbelievable. I was like, ‘Wow.’”

Despite his status as a marquee idol in Tokyo’s Shinjuku skyscraper district, Garrett is better known stateside for his work behind the scenes than in front of the mic. He has written major hits, including Fergie’s “London Bridge,” Usher’s “Yeah!” and Ciara’s “Goodies,” but his own debut album, Turbo 919 (Bet I Penned It/Interscope), is now a priority.

Garrett started out as a singer at the age of four, and the Army brat performed in talent shows as his family moved around Europe. “It’s always been a part of my life,” he says. “I just happen to also have a talent for writing and producing.”