Sean Kingston has had a rough couple of months. Almost immediately after a jet-ski accident that left him in serious condition, the “Beautiful Girls” singer recently faced emergency open-heart surgery to repair a torn aorta.

Kingston, 21, was treated for injuries related to his May jet-ski crash, and felt a stabbing pain in his chest prior to his expected hospital discharge. Fortunately, Kingston recovered after undergoing several serious surgeries.

In an interview with MTV, the “Eenie Meenie” singer spoke about how his injuries and recovery have affected him.

“What the accident basically taught me is, in life, you have to count your blessings,” he said. “You just got to keep God present at all times and think about the consequences.”

The rapper-turned-singer/songwriter, born Kisean Anderson, is no stranger to hardship. Born in Miami but raised in Kingston, Jamaica (the inspiration for his stage name), the “Fire Burning” singer was jailed for breaking and entering at the age of eleven. He also lived in a car while his mother was incarcerated for identity fraud.

Kingston was discovered on MySpace and released his first album in 2007. His songs have enjoyed chart-topping success; he has collaborated with Justin Bieber, Fergie, and other music superstars. (RELATED: Jenna Fischer movie ‘funny like Juno or Sideways,’ says composer)

Now recovering, the “Face Drop” singer is reportedly taking more initiative to stay healthy, through better eating habits and exercising regularly. Readying to make yet another new album, Kingston said he is feeling pretty good.

“It’s a blessing … There was definitely trauma, and for me to still be here, it’s only God’s work,” Kingston said on NBC’s Today show. “I think my work isn’t done. It wasn’t my time yet.”