Colin
James Paul p.k.a. Fin-S
didn't learn how to be a great musician; he was born with
the talent. Fin-S joined the legacy of his fellow family members
who were heavily involved in the music business. His own father
is an extremely talented musician, who played lead rhythm
guitar for the likes of Bob Marley, The Temptations, and other
famous bands in the 1970s era. His cousin, Gavin Wray (Cheryl
"Salt" James' husband), who is a super producer,
inspired Fin-S to take his skills to another level.
From
a DJ, to a producer and emcee, Fin-S is all over the place.
With the gift of music flowing through his body, Hip Hop music
production came naturally to Fin-S. His skills as a music
producer excelled to new heights for the Toronto Hip Hop scene,
and his innovative music backdrops were blessed by a multitude
of eager MC's looking for the hot new flavour. Fin-S' skills
as a music producer has won praises from all the music critics.
He has produced and worked with various artists, such as Mission
Holiday, Munga Honorable, K-Os, Wajeed from Slum Village,
Rishi Rich, Darryl Riley, Alana Bridgewater, Baby Floss, Isem,
Lisa B, Tara Chase, King Reign, Black T Mafia, Third Degree,
Risky G, Renee Wynter, Mayhem Morearty, Mathamatik, Ayah,
Tef & Don and Black Bishop, to name a few. What is to
be regarded as some of his best work is the "Deliverance"
album he produced for a hip hop duo named Citizen Kane, which
received a 2000 Juno award nomination for best hip hop album.
"I learned a lot from the Citizen Kane album. I did the
video and photo shoots, the stage shows, worked in the fancy
studios, and even appeared in the HBO documentary Raising
Kane. In all, I saw the good, the bad, and the very bad! I
knew this was just a small step from where I wanted to be.
You can only express yourself so much behind the scenes and
through the beats. It was time to do my own thing and control
my own business. In short, it was time for me to get the confidence
to live out my destiny."
Fin-S'
part-time affiliation with the microphone became full-time
when he started to use his own beats to accompany his
vocals that portrayed his own unique styles and ideas.
With a smooth baritone flow, Fin-S invites the listener
to experience what it is like to walk in the shoes of
a man who continually breaches the boundaries of the
norm. Is Fin-S the next hardcore battle artist keeping
it real with his gangster flavour? "No, I'm not
about that. There are too many artists who just put
words together that rhyme, but most of them don't have
a point to make. Whatever I say, there is a message
to be heard. It is a message about love and hate, knowledge
and wisdom, money and success. In life, there will always
be negative with the positive, but I always make it
a point to focus more on the positive, and expand the
consciousness of everybody coping with the struggle
of surviving."
Being
featured in live performances, radio, television, Internet
and magazines, Fin-S has been capturing everyone's attention
and keeping them interested and craving for what he is about
to do next. Fin-S has been featured in the Toronto Star, Metro
news, Your Time Magazine, HiphopCanada.com, Remix magazine,
Euro Web, Now magazine and the Eye weekly magazine. Many people
may also remember hearing his interviews on radio stations
such as FLOW, CIUT, CHRY or CKLN. Or even seeing his appearances
on Much Music, CTV, City TV, CBC or on Raptors TV Basketball
City series. His success and talent has made him a target
for promoters to market their own events. Fin-S has been a
major performer in show cases such as the Barber Shop Show,
Stompin' Black, For Da Record, Import Fest, the Clipse concert
and Foxy Brown & Baby Cham concert to name a few. As an
advocate speaking out against the violence in the community,
Fin-S has also appeared in other media sources and has been
a key speaker at many conferences.
You'll
only hear Fin-S blaze the hottest joints. "I'm all about
setting new standards for Hip Hop not only in Canada, but
for Hip Hop worldwide." Not only is Fin-S reaching out
to many people with his own music, but he has also collaborated
with other artists and has developed their skills musically.
He now owns his own music production/entertainment company
and is the Urban A&R for Nuff Music/Distribution.
Fin-S
has proven to be talented, intelligent and focused.
"Everything I do is dedicated to my mother Lauverne
Philadelphia who left this world when I was very young,
and to my daughter Naijah. I know how precious life
is, and I'm just doing what it takes to ensure my family
stays strong. My new music company, Naijah Entertainment,
is reflective of my new commitment to building up a
strong family of local talent who have worked with me
throughout my career."
With
the mysteries of success unraveling before his eyes,
Fin-S is on his way to gaining worldwide recognition.
"It's time to let everyone know who Canada's best
kept secret is!"
Look out
for Fin-S' album appropriately entitled "Chief Executive",
coming this Summer 2008. The album features Luney Tunez from
Block Entertainment/Bad Boy South, Travon "Treez"
Johnson aka Shon Don from Doggy Style Records, Shi Stimuli
from Columbia Records, KC Jockey from Sweet Sadies Productions
and Miss Hollywood from Black Pearl Ent.
For
more information or bookings, contact Black Pearl Entertainment
at:
416-899-8540
blackpearl_ent@hotmail.com
Myspace.com/therealfins
Myspace.com/blackpearlent
