FRANKIE PAYNE

Frankie is a pioneer. He was living in a metro housing complex at Falstaff Avenue on the south side of Toronto’s infamous Jane Street when his love for Hip Hop went from a passion to a career path. He was recruited by some of his childhood friends to join a rap group they put together called Split Decision. It would be the first time he would ever write a rhyme.

Under the management of Reginal Beasen, they released two independent videos, “Straight From The Staff” and “Bubble Gum”. Both songs remain today’s crucial components in Toronto’s Hip Hop history. There is no doubt that Frankie help paved the way for what we call Canadian Hip Hop today.

In 1994 under the management of Chris Smith and training guidance and production of Nevell Campbell (Gadjet), Frankie Payne along with two other members of Split Decision created a Hip Hop group called Graphidi Logik. Under Attic Records, they released the classic Canadian album called “On A Mission” featuring the hit single “Can I Get A Yo”.

In 2000, Frankie and some of his friends decided to start an independent label called Brown Bricks Entertainment and under the alias Jugganot, he released a solo album called ”Everythings For A Reason”. Even though no major label backed this album, it made a huge impact on Frankie’s career landing him the opportunity to open for Jadakiss and Heltah Skeltah among others. Tracks like “Oh Canada”, became the first Canadian Hip Hop song to stand undefeated on J-wyze’s (FLOW 93.5) Soundclash and “Paradise” completely dominated the Canadian underground Hip Hop community.

Since then, he has released two mixed CD’s “Reality Check” and “Realtalks”. He has been featured on “The Do It Right” Remix with Rochester (Juice), “The Hood is Here” Remix with Jelleestone, and most recently the “I Was Born And Raised In The Ghetto “ Remix with PointBlank.

He started off the summer of 2008 with the highly successful single and video for “Reach (For My City)”. The song was recieved with much critical acclaim. It was the Steam Whistle Underground Song of the Day on Flow 93.5 eight times as of mid July. Of the strength of “Reach” he also won 3rd place in the 2008 TAG Body Spray Emcee Competition and 1st place in the 2008 IRM Emcee Competitor Series. Being an ode to his home city, “Reach” will be a Toronto classic for years to come.

Now operating independently Frankie Payne is about to break the mold. Everything that has happen prior to this has merely been training for what’s to come. Now more mature, more intelligent and most importantly more experienced, Frankie is gearing up for multiple releases this summer that will include a mixtape and the official release of “Money” and “Raining”. But one crucial question remains… Can you handle the Payne?