In the spring of 2003, Jamaican Dancehall music was welcomed into
American mainstream with the explosion of D.J./Singer Sean Paul's single
"Get Busy." Although Dancehall music is thought to be fairly new in
American eyes, it has been a deeply rooted musical genre in Jamaica for
centuries.
Sean Paul Henriques was born on January 8, 1973 in Kingston, Jamaica. He
grew up in an upper middle class, multi-ethnic family. (His father is
Portuguese/Jamaican and his mother is Chinese/Jamaican). Henriques
attended prestigious private schools, and eventually entered into the
College of Arts, Science, and Technology located in Hope Road where he
majored in Commerce with an emphasis on Hotel Management.
Rather than begin a career in Jamaica's corporate world, Sean Paul
became a D.J. and songwriter. In 1996 he released his debut album, Baby
Girl, which was produced by Jeremy Harding on his 2 Hard record label.
This lead to further song hits in Jamaica: Nah Get no Bly (One More Try),
Deport Them, Excite Me, Infiltrate, Hackle Me.
In 1999, Sean Paul was introduced to the American public when he
collaborated with fellow Dancehall musician Mr. Vegas on a song for
rapper DMX. "Here Comes the Boom" appeared in director Hype Williams'
film, Belly.
Sean Paul's song, "Hot Gal Today," also became a top ten hit on the
Billboard Rap Chart. At the end of 1999, Sean Paul embarked on his first
tour through Europe, Japan, and the United States.
By introducing traditional Jamaican Reggae with an electronic twist,
Sean Paul has transformed the Dancehall music scene. As he continues his
songwriting, he has also created a record label entitled Bassline
Records. Sean Paul's musical influences are Major Worries, Shabba Ranks,
Lt. Stitchie, and Papa Sun.
Bio written by: bandhunt |
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