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Entertainment Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM


Padrino Returns to the Bahamas to Launch New Album
By Chester Robards
Jun 22, 2015 - 10:46:57 PM

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‘Sound Bwoi Killing’ Creating a Buzz Around Town

Padrino is a raconteur. He is a journalist's dream. He pours out his life's stories with little beckoning. And one cannot help but get taken by the enthralling stories of his journey from the streets, to the studios of Grammy Award winning producers. That, coupled with his commanding baritone that will likely become the signature of Padrino music, demand an attentive ear.

His demeanor as he sat awaiting his grouper burger in one of Nassau's best known dives was in stark contrast to his social media mannerisms. This day there was jollity and a brevity in his stories about home, friends and the road to the launch of his record. He was certainly happy to be back home after grueling over his upcoming album 'RNIP' for almost three years. He was even more happy to be giving his new single Sound Bwoi Killing to the Bahamas before sharing it with the rest of the world.
"We wanted to launch from home," said Padrino. "This is my big debut and because it has a Caribbean flavor we said we should do it from home."

It is a treat to meet Padrino, who was born Rory Bowe, smiling and speaking excitedly about a scuba diving trip he was planning. In the studio and in the public eye, he is a no nonsense purveyor of his craft. That persona is part of his celebrity, and that celebrity is what Padrino says will mean the difference between only local (Bahamas) success and international acclaim.

He said seeing artists in the Bahamas treated as sub-celebrities drove him to push that much harder at succeeding on the international market. And for a man from the streets of New Providence, to be supported by some of the best producers on the American Hip Hop scene, bodes well for his odds.

While Cool and Dre and Brian Stanley, who mixed Padrino's album, are a firm foundation for Padrino's success, what recently added to that gridiron of support was a nod from Stolichnaya Vodka. Padrino and his supporting label Kaos Records can be seen emblazoned on cups that carry the Stolichnaya emblem. The team carries them everywhere they go.
"Stoli Vodka has worked with Kaos Records, Padrino and Cool and Dre on an organic marketing programme to build a brand in Florida and across the United States," said Stolichnaya's Business Manager for South Florida, Staci Town. "We're building a strong relationship with Padrino and look forward to the success of his record career."

But while the backing of a huge vodka brand is an amazing feat for a Bahamian artist like Padrino, his music tends to speaks for itself, due in part to the mastery of super producers Cool and Dre. 

"We had the pleasure to work with such a talented artist, but also his story is unique and captivating," said Dre. "But, more important than that, his voice and artistry are special.

"Cool and I are looking forward to having the rest of everyone in the Bahamas experience the music the way we've been able to here in Miami. So we're super excited about this."

Cool and Dre's confidence in Padrino's inevitable success is heartening for the Bahamian, who often lived his life as an outlaw in the years after being kicked out of school, and after giving up on the idea of college. And while his journey thus far is commendable, Padrino says he still has a long way to go to reach international stardom - his ultimate goal.

"I won't be 100 percent happy until I cross the threshold of true success," he said.

"People in the music industry don't mess with you for no reason, they mess with you because they see something nobody else does. Not only was I a Bahamian, but I was a Bahamian against an all-american industry and I was entering into their world.

"Everybody wants the ultimate success, but nobody tells us how hard it is to get there."

Padrino said he believes he has already earned a spot in the rap genre, but remains humbled by the love, support and encouragement he is receiving from the music industry in the U.S.. He has garnered so much support that a member of Trey Songz's management team is slated to join the management team for Padrino music, alongside Ted Kay of Kaos records, after the album's official launch in Miami.

Not only is Padrino paving a golden pathway for himself, he is also laying the bricks for other Bahamians to crack the code of the U.S. music industry.

Tracey Knowles Impressed Padrino with several beats he built, and now has several tracks on 'RNIP'. Tracey was once the energetic, show-stopping drummer for the popular Bahamas band ‘Willis and the Illest’, but Padrino took him under his wing after he got a tatste of his talents in the studio.

"We're gonna make him shine like he should," said Padrino. "He's got several records on this album and that puts him in a better position."
Padrino is hoping that the Bahamas is rooting for him as he reintroduces himself and his music to his homeland. His frequent visits to his old stomping grounds in some of the more forgotten neighborhoods in the heart of New Providence, reminds the people that he has not lost sight of where he came from, or of them.

Padrino wants the Bahamas to know that he is still a hometown artist, even if his career takes him away for a long time.

"A good Bahamian goes anywhere and adapts, so in my opinion I was a great Bahamian. I went and learned my trade," he said. "What good are you to your people if you're not using the celebrity you have to help your people."

His young kids are the ones he misses the most while away. He talks about them often and calms when he speaks about them. He wants to be a bridge for his kids' futures, but bigger than that, he wants to be a positive role model for the youth of the Bahamas.

"Right now our leaders are old people teaching young people old people ways,"

"You have got to bend the tree in order to make the roots strong. There are a few generations who might have lost track of who I might be. We're bringing everybody up to date."

Padrino has been making the rounds to radio stations across New Providence, sharing his music and stories with his people. Meantime, Cool and Dre are awaiting his return for the launch on their own turf.
"Look out for his brand new single... it's crazy," said Dre. "As far a Padrino goes, he's a solid dude and he's a great artist, and we're excited to work with him more."


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