Tobago has produced singers like Calypso Rose, Shadow, Shurwayne Winchester and Positive, all of whom have left their signature mark globally. Now there's another ambitious artiste who hopes to be classed among them. Randy "Tobago's Finest" Reid has set his mark high, and anticipates that even though the odds may be against him in his chosen genre of rap music, the talent he possesses will speak for itself. Hailing from Pumpmill, Scarborough, the 21-year-old, who started his professional career through the inspiration of his poems, has already been signed to LVT Entertainment (Laventille Entertainment). Last month Reid released his second single, Welcome to Scarborough, from the mix tape, The Tourist. His first release, How the Story Goes, was released in 2009.
Ben Ton, Wonder Boy, Ren and Sista Nola (Brooklyn) also have songs on the mix tape. A collaboration with Sista Nola and Ben Ton on the single, Money & the Fast Life is also featured. When asked about the deciding factor in him wanting to start a career in singing, Reid said: "It surely wasn't the fame, I think it was simply God's grace and guidance mixed with my persistence." I'm Not Rich was released on June 10 in Tobago on Radio Tambrind and featured Wonder Boy. "I am only releasing music in Tobago because I have to dance ah yard before I dance abroad. I am also doing it in Bago because many people say that the Bago have no real rappers," he said.
Beside the regular night spots which beginners use to gain mileage, the singer has already sang at what could easily be deemed a reputable concert. In December 2010, "Tobago's Finest" made his presence felt when he was among the many opening acts for international reggae singer Jr Gong and rapper Nas, who were invited to T&T as part of their worldwide tour. But what makes "Tobago's Finest" stand out most of all is that while his singing career is still in infancy, the ambitious youth is already in the process of launching a book-The Tourist. The book seeks to give an indepth view of Reid's life and how he is trying to develop as a rapper in the country, as well as his trials, tribulations and turmoils.