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Lord Finesse is a rapper, record producer and DJ from The Bronx. He is the founder of the East Coast hip hop collective D.I.T.C., and has helped artists such as AG, Big L and Showbiz begin their music careers.
In 1989, Finesse and his former partner DJ Mike Smooth inked a deal with Wild Pitch Records, a label known for housing hip hop luminaries like Gang Starr, Main Source, Chill Rob G, Percee P, and O.C. Their debut album, “Funky Technician,” dropped in 1990, boasting production from future heavyweights DJ DJ Premier, Diamond D, and Showbiz. Shortly after, Finesse co-founded the esteemed New York underground crew D.I.T.C. with Showbiz, A.G., and Diamond D, later expanding to include talents like Fat Joe, O.C., Buckwild, and Big L.
Finesse returned solo in early 1992 with “Return of the Funky Man,” featuring collaborations with Percee P and AG. The album’s title track hit number 13 on the Hot Rap Singles chart, marking Finesse’s emergence as both an artist and a respected producer. His production work extended to notable projects such as The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Ready to Die” in 1994 and Big L’s debut “Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous” in 1995, showcasing his dual talents.
In 1996, Finesse dropped the acclaimed album “The Awakening,” entirely self-produced and featuring a roster of esteemed guests. Despite not releasing a studio album since, he remained active in production, contributing to albums like O.C.’s “Jewelz” and Dr. Dre’s “2001.”
Beyond music production, Finesse’s influence transcended to collaborations and legal battles. Notably, he lent his vocals to Fatboy Slim’s hit “The Rockafeller Skank” in 1998 and engaged in a lawsuit against Rostrum Records and DatPiff over sample use in Mac Miller’s song “Kool-Aid and Frozen Pizza” in 2012.
His journey continued with diverse projects, including a remix for Swedish rap group Looptroop Rockers in 2014 and the release of a remix album titled “Motown State Of Mind” in July 2020.
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