Tanya Ellis, Star Writer

After building a music career in both Miami and New York, Jamaican-born Robert Chin, whose stage name is Stanpipe, is looking to plant musical roots on the island.

Chin was born in Jamaica but migrated at the age of 16. He is no stranger to reggae music, having been a part of an extended music family that included Freddie McGregor, Judy Mowatt and reggae icon Bob Marley.

His father is Leroy Chin, owner of Sons Junior International sound systems in New York, and his mother is Queen Minnie who toured with Marley and the Wailers as well as the I-Threes. He was constantly exposed as a child but his first insight into the music industry was when he carried sound boxes for his father.

"That went on for quite a while, but that was me paying my dues for greater things to come," Stanpipe said. He subsequently spent 14 years singing on different sound systems, including Gemini on which he got his first opportunity to hold a mike. "The first mike I sang on was passed to me by Johnny Ringo and I haven't really looked back since, except for when I took time out to raise my kids as a single father," Stanpipe told The STAR.

"Sons Junior Inter-national sound system of Brooklyn played a vital role in exposing me to the hardcore dancehall crowd and prepared me to deliver my lyrical style to a live audiences," says Stanpipe.

His first single Tell Him No was recorded at Sons International Recording Studios in New York and following its success, he released his second single Mirjam along with a video. "It helped to put my name on the reggae map which helped the success of my later single Ghetto Youths which featured Natty Remo," he said.

monster hit

This was followed by Can't Stop Loving You, his monster hit with Freddie McGregor.

"I describe my music as a combination of love and the reality and culture of my island Jamaica. I make music that soothe the spirit, he told The STAR. "No matter how bad a person is, music always has a way of calming the soul. I want my music to unite the world in doing good."

"I have a name abroad, but my intention is to spend more time in Jamaica and tap into the music industry here," Stanpipe explained.

He is confident that since he has strong local contacts, he will be able to capture the attention of the Jamaican audience. His new album Life's Water features collaborations with Junior Reid, Freddie McGregor and Ed Robinson. The album, available in stores and as download, is produced by Robert Chin and Pauline Busgith and holds 16 tracks.