Jay Ajayi, a former Super Bowl champion and Pro Bowl running back, has embarked on a new journey in the world of music.
The English-born athlete, who played for the Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles during his five-year NFL career, officially entered the rap scene this week with the release of his debut single, “PEAK,” under the pseudonym “Finesse.”
Following his retirement from the NFL in 2022, Ajayi turned his focus to the recording booth full-time. In an interview with TMZ Sports, the former running back expressed his dedication to his new career, aiming to create music that features “some trap, south side beats, heavy 808s, and just a lot of vibes.”
He added, “I like to take the listener on a journey when they listen to the music. It’s an experience.”
Ajayi, who was born in London and played college football at Boise State University before being drafted by the Dolphins in 2015, has set his sights high for his music career.
The ultimate goal, he revealed, is to collaborate with renowned artist Travis Scott, with whom he shares some Texas ties.
Ajayi also expressed interest in working with Mike Dean, a prolific producer and songwriter who has collaborated with A-list artists such as Jay Z, Kanye West, Beyonce, and The Weeknd.
While winning a Grammy is not necessarily Ajayi’s primary objective, he emphasized the importance of establishing a genuine connection with his fans. “The biggest validation of the music is people messin’ with the music, people listening to the music, people consuming the music,” Finesse said. “For me … to sell a show out and have the whole stadium singing the music or jumpin’, that kinda feeling I think shows what you’re doing is connecting.”
The music video for “PEAK” has already been released, and it appears that Ajayi is well on his way to achieving his goals in the music industry.
As he transitions from the gridiron to the mic, fans eagerly await to see what the multi-talented artist has in store for the future.