Dre-Ski is back and has set the tone in his newest project. The independent artist showcases his raw, true, genuine talent and keeps it real throughout the whole project. An impact that he hopes to make with his music career is to inspire individuals to keep grinding and working towards their goals, even if the finish line may seem far away. His project is out now and you can get to know him below!
As an artist who is in the military, how do you balance serving our country along with your music career?
That’s a great question. Honestly at times I don’t know lol. I maintained the balance by recording a lot of music at one time, then slowly releasing them at specific times. With deployments and long work hours, I had to find a way to still release music and remain relevant while I was gone or not in an area to perform or do music.
As an artist who grew up listening to Jay-Z, DMX, Dip Set, Nas, and Biggie during the late 90’s early 2000’s, what does Hip-Hop mean to you?
Hip-Hop is everything. Its honestly the soundtrack to my life. Growing up listening to Jay-z, DMX, Dip Set, Nas and Biggie made me look at life different. I’ve listening and applying the hustle mentality that Jay-z was talking on his “Reasonable Doubt” album. Nas gave me my prolific inspiration. Biggie’s “Read to Die” album will always go down as one of the best rap albums ever made. DMX’s “Its Dark and Hell Is Hot” got me trouble as a kid because my mom wouldn’t let me listen to his lyrics. Yet, I still snuck the CD in my house and would play his album before my mom got home from work. Dip Set was pivotal during my high school years because everyone wanted a flip phone and dress like Cam’ron and Juelz.
If you could collaborate with any female artist in the industry, who would it be?
I would like to collaborate with Young M.A. because she’s a super dope lyricist. I’ve always been a fan of her movement and her music.
Your project “Calm Your Taste Budz 3” is a vibe, what was it like putting that project together?
CYTB3 is honestly one of my best mixtapes I have ever created. The intro “Long Story Short” sums up my mindset of the entirety of the project. I had fun putting the project together and working with DJ Relentt.
I really enjoyed your visual “Get Back” produced by Jay Uncutt and it has received nearly 30,000 views on YouTube! How does it feel knowing that everyone is vibing to the track?
It feels Amazing that everyone is vibing to the track! Also shout out to Jay Uncutt, he is a phenomenal producer! The “Get Back” song is my debut single off my new EP “4 Real Ones Only 2”.
I read that you have opened for both Fabolous and Lupe Fiasco. How was that experience?
Opening up for both artist was probably one of my best experiences of my life. Back when Lupe Fiasco dropped “The Cool” I was able to talk to him on a personal level to talk about industry life and what its like to be a mainstream artist. Fabolous is in my top five of favorite artist.
I really enjoyed your visual “Get Back” produced by Jay Uncutt and it has received nearly 30,000 views on YouTube! How does it feel knowing that everyone is vibing to the track?
It feels Amazing that everyone is vibing to the track! Also shout out to Jay Uncutt, he is a phenomenal producer! The “Get Back” song is my debut single off my new EP “4 Real Ones Only 2”.
What does your music mean to you? My music means everything to me. Its literally apart of me and what I stand for. Its my therapy and outlet to express my feelings, thoughts and emotions, while giving people art and perspectives of life.
How do you define success as an artist? I define success as an artist is one who has stayed true to their beliefs and what they stand for. The reason why I truly appreciated Nipsey Hussle because he never folded and never did anything he didn’t believe in.
I read that you have opened for both Fabolous and Lupe Fiasco. How was that experience?
Opening up for both artist was probably one of my best experiences of my life. Back when Lupe Fiasco dropped “The Cool” I was able to talk to him on a personal level to talk about industry life and what its like to be a mainstream artist. Fabolous is in my top five of favorite artist. Opening
I know you are currently working on your next EP “4 Real Ones Only Pt.2” which is set to drop next month. What can we expect from that project?
This EP is another special project to me because it continues to showcase my growth with my music. This is also the second installment of my 4 Real Ones Only series and this one is seven songs vice four. At first, I was going to keep it at only four, but consulted with a few people and they all said seven is a good number. Plus, when it came down to picking the songs I wanted to be on the EP, I had too many good ones to choose from and I wanted to all of them to be heard. This EP has a grittier feel than the first one. It also displays a different side of me as an artist and my versatility.
Connect with DRE-SKI on social media for updates on new music, videos, and more; @thereal_dreski