Artist To Watch
Meet Virginia Beach Native DRE-SKI: An Emerging Artist Ready to Take Over the Rap Scene
Up-and-coming rapper DRE-SKI is no stranger to the world of hip-hop! Growing up in
the neighborhood of “Campus East”, DRE-SKI, whose real name is Mondre, would
listen to a lot of rap, including Jay-Z, DMX, Dip Set, Nas and Biggie. After graduating
high school, the Virginia Beach native got into music by writing raps over instrumentals
and would have his friends listen to them. But it wasn’t until he attended college and
opened up for Lupe Fiasco and Fabolous that people, including his friends, started
taking him seriously.
In 2012, DRE-SKI took a break from music and four years later, he hopped right back
in and started his own independent record label/brand, “XB Music Group”. Between
2016 and 2019, the rapper put out a few mixtapes – “Calm Your Taste Budz 2 & 3” and
“Keep The Change 1 & 2”. In 2019, he debuted his first EP, “Long Story Short” and in
2020, he dropped two different EPs, titled “Game 6” & “4 Real Ones Only”. His music is
available on all digital streaming platforms (Apple, Spotify, Tidal, Google Play).
DRE-SKI has always been passionate about music. Some of his musical influences are
Jay-Z, J. Cole, Fabolous, Pusha –T, Ace Hood and Moneybagg Yo. And just like these
artists, he’s looking to influence others with his music, engage with his audience and
build a solid, long-lasting fanbase. His versatility and lyrical ability make him stand out
from others, while his work ethic is impeccable. DRE-SKI is currently working on his
next EP, “Turning Point”, but he hopes to release a few singles by this summer. He’s
also working with a few music producers, one of them being Jay Uncut from Atlanta,
and EK from Virginia Beach. When he isn’t making music, DRE-SKI is focusing on his
next moves.
As an entrepreneur, he would like to sign emerging artists onto his record label and give
them the opportunity to propel their music careers. Outside of music, he is a realtor, a
real estate investor and the owner of a trucking company. Aside from working on his
new EP, DRE-SKI is looking to network a lot more so he can expand his brand.
Check out two of his music videos out now and get the latest on the rapper on all social
media platforms.
IG: @TheReal_DreSki
SnapChat: TheReal.DreSki
Artist To Watch
Miles Minnick & Jon Keith Share New Song “Him”
Following collaborations with the late Fatman Scoop, P-Lo, and LaRussell on top of a strong co-sign from Bootleg Kev among other key industries figures, Bay Area native Miles Minnick (TW/IG) connects with San Diego’s Jon Keith (TW/IG) for a West Coast rap anthem titled “HIM.” Produced by Jon, who signed with Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkin’s Alienz Alive label over the Summer and left a lasting impression after scorching his On The Radar freestyle, the collaboration serves as the first look into what fans can expect from their forthcoming WEST INDIES project.
“For us, we want to make something of substance that has the sound of the culture that birthed us. West Coast culture. The song represents the boldness we get from knowing that Big G will slide on our behalf regardless of the situation,” said Minnick when asked about the pair’s new release.
“We wanted to make a song that brought believers together but also unified the whole West Coast. We love our state and really want to see God move through California,” echoes Keith in a press statement about the single.
Artist To Watch
TJ Carroll Releases New Songs “Road Trip” & “Just Say That”
With his Closer To The Water project on the horizon, Florida-based talent TJ Carroll enlists instrumentalist okaywarren and I Project for a new 2-Pack single experience spearheaded by title track “Road Trip.” The latter of the pair boldly named “Just Say That,” was produced by WHEREISDAVINCI and comes equipped with a Dolby Atmos digital stamp of approval.
“I wrote this song from a place of wanting to get out of my city and see something different. Sometimes I get tired of seeing the same things repeatedly. God made a beautiful world, and I want to see it,” says TJ about the inspiration behind the record in a press statement.
Artist To Watch
Al Hostile Levels Up On New 3-Pack, ‘This One Ain’t About You’
The DMV is home to some of the top R&B stars in the music industry. With talented vocalists like Ari Lennox, Raheem DeVaughn, and Alex Vaughn leading the charge, Al Hostile (@hostile.al) is further cementing himself within the pantheon of greats with his new three-pack, This One Ain’t About You. His sultry tone pairs perfectly with his descriptive lyrics that set the tone throughout the project.
In celebration of his opening set alongside Jai’Len Josey and Xavier Omär at the legendary Howard Theatre, the PG County singer/songwriter is back with some new tunes to set the mood. Starting with “There She Go,” Al quickly establishes that this project is a step above the rest of his previous work. After performing on various stages in Washington D.C., receiving airplay on local radio, and receiving major co-signs from industry veterans, the road to success seems clear for Al Hostile to grow.
Drawing inspiration from the late 90s/early 2000s greats, this project is a perfect setlist for fans of legends like Avant, Joe, and Jon B. and modern greats like Miguel, Tone Stith, Elhae, and more. His subject matter is mature, implementing all the best qualities of notalgic R&B tracks with a modern twist that can bring R&B lovers of all ages together.
Listen to This One Ain’t About You via Spotify below!
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