Human Beatboxer... MC... Host... Lecturer... Ambassador... These are only a few words to describe a True Talent. Originally from the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia “Illadelph†PA, Andre Lett, a.k.a. "D.R.E.S. tha Beatnik," currently resides in Atlanta, GA, and has been described as a multi-talented phenomenon. His name is an acronym for the Divine Real Essence of Sound (D.R.E.S.). Creative Loafing recently named D.R.E.S. “Best Vocalist†in their Best of Atlanta 2002 issue, calling him the “rockingest esophagus in town.†D.R.E.S. simultaneously brings a unique perspective to the art of beatboxing and the culture of hip-hop.
D.R.E.S. tha Beatnik has been compared to artists such as Rahzel the Godfather of Noize, Bobby McFerrin, Doug E. Fresh, and Biz Markie. In addition to the artists mentioned, D.R.E.S. tha Beatnik has also taken the stage with Black Eyed Peas, KRS-One, MF Doom, Busta Rhymes, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Slick Rick, Mos Def, Jurassic5, Dilated Peoples, Public Enemy, Talib Kweli, De La Soul, Rakim, Del the Funkee Homosapien, DJ Krush, Massinfluence, the Roots, Kanye West, DJ Green Lantern, Common, and Erykah Badu. D.R.E.S. tha Beatnik also lent his talents to Open Transport, a nationally-distributed video compilation featuring Pharoahe Monch, Reflection Eternal, and many other underground hip-hop artists.
To really get an understanding of D.R.E.S. tha Beatnik's talents, take a listen to his first solo offering, Have Mic… Will Travel -- the first 100% beatbox produced album in the history of hip-hop. Within the project, the listener can hear D.R.E.S. integrate the sounds of drum machines, turntables, acoustic bass, horns, and melodies to put together a complete sound.
In 2002, D.R.E.S. released his second album – Have Mic… Will Travel: The Live Experience, the album recorded at the Apache Café in Atlanta, contains live renditions of songs from D.R.E.S.’ first album, as well as, new material. Artists featured on the album include, Atlanta favorites Chiedza, Slick & Rose, and DJ Rasta Root. Backing D.R.E.S. is Live Wax, his 4-piece band.
His stage shows are similar to an audio time machine, taking the audience from the roots of hip-hop, to its ever-changing present sound, and on into its very bright future. As the Southeast Performer put it, "Have Mic… Will Travel is hip-hop incarnate - her past, present, and future. Here you will find a balance of great song concepts, sound lyrical content, and dope execution of skills… DRES is indeed a legend in the making."
D.R.E.S. lent his talents to Showtime Networks in 2003 for a Hip Hop MC Battle Reality Show called, â€Interscope Presents: The Next Episode†– A 6 Part Series that followed the Highs and Lows of 10 MC’s to find the Country’s next top MC. The show had D.R.E.S. working with the likes of Cee-Lo Green of Gnarls Barkley fame, MC Lyte, Rapper Proof of D-12, Tommy Lee of Motley Crue fame, DJ Green Lantern & Xzibit. The show, as well as, D.R.E.S. was well received among Hip Hop’s Elite.
Always embarking on new adventures, in 2006, D.R.E.S. toured the People’s Republic of China alongside Public Enemy’s Own DJ Lord. The 6-Week experience placed D.R.E.S. in front of Thousands of Fans who had only heard of Him on record. While in China, D.R.E.S. also made time to host a number of Hip Hop Clinics in which he educated the Youth of China on the Culture of Hip Hop, as well as, the responsibility of keeping the Culture of Hip Hop alive. He also took the time to film his accounts in China for a documentary called “The Beatnik Chroniclesâ€. “I wanted to do this so that the world can see for itself what its like to live in China... I’m always looking to make a mark in the world and I believe that Hip Hop is the key to communicating with the Youthâ€, D.R.E.S. said in a recent interview. “The Role or Responsibility of an Artist is to advance civilization, as we know it.â€
D.R.E.S.' career started at a very young age -- singing, dancing, MCing, and beatboxing. A former dancer for Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam, D.R.E.S. has been in the presence of many industry leaders who have helped him develop his unique style and presence. D.R.E.S. tha Beatnik is founder and C.E.O. of 4Kings Entertainment, an entertainment firm based in Atlanta, GA. He is also a professional master of ceremonies with over 5,000 shows under his belt and whom the Atlanta underground hip-hop massive has called "the Johnny Carson of Atlanta hip-hop."
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