Background Highlights Music Videos Discography Live Performance
DTR45 604 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo New York 14207 716.873.2151 (p) 716.844.3322 (f) [email protected] www.dtr45.com Background underground has that particular community remained over the past 20 years. But that will change, if Edreys Wajed has his way. For the past 10 years, Edreys –pronounced “E-drees” –has been charting his own course through the hip-hop challenged the bountiful stereotypes that have plagued hip-hop from its beginnings in the early 1980s. plume Billy Drease Williams. “I’ve always worked against that whole idea that hip-hop concerts are unsafe, that anyone who raps is a drug addict who carries a gun and has a misogynistic streak.” and in the whole country, as well.” Casting himself as a conduit between what he sees as the popular conception of hip-hop as a dangerous, unsavory art form and the reality –“It’s a celebration of a culture, and of art in general” – Billy has balanced
yet produced. of pioneers like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Chaka Kahn. When rap came along, it hit him hard –“As much as a cliche as this is by this time, I still remember buying the Sugar Hill Gang vinyl, getting it home, and saying, ‘That’s what I wanna do’!” –and he soon became hopelessly immersed in the form’s possibilities. in hip-hop might mean. It boils down to his desire to present himself as a positive role model in an industry that thrives on “gangsta” mentality. Loving the music but rejecting the lifestyle so often associated with it, Billy Drease focused on his love of visual art, writing and his burgeoning MC skills while many of his peers fell into the traps set for them.
"Billy Drease Williams is a rising star with a veteran's prowess, dropping knowledge and witicisms over 13 -Kevin Polowy, Executive Editor, NextMovie at MTV Networks Highlights
2010: 1,000,000+ views on YouTube for the year 2010: Received 1st Round Grammy Nomination Honors 2010: Featured Performer at YouTube Musician's Wanted CMJ Showcase 2010: Awarded 'Artvoice' Best in Bu alo Hip Hop Artist 2010: Featured Performer at Hard Rock Café’ “March on Stage” 2009: MTV Executive Editor Kevin Polowy’s “Best of 2009” 2009: Lead Role in “Revenge of a King”, adaption of Hamlet 2009: Selected Showcase Performer for NXNE Festival in Toronto 2009: 'Bu alo Spree' Magazine Best in WNY Solo Musician 2009: Awarded 'Artvoice’ Best in Bu alo Hip Hop Artist 2009: Featured Performer for Hard Rock Cafe’s ‘March on Stage Event 2009: URB Magazine‘s Next 1000 Artists 2008: Music Video “I Like It’ featured on YouTube and BET 2008: First Hip Hop Artist selected for WBFO Live Concert Series 2008: Featured Performer on 2008 Van’s Warped Tour 2008: Feature Article, Now Hear This - Billboard Magazine 2008: Featured Artist of the Week, Myspace Music 2008: Debut Single "I Like It" peaks at #4 on College/Internet Radio Charts 2007: Featured Production, Lions Gate Movie: "Farce of the Penguins" (Flame) 2006: HBO Unscripted reality show: Produced track for artist Flame (Flagrant) 2006: Featured Production/Writing, Lifetime Television: Movie "O cer Down/Gang Wars” 2005: Featured Placement, ESPN Football 2K5 Video Game (Raw Intel) 2004: Starring Role in Documentary, "The Art of Hip Hop: A Short" by Ivan Rodriguez 2002: 12" single with B side deal with Velour Records-NY/Red Ink Distribution 2002: Reebok Nationwide Radio Promotion for RBK product branding 2001: Released Album with Soulive drummer Alan Evans (MEKA 54)
“Good Morning Amy is an extension of the belief that people can nd more in music; they can nd community, inspiration, and encouragement.” -Bu alo Rising Magazine Videography
To date, Billy Drease’s Music Videos have amassed over 1,500,000 views on YouTube. His long form video for the hit single “Run” - despite being 7+ minutes long - gained 300,000+ views on its rst day. His video for “Just Doin’ It” was featured on YouTube’s front page and also received a rst round Grammy Nomination for 2010 Video of the Year. Click the images below to view the videos online.
"Billy Drease has produced a rich and deep album--'Good Morning Amy' encompasses the sounds of an artist exploring his roles as a musician, father, son, community member and more. Musically, the album has a lot going for it--there are catchy melodies, smooth arrangements and strong supporting vocals. Drease's writing, rhyming and producing are showing his maturity." - Jana Eisenberg, contributor to Bu alo Spree and The Bu alo News Discography
Good Morning Amy (2010)
Billy Lost in Space (2010) Rebel Radio 45 (2008)
Good Evening Billy (2009) I Like It / DUI 7” (2008)
Classics (2008) Meka 54 12” (2004) Raw Intel (2002)
"Like a breath of fresh air in the hip-hop world, Billy Drease brings a positive vibe of self-ful llment to a genre often mired in negativity." - Je Miers, The Bu alo News Live Performance
(Click to watch the Video Press Kit)
Billy Drease Williams has been selected as a featured performer for several high pro le showcases, including YouTube’s Musicians Wanted CMJ Showcase in NYC, NXNE Music Festival in Toronto and the 2008 Van’s Warped Tour. He has toured in the US, Canada and Europe. Currently,s Billy Drease is performing at Universities; providing a combined musical performance / motivational lecture event which can be booked through NEON ENTERTAINMENT.
“When you attend a bdw performance, you're engaged intellectually and spiritually to nd your better self.” -Dr. Kush K Bhardwaj, Ph.D., State University of New York at Bu alo