Summer 2023 |
As the world was celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop, so was Milwaukee! This summer I had the incredible opportunity to perform at the Marcus Center of Performing Arts, during True Skool’s Summer Jam Park event. Last year, I filmed a documentary with Justin Jackson & Eric Didier of Media Bolt Productions called “The Underdog”. In a segment at the end of the documentary, I was asked by Media Bolt to donate to an organization whose mission I believed in, I responded without hesitation, “True Skool! That’s who I believe in!” This led me to create a promotional video asking viewers to donate to True Skool’s mission. I’ve always believed in giving back to my community and especially to the organizations that are selfless with their platforms, True Skool is the epitome of that.
Dres at The Peck Pavilion |
A couple months later, True Skool booked me to participate in Milwaukee’s celebration of 50 years of Hip-hop. This event featured artists of all variations, local vendors, small businesses, community builders, and leaders. I was stoked to be a part of it. “Dres is performing at The Peck Pavilion,” I kept thinking to myself… A stage that was on my bucket list for years. Something about an outdoor stage that takes me back to when I was watching my favorite artist come up all while foreshadowing my future. That same week, Jay Puentes (James Rivera) a MKE LatinX artist caught my attention on social media after he released a video to a song called “Tan Facil”. This was an organic discovery, even though I had been a mentor to Jay for 3 years back in 2015 through social services. Jay and I always bonded strongly through our love for hip-hop music. It would be the leading topic of most of our conversations through mentorship.
Music & Mentorship |
As soon as I heard “Tan Facil” I was so proud of Jay and how he stuck to all the things he wanted for himself and his music career. I was so blown away by his talent and growth, this record was a hit! I felt an overwhelmingly creative intuition to contribute to this record. I reached out to Jay and he was all for this collaboration. Two days later the verse is done and the magic wouldn’t stop there. Four days before the show, impulsively, I decided to add this song to my setlist. I reached out to Jay asking him to be a special guest for my set at Summer Park Jam. This would be Jay’s first time on stage and even though we had no time to rehearse, I never questioned his greatness and knew our chemistry would be explosive on stage. He confidently accepted the invite and the rest is history.
Full Circle Moments |
The day was here, a crowd gathered with locals, lovers of hip-hop and Milwaukee city leaders, and believers! We got on that stage and we gave them that “Tan Facil” Remix!!! So many full-circle moments in one day. The countless hours that I have dedicated to social services merged into a beautiful moment manifested through self-belief, discipline, and my love for uplifting and helping others. Not only was a door opened for me, but I was able to extend the opportunity for someone to see the fruits of their labor come to fruition. I couldn’t even hold back the tears on stage as this was hands down the most meaningful & favorite performance of my life. Extremely grateful for True Skool, Marcus Center Of Performing Arts, My family, Mayor Cavalier Johnson, and most importantly Hip-Hop. I’m looking forward to continuing to grow with those who uplift and support my talent.
-Dres
Urban & Arrogant 