At the Top of the Year, kicking it off with me being a featured artist in the first 2011 issue of the sleek, opulent and upscale magazine, “Traffic.” Check it out at Talking Leaves, Borders and/or Premiere Gourmet. Read HERE.
Through the years, I’ve heard many people refer to me as a Renaissance Man; one of many trades, roles and talents and interestingly enough I’m multi-tasking as I write this post. I’m in the kitchen with the laptop sitting on the counter aside bowls, knives and fruit ready to be chopped for the first breakfast of 2011. Being a dad and husband has always come first and it’s the job that I love most above any of the art, music and entertainment things that I’m involved in, so cooking and preparing food is my pleasure. My wife and I have also taken on our first major remodeling project of the year as I’m wearing dusty clothes from the demolition in our bathroom which has been underway for the past few days. So, in typical BDW fashion, the number of irons in the fire hasn’t decreased in the least bit.
Last year was a blast, given the back to back successes of “Shut the Gate,” “Just Doin’ It” and “Run” plus the “Run – Remix,” cumulatively boosting the Youtube stats to more than 1.6 million views of my top videos combined. Many thanks in part to the DTR45 staff, Tone X, Kate and Dom and friends.
Day 35 of the Grammy Chase, what else would I be writing about. huh? Thanks to Okayplayer.com, I stumbled across some cool video of the Roots Jam Session, an after party concert among many in Los Angeles, featuring Grammy Nominees John Legend, Mos Def and my favorites Foreign Exchange and Ledisi backed by the Legendary Roots Crew, Jimmy Fallon’s in-house band.
I like how at the beginning of the video, Phonte of Foreign Exchange shares how even though they didn’t win a grammy, they can now and forever throughout their career mention and introduce themselves as “The Grammy-Nominated Foreign Exchange.” Oh how I’ll love to hear, “Grammy-Nominated artist, Billy Drease” right before a presentation or a performance. I’ll let you know that feels like later.
Day 34 of the Grammy Chase and feeling GREAT! Woke up early and stayed on my feet this time, no bed-diving. Looking forward to my meeting this afternoon at Colter Bay Grille if you’d like to join, going “dutch” that is. The artwork is nearly completed for the album and I’m anxiously itching to deliver the files and get this over with so I can make more moves and implement the plans on deck.
I’ll be posting the artwork soon, but here’s a sample. Photo by Sean Harwell, location Maureen’s Flowers. Thanks to Aaron Bartley and his mom. Sup Susie!?! Peace
Had the opportunity to be the opening act at UB’s Fall Fest 2009. Great time! Great fun. The sound was pumpin’, the set was tight, Richie sounded great, Tone on the 1’s and 2’s, plus we looked real dope on the Jumbo Screen. LINE UP: BDW – Jadakiss – Busta Rhymes – Common – Lupe Fiasco
Check out the pics by my man Clark Dever. HERE.
..and HERE
Thank you to Brandon and Press@ Record Theatre for the opportunity to rock LIVE on their historic grounds. Thank you to ALL that attended and help make it a wonderful time. SPECIAL special SHOUTS to DJ Tiger of WBNY 91.3fm for holding me down and Ed and DJ LoPro for going above and beyond helping me out in the crunch. Carma, Peelahr, thanks a bunch. Peace!
My appreciation can’t be quantified or put into words, but you do have my commitment to continue putting out quality work, and being a better person and greater artist than I was the days prior. Thank you for the nominating me, Billy Drease as the Best Hip Hop Act in Buffalo. Props to the ARTVOICE for highlighting and rewarding Buffalo’s Best. Winners here! Congrats to all the nominees and winners. Peace!
Supermodel Jessica White (born 1984) was scouted at age 16 from Buffalo, New York and soon found herself in Paris where she signed a contract with the IMG agency and pretty quickly landed campaigns with CoverGirl, Chloe and Gap.
Applause to one of Buffalo’s own and cheers to her Supermodel status and success. Well deserving I’m sure!!
While I was in Massachusetts at Play On Brother Studios this past July, I met this really cool cat named Ryan. He stopped by the studio one evening as Alan and I were recording some tracks, and Ry decided to hang around, ya know the regular musicians thing, just hanging, vibing and kickin’ it.
So, we’re kind of scrolling and skipping through some of the cuts just to get Ryan’s opinion and catch him up to speed, when this one song comes on, called “FLY AWAY” featuring Katie Scirto, Sufana Wajed and Richie English. The minute that the tune dropped, Ry started plucking some sweet arrangements and riffs on his guitar.
The next thing you know, “one take” later…Ryan sets the tone and puts the cream cheese frosting on the red velvet cake, right on the spot and killed the track. On the first take, FLY AWAY was taken to another level, thanks to my mane!!
Oh..I almost forgot. The GIT-TAR picture above is THE guitar I tagged for him after the session. It says “SOUL.”
Good Grief!! What happened to originality? Uniqueness? Well thanks to Kanye, everyone wants to be…umm.. Kanye. Thanks Kanye. The glasses were everywhere on the Warped Tour. The vendors made a nice penny I’m sure from the wannabe’s.
Shame on me for not thinking ahead of the curve and becoming a trendy vendor instead of a performer. LOL
DANG IT!! Just wait. My next move is so ahead though, I don’t think anyone will be ready for this one.
Jheri Curls, headbands, ripped shirts and muscles with provocative dance moves. Can you dig THAT!!??
I kept it low-res so the biters can’t jack my style right away. Hee Hee!!
Billy Drease Blog 