Revival, Resurgence and Revitalization, all depictions used of late to describe reggae music and the new wave of young consciousness-raising, spiritually awaken artist evoking a golden era when Bob Marley sang of oppression. Undoubtedly one of the more intelligent and exciting young musicians, to emerge out of Kingston, Jamaica, Dre Island exhibited a very strong interest towards music at a young age.

Nurtured and encouraged by his grandmother, Dre’s natural talents developed early with piano lessons, the latter honed Dre’s craft and musical ear. Introduced thereafter to a recording studio, a young Dre observed keenly the ins and out of every facets, while he developed the knack for building beats (Rhythms). His stage performance abilities were nurtured in church, and refined with showcases and local concerts. His professional journey working as a producer in some of Jamaica’s top recording studios led Dre to successfully complete projects with both local and international artistes such as Jah Cure, Sizzla, Pinchers, Julian Marley, and Junior Reid.

With the experience garnered as a producer, and an unwavering support from family and friends, Dre Island made the transition to recording artiste. A true artist, Dre hasn’t limited his art nor confined himself, as he explores and lives in every genre of music in order to get his message out to everyone across the globe. Possessing a distinctively smooth, mellow voice paired with conscious and prolific lyrics, reggae artist Dre Island’s music has laid out his solid stance at the forefront of the roots and culture movement. His socially-conscious messages have prompted his meteoric rise.

With many notable productions in his repertoire, Dre Island’s latest release “M16” off the upcoming debut Project Now I Rise, coined “Trapment genre by E5 Records executive Mini, the artist uses his voice and music to answer an ongoing call as a musical messenger for the destruction of the an unjust ‘Babylon’ system. The lead single graphically compares the potency, power and impact of the artist lyrics to that of an ‘M16 rifle. With a creative and serious play on words Dre Island “rings the alarm” calling out the “champions” and the “youths” to wise up and dismantle the existing system that has them under pressure and suffering. Inspiring the youths to realize their true potential with “Lyrics Like An M16”. Project ‘Now I Rise’ is set for release early 2016.

Thanks goes out to Malaika Lepine from MPR Consulting.