Artist Spotlight
Everything You Need To Know About Dre Banks, A Fast Rising Rapper Who is Rewriting History In The Music Industry
Dre Banks is a fast-rising American artist who has been a staple in the midwest rap scene, hailing from Grand Rapids Michigan. He started like many other young men in the inner city. He was pulled into the allure of the streets and then, unfortunately, found himself caught up in the system.
After being caught in this revolving door he knew it was time for a change. “I knew I had to break it and make the change myself. I knew I had to start from scratch and get back to just the music,” he says. With a clean slate and a new focus, Dre Banks hit the studio to prep his freshman release entitled “Check” which hit streets in October of 2015, again featuring Amil as well as another New York hip-hop legend, AZ, and was co-executive produced by Dre’s childhood friend of many years, Baby Paul aka BpZy (formerly of “Da Beatminerz”) – producer for talented artists like Nas, AZ, Fat Joe, Remy Ma, Dj Clue, Consequence, others.
In 2018, Dre followed up with a street album released on the internet for promotional purposes entitled, “Coke Iz It” hosted by legendary Queens NY mixtape staple, Dj Mr. FX. The project featured Jay-Z protégé Amil, Nature, of the New York supergroup, The Firm, and Roc-a-fella Records/State Property veteran Omillo Sparks (of Oschino and Sparks).
In support of the release, Banks performed several show dates along a mid-Atlantic and northeast tour with various artists at each venue. Striving to stay consistent with his music, Dre Banks is already putting the finishing touches on his next project “Checkmate” for release in the 2nd quarter of 2022, the new album will include the HIT single, “Boyfriend, Girlfriend” ft. Trina of “Love and Hip Hop” fame
Listen to “Boyfriend, Girlfriend” on Spotify:
This song was released in 2020 and streamed over 1.5 million plays on Spotify along with the catchy street anthem “Off the Chain” which is currently streaming at over 2.5 million plays on Spotify.
Watch “Off the Chain” on youtube:
Stay tuned for the next best thing coming out of the state of Michigan since Dej Loaf,
Big Sean, Royce 5’9, and Eminem because Dre Banks is the future of the midwest.
Hello Dre Banks, greetings and welcome to Honkmagzine. Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
Dre Banks – I was born into music through my father, I learned how to play drums with the church band as a child and kept my inspiration to be a part of music, especially when hip-hop became a dominant force in urban music.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started this career?
Dre Banks – I believe the opportunity to meet the legendary female rap star Trina to collaborate on my record, “Boyfriend, Girlfriend” was an interesting moment for me, we had so much fun together shooting the music video in Miami.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Dre Banks – I would say the funniest mistake was agreeing to do business with an independent label called “Real Life Music” based in Kansas, the owner had fewer resources and financial backing to support my music releases than I did on my own previously but I had to discover this after the fact!
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
Dre Banks – I am currently working on my album “Checkmate” which will feature legendary artists like Styles P of the LoX, Trina, AZ, Ms. Toi, and singer extraordinaire Ne-Yo all coming this year in 2022!
Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?
Dre Banks – I would say I met Benzino of LHH “Love and HipHop” fame, we got to tour together in the midwest and also made a song and video together – It was a crazy time on tour with Benzino, we were driving on the highway doing 90 mph, and the Ohio state police who are notorious for pulling people over stopped us on the road and gave us a ticket for having a half-ounce of marijuana and for speeding!
Another time I got pulled over on the highway while in Ohio with my producer/manager Baby Paul – this time after being pulled over the cop befriended me, gave me back my weed and we exchanged Instagram contacts and he checked out my music in the car!
Baby Paul could not find the air freshener to air the weed out in the car so I automatically complied with the cop and he respected it.
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
Dre Banks – Be consistent in making song material to build a catalog of music for any purpose – singles, mixtapes, song licensing for film and television so you have many options to keep an audience’s attention
Also, be very engaging in social media.
You have been blessed with success in a career path that can be challenging. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on this career path, but seem daunted by the prospect of failure?
Dre Banks – Failure is a big part of success with my music. I released music over the years that did not connect the way I felt it could have when I had limited resources but I didn’t let it discourage me.
I kept going, writing and releasing music, building my network and resources with my team, and was never afraid to invest in myself that’s what got me here.
Can you share with our readers any self-care routines, practices, or treatments that you do to help your body, mind, or heart to thrive? Kindly share a story or an example for each.
Dre Banks – I would say I govern my eating habits, I exercise, I spend quality time with my family as much as possible to give me peace of mind and it keeps me grounded and appreciating life.
Family and true friends are important and a big part of enjoying the fruits of labor that lead to my success.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.
Dre Banks –
- Relationships last longer than money.
- Don’t invest in strangers for marketing services online unless you carefully research their background.
- Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself don’t wait for the labels to get behind you to get your music heard.
- Keep a small circle, less is more.
- Don’t chase the game let the game come to you once you build yourself up to the point you can’t be denied.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
Dre Banks – It was something my late grandmother told me – “Stop letting all these bitches in the house!!” maybe I would have fewer relationship problems. Lol
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
Dre Banks – I would say my producer/manager – Baby Paul aka “BpZy” – we have been the best of friends since the age of 16, one time we went to the Run-DMC “Raising Hell” concert tour when we were kids and got stuck in the snow with a Toyota!
As we became business associates we conquered so many situations over the years, my other manager who is Baby Paul’s biz partner – Antonio Velaz was instrumental in helping me get on a speed boat in Miami by speaking to the boat owner – a non-English speaking rich socialite to shoot a scene in my music video for the Trina song that wasn’t even planned but ended up making it in the final cut!
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
Dre Banks – DreBanks World is the movement – XMG is the movement – 2 powerhouse independent labels unifying the east coast, west coast, and the midwest, we are going to conquer the music scene with a lot of new talent from all these markets!
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might see this. 🙂
Dre Banks – I would love the opportunity to meet with Drake –
he is among the most impactful music artists in the market today and I would like to collaborate with him to expand my audience as well as create something classic and timeless.
How can our readers follow you online?
Dre Banks – You can Follow me on all social media platforms.
Instagram: @iamdrebanks
Twitter: Dre Banks
Facebook: Dre Banks | Facebook
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Eric Alexandrakis ignites a rhythmic anthem of tranquillity with the single “Home”
Eric Alexandrakis, in his evocative new single, “Home,” carves a sonic melody that feels personal and universally familiar, creating a symbolic space where one truly belongs and can confront the emotional burdens of life’s most challenging moments. The track is enriched by soul-infused rock reverberates with timeless echoes of iconic musicians such as Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, and Bruce Springsteen. However, Alexandrakis adds his special twist, sharing stories with a unique lens rooted in vulnerability and hope. This single spans miles, recorded across Greece, Texas, Colorado, and New Jersey, resonating with people everywhere who understand the ache of leaving pain behind.
The collaboration with drummer Ryan Hoyle lends a steady heartbeat and grounding rhythm, while the mixing expertise of Paul David Hager highlights the raw intensity of Alexandrakis’ vocals. Together, they cultivate a transformative sound that expresses sorrow and guides audiences toward brighter futures. Produced by Eric Alexandrakis and Mark Scandariato, “Home” merges enchanting musical elements with innovative energy, signaling that happiness often lies beyond the most arduous trials and necessitates a courageous first step into new experiences.
“Home” is a poignant and soul-stirring track that addresses the importance of moving away from emotional turmoil. It encourages listeners to walk away from sadness, loss, and loneliness and step toward their authentic selves. Alexandrakis emphasizes that “Home” isn’t just a physical location but rather an emotional state created by the act of letting go, where one can achieve true happiness. Amidst a cacophony of chaos, “Home” emerges as a distinctive piece, inviting audiences to engage in listening and, potentially, to find a semblance of Peace.
For more information about Eric Alexandrakis, please visit [website].
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Artist Spotlight
IKON unleashes a genre-defying odyssey with new album “MUSIC”
Prepare for an exciting musical adventure that connects soulful moments with catchy beats! Officially premiering today, rising artist IKON unveils his anticipated album, “MUSIC.” This fantastic album features a transformative 9-track masterpiece that mixes traditional Eastern Soul sounds with modern styles like funk, disco, R&B, and electronic music, whisking listeners back to Studio 54’s heyday. Known for his unorthodox talent and innovative spirit of crafting distinct sound as he writes, performs, and produces his music, IKON continues elevating his artistry by exploring the rich intersections of classic soul and contemporary rhythms for a captivating, futuristic feel.
The album “MUSIC” opens with the entrancing “CRAZY,” a song encapsulating the dizzying emotions of love’s early struggles and euphoric highs. Next, listeners are swept into the soulful embrace of the second track, “CITY.” This heartfelt tribute to the sanctuary a city can provide showcases IKON’s powerful ability to blend comfort with creative versatility. The title track, “MUSIC,” celebrates the joy of music’s timeless allure, combining catchy anthemic choruses with unforgettable dynamic beats that feel nostalgic to the universal language of sound.
As you listen, each song on “MUSIC” presents a carefully crafted sonic experience that explores diverse aspects of the human condition. The album flows seamlessly into track four, “LET U DOWN/RIDE,” which focuses on a commitment to the self-harmony narrative where he reassures his listeners with a promise of inner peace. As the album progresses, “I’M GOING DOWN,” a thoughtful fifth track, evokes themes of resilience through IKON’s insightful melodies and is followed by “MAN,” channeling soul-deep lyrics and introspective grooves about humanity.
Among other standout tracks, “MOON” transcends the typical retro-futuristic disco vibes by blending Italo disco influences with soul-infused vocals, classic Wurlitzer electric piano, and IKON’s soulful falsetto. The album wraps up with “MIND,” in which IKON merges Southern gospel influences with a laid-back West Coast groove, rounding out the album with a dynamic touch.
With “MUSIC,” IKON establishes himself as a pioneering voice in Eastern Soul. This genre-spanning exploration is a must-hear for those looking for a refreshing, introspective take on today’s music with hints of inspiration from legendary artists like Daft Punk and Nile Rodgers while paving its unique path. Don’t miss out on this experience!
CLICK HERE TO STREAM IKON’s Album “MUSIC“ on Spotify.
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