Dre P (VH1's Tool Academy 2)

Dre P – Not Just a Tool

I got the chance to have a talk with VH1 Tool Academy 2 cast member Dre P and discuss his background, his experience on Tool Academy, and his future plans.  I truly enjoyed chatting with the Toledo, OH native and learned that he is far from a tool and has quite an impressive resume – in music!  Yes this VH1 heartthrob was a hard working rapper before the show, and upon his return he got back to his grind like he never left.  Dre P is a young, humble, multi-talented man ready to make big things happen! Check him out:

You were a bit of a local celebrity before you appeared on VH1.  What were you doing before you were cast on Tool Academy 2?

Well I’ve been running a company called Fly Guy Entertainment.  I’ve been doing music since 2003, and while doing that we also threw the hottest parties and events in the city.

We’ll get back to the music because you have an impressive rap sheet.  So what brought you to Tool Academy?

I’ve dipped in film a little here and there.  I actually auditioned for I Love New York 2 and made it pretty far so I’m not a stranger to castings and auditions.  My girlfriend, Leah, told me that there was an opportunity to be a part of the HER Energy Drink campaign and I felt that I had the personality for that so we flew out to California.  Next thing I knew, I was on VH1’s Tool Academy 2.

So it REALLY was a surprise to you that you were going to be on Tool Academy?

Yes, it really was!  Like I said, I’ve gone to auditions before, but this one really caught me by surprise.

How was it getting along with the other guys in the house?

It felt a luxury prison – no phones, no TV, nothing.  It’s 12 guys in there and we’re all sleeping on these little cots. There was a lot of testosterone in the house so every guy wanted to be the big dog and intimidate people. 

Do you feel that you deserved to be on the show?

Yeah, definitely.  I’m a nice guy but I can ignite, go off quickly.  I had some personal problems that were affecting our relationship.  We had actually broken up right before the show started taping, but when I found out that I got casted on VH1, we both saw it as a sign that maybe this was meant to be and we worked through it.

Do you feel that you learned/gained anything from the experience?

Yeah I feel that I’ve changed a lot.  My outlook on relationships and dealing with females is different.  The therapy sessions were REAL.  As the show progressed, the sessions got tougher and I really learned a lot from them.

Why do you think that you were really eliminated?

Honestly, even though I kind of lost my cool that episode, I felt like I was progressing but my girl was digressing.  Leah is a hot head.  She was having problems with some of the other girls on the show.  I feel like she lost focus as the show progressed and fell out of tune with the purpose of us being there.

So how has it been between you and Leah since you left the show?

Being out in California opened up our eyes to a whole new world.  I saw that we could really advance ourselves and progress together, but I think the show went to Leah’s head. 

Yeah…I saw that she is now pursuing a rap career.  How do you feel about that?

I really think that she knew the exposure that she could get from the show before we went.  I think that the whole thing was pre-meditated for her. Before the show she wanted to go to school and get into film, now all of a sudden after the show she’s a rapper.

When you returned to Toledo after the show, did you notice a difference in the way people treated you?

Yeah, it’s funny how everyone thinks that since you’re on a reality show, you’re rich. People think that you’re mainstream so they wanna start hatin’. I get more support from other states than my own. It’s funny that when I did Apollo and 106 & Park that they couldn’t get enough of me.  But since I came back from the show I haven’t been getting any support. But shouts to The Juice 107.3.  They showed me love.

And that brings us back to the music, you have a nice resume. 

Yeah, I performed at the Apollo in Harlem in 2006.  After performing, a talent scout came to me and said she wanted me to meet Boyz to Men’s Shawn Stockton.  So we met, and after I free styled for him on the spot, he told me he wanted to sign me to his label.  Unfortunately, nothing ever came of it; I think he was kind of in over his head.  So later I performed BET’s 106 & Park.  That led to me doing advertisements and commercials for BET.  I also toured with Young Joc and his label Swagg Team for a while.

What are you working on now?

I’ll be in a fashion show in LA next month, as well as performing at 740 Club.  I’m currently pushing my mixtape, “106 & Parr” with the lead single “Rockin’ off my Rocker” which was produced by platinum producers, Trackzillas.

What’s next for Dre P?  What can we look forward to seeing from you next?

Look forward to some surprises.  I’m gonna catch people off guard.  You might see me in a few movies, or even a Got Milk ad.  Also look out for Ray-J's “Turn It Around” featuring me. 

Check out Dre P at:

Myspace.com/drep419

Twitter: @drep419

Youtube.com/user/drep419

Dre P's single - "Rockin Off My Rocker"

Big Boss E - Houston, TX

Big Boss E - Leader of the New Age Swag

Houston has bred some of the best contributors to hip hop. Legendary artists like UGK and Scarface set the bar for southern hip hop, sending a message that real MCs live in the south. Following them were H-town all-stars Slim Thug, Mike Jones, Paul Wall, and Chamillionaire. Let’s not forget the contributions from artists like Trae, Lil Flip, Z-Ro, and my personal favorite, Lil Keke gave in building the underground scene. It’s quite obvious that Houston owns a giant piece of the evolutional hip hop pie, and their stock continues to climb with their newest addition. Big Boss E is the leader of the new class of Houston hip hop and he’s setting new trends. His fast-talking, smooth and original style will show and prove what it means to have natural swag.

So when did you start rapping?

I started when I was 15 years old. I had a group called Dime Squad, all people I grew up with.

What inspired you to start rapping?

I’ve always loved music. I was born in Brooklyn so I grew up listening to Wu Tang and other New York artists. But I’m southern bred so I got the best of both hip hop worlds.

Who are your musical influences?

Pimp C, Snoop Dogg, Notorious BIG, and Jay-Z. Everybody that makes that good music that got swag to it.

Are there any particular Houston artists that inspire you, or that you admire?

Yeah - Slim Thug, Bun B, Scarface, Pimp C. I watched Slim Thug’s grind for a long time. I would see him in the streets and in the clubs always grindin’ promoting himself and I respected that.

What’s your opinion on the current Houston hip hop scene?

We’re just stuck in tradition. They’re used to just one style, and I’m trying to bring something different, a new delivery. H-town is a great place and I’m ready to bring the new age swag.

What will you contribute to Houston’s music scene?

New age swag. It’s flashy and flamboyant, but it’s real. I’m a hustler and I promote hard work. I want everyone to see Houston in a different light. It’s a whole new time around here.

What would be your dream collaboration?

Not so much any artists, but on the production side, DJ Paul. A producer is going to help take you another level more so than an artist. I’ve always been a fan of his production so that would be a dream collab.

Tell me about your mixtape. Any artists or producers featured that you’d like to mention?

The mixtape is called Grape Jelly Hoe and it’s hosted by The Empire. I’m bringing a new style and originality, along with the new age swag. I got a song on there called “Datz Me” featuring Ricki Li; he represents that new age swag. J. Kut did most of the production. He did Licky Licky and Role Call as well. He’s very serious about his craft and he’s contributing to the new age swag.

What is Grape Jelly Hoe? How did you come up with that?

It’s a way of life! Instead of me saying I wanna be successful, I say I want that jelly! I grind for that jelly. It’s like everything mixed in a pot of gumbo. It’s that lifestyle, it’s about swag.

Big Boss E’s “Grape Jelly Hoe” mixtape, hosted by The Empire coming in 2010.

Big Boss E - Roll Call

Chubbz, Director of SMES

Southeast Music and Entertainment Summit - Sept. 25-28, Myrtle Beach

The most important thing that any music industry executive, DJ, veteran, etc. would tell an upcoming artist is to be informed. The Southeast Music and Entertainment Summit (SMES) is the ideal networking event for artists and others in the industry to receive information beneficial to career growth. SMES Director, Chubbz is currently preparing for the summit going down next month in Myrtle Beach. Since 2001, Chubbz has been working to bridge the gap in the South and East, currently catering to the Virginia and Carolinas. In speaking with him, he offers valuable advice, and explains what this event will provide in helping the artists and their advancement.

So give me the rundown of the SMES. What’s the purpose of the event?

I want to help expose the world to this region. There’s a lot of talent here, and I want the artists to be informed as well as provide additional opportunities for exposure. There are performance opportunities available to artists (registration details below) and excellent panel discussions created to offer key advice on the industry ins and outs.

What do you want the artists to take away from this event?

Everyone wants to be on stage and perform, but no one wants to listen. I want them to be educated, and apply the information provided by the panelists and participants to further their career. I also want them to network and build relationships that might lead to their advancement. Take the brains from the OGs. Ask them for advice, and humble yourself to ask those questions from the vets. No question is dumb, so don’t let your pride get in the way. Have your tools, business cards, etc. and be prepared.

What do you want the DJs to contribute?

I hope that they will explain to the artists how to build a solid relationship with the DJ, and explain the logic behind getting played in the clubs and on the radio. They need to take time to listen to the artists and they’re questions and concerns. I’m also hoping that they will find some good music to add to their playlists.

What’s the most important thing for an independent artist to know about this business?

That it’s a business first. 95% business, and 5% talent. Your team and business need to be intact. Be sure that your managers know what they’re doing and are looking out for your best interest. Don’t get caught up in the hype that you see on TV. Have your paperwork done, and perfect your craft. Be the best at what you do.

What’s your opinion on the South Carolina hip hop scene?

I think it’s doing great. The movement amongst the artists and DJs is stronger than NC and VA. They hustle, and they’ve been consistent in their hard work for so long. Even though they are currently getting some attention, they’ve been overlooked for a long time so it makes them work harder. I think some of the talent is great, and there’s more talent to be exposed. They just need an outlet and this event is an excellent tool.

Anything else you want to add?

$150 registration includes performance and all events, after parties, etc. The panels are the most important part of the weekend, so come ready to learn. Also, please come in peace. Be mindful of the purpose of the event, so be prepared to do business. It’s not about who can rap the best.