Originally from the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia “Illadelph” PA, Andre Lett, a.k.a. "D.R.E.S. tha Beatnik," currently resides in Atlanta, GA, and has been described as a multi-talented phenomenon. His name is an acronym for the Divine Real Essence of Sound (D.R.E.S.). Creative Loafing named D.R.E.S. “Best Vocalist” in their Best of Atlanta 2002 issue, calling him the “rockingest esophagus in town.” D.R.E.S. simultaneously brings a unique perspective to the art of beatboxing and the culture of hip-hop.
D.R.E.S. tha Beatnik has been compared to artists such as Rahzel the Godfather of Noize, Bobby McFerrin, Doug E. Fresh, and Biz Markie. In addition to the artists mentioned, D.R.E.S. tha Beatnik has taken the stage with Kanye West, Black Eyed Peas, Slick Rick, Kool Keith, Digital Underground, Public Enemy, Del the Funkee Homosapien, Massinfluence, the Roots, Common, and Erykah Badu. D.R.E.S. was featured in “Interscope Presents: The Next Episode” a 6-part series that aired on Showtime in the winter of 2003. D.R.E.S. lent his vocal skills to both the Atlanta episode and the series finale, providing beats for each contestant. In the finale episode, D.R.E.S. performed a beatbox/freestyle duet with hip-hop legend MC Lyte. D.R.E.S. also appears on “Rap is Dead” on Killer Mike’s album Monster, and in “Beef,” a documentary produced by QD3 Entertainment about MC rivalries in hip-hop.
To really get an understanding of D.R.E.S. tha Beatnik's talents, take a listen to his first solo offering, Have Mic… Will Travel -- the first 100% beatbox produced album in the history of hip-hop. Within the project, the listener can hear D.R.E.S. integrate the sounds of drum machines, turntables, acoustic bass, horns, and melodies to put together a complete sound.
In 2002, D.R.E.S. released his second album – Have Mic… Will Travel: The Live Experience. Recorded at the Apache Café in Atlanta, the album contains live renditions of songs from D.R.E.S.’ first album as well as new material. Featured on the album are Atlanta favorites Chiedza, Slick & Rose, and DJ Rasta Root. Backing D.R.E.S. is Live Wax, his 4-piece band.
Currently, D.R.E.S. is in the lab working on his highly anticipated third album entitled - The ATLANTAdelphian Project. A collection of songs reflecting D.R.E.S.' experiences with Hip Hop & Life growing up in Philly & coming-of-age in Atlanta. The album features D.R.E.S.' patented Human Beatbox production style, as well as, production from up and coming & proven Producers in the Game. In addition to, production from D.R.E.S.' band 'LIVE WAX'. One of the first singles "RENDEZVOUS" is being touted locally as a "I NEED LOVE" for 2005. "I just wanna attempt to bring some Humanity & Faith back to Hip Hop.", says D.R.E.S.
His stage shows are similar to an audio time machine, taking the audience from the roots of hip-hop, to its ever-changing present sound, and on into its very bright future. As the Southeast Performer put it, "Have Mic… Will Travel is hip-hop incarnate - her past, present, and future. Here you will find a balance of great song concepts, sound lyrical content, and dope execution of skills… DRES is indeed a legend in the making."
D.R.E.S.' career started at a very young age -- singing, dancing, MCing, and beatboxing. A former dancer for Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam, D.R.E.S. has been in the presence of many industry leaders who have helped him develop his unique style and presence. D.R.E.S. tha Beatnik is founder and C.E.O. of 4 Kings Entertainment, an entertainment firm based in Atlanta, GA, Philadelphia, PA, Washington, DC, and Portland, OR. He is also a professional master of ceremonies who the Atlanta underground hip-hop massive has called "the Johnny Carson of Atlanta hip-hop."
