Edreys

Infobox musical artist
Name = Edreys


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Background = solo_singer
Birth_name = Edreys Wajed
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Died =
Origin = flagicon|USA Buffalo, New York, United States
Instrument =
Genre = Hip hop
Occupation = Emcee, Producer
Years_active = 1995–present
Label = DTR45
Associated_acts =
URL = [http://www.edreysmusic.com/ Official Website]
[http://www.edreys.com Official Blog Page]
Current_members =
Past_members =
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Edreys aka "Billy Drease Williams" (born Edreys Wajed) is an American hip hop artist, as well as an accomplished visual artist. Edreys (pronounced E-Dreece) translates from Arabic into the "One who masters the pen".

Unlike his peers, Edreys's talents and reputation aren’t paraded or distorted by grossly exaggerated street credibility, drug tales or prison time. Edreys is quite the antithesis regarding the manner in which he has climbed the ranks and secured himself a place in the industry. Raised on the dilapidated East Side of Buffalo, NY, he faced the same challenges as other children from single-parent homes living amidst drugs, pregnancy,drop-outs, murder and crime. Edreys made the tough decision of staying the straight course. Accepted into the "gifted and talented" program at City Honors School in 5th grade, Edreys’ abilities were recognized and awarded very early on.After keeping his promise to his mother that he would first graduate from college befores eriously pursuing his music career, the legacy known as Billy Drease Williams began to take form. From his achievements with former group Raw Intel, Best Buffalo Hip Hop Group and Best Hip Hop Producer awards in 1999 and 2001, 4 featured tracks on ESPN NFL 2K5 Football, to Myspace artist of the week spotlight, Yahoo! Launch Music features and "Billboard" magazine artist highlight in March 2008. Edreys has proven his market viability all without a major record deal or extended marketing dollars.

Career highlights

2008: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFPP4yfBrvQ Debut Video "I Like It" 180,000+ views in first day on Youtube]
2008: [http://warpedtour.com/warpedtour/bands.asp Performer on 2008 Warped Tour Skull Candy Stage]
2008: [http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/underground/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003793772&inp=true 'Now Hear This' feature in Billboard Magazine]
2008: Featured Artist of the Week on Myspace Music
2008: "I Like It" / "DUI" peaks at #4 on College/Internet Radio Charts
2008: First Hip Hop Artist to perform for WBFO Live Concert Series
2007: Coordinated and performed in highly acclaimed "The Art of Hip Hop 2" at world reknowned Albright Knox Art Gallery
2007: Lions Gate Movie: "Farce of the Penguins", Produced track for artist Flame
2007: First Place Winner - HOK Production Slam Poetry Contest
2006: HBO 'Unscripted' Reality Show, Produced track for artist Flame
2006: Lifetime Television Movie: "Officer Down", Co-Produced and wrote song for outtake: "Gang Wars"
2006: Produced lead single "Clap On It" for artist, Lady Rezult
2005: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN_NFL_2K5 4 tracks placed on ESPN debut video game ESPN Football 2K5 (800k sold) as a part of group Raw Intel]
2004: Coordinated and performed in FIRST ever Hip-Hop event at the world renowned Albright-Knox Art Gallery "The Art of Hip Hop"
2004: Starred in Documentary by Ivan Rodriguez. "The Art of Hip Hop: A Short"
2002: 12" single with B side deal with Velour Records-NY/Red Ink Distribution
2002: Reebok Nationwide Radio Promotion for RBK product branding
2001: Buffalo Music Awards winner for "Best Hip Hop Producer"žž
2001: Full Album recorded with drummer from Soulive (Alan Evans) as group MEKA 54
1999: Buffalo Music Awards winner for "Best Hip Hop Artist"žž
1997: Recorded album as group (Raw Intelligence)ž
ž1996: Recorded 3 albums with live band currently named Soulive (Stax Records)žž
1995-1996: Recorded and co-produced album with NYC producer Cochisežžžž

References

http://adambernard.blogspot.com/2008/02/artist-of-week-edreys.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESPN_NFL_2K5

http://www.nobodysmiling.com/hiphop/interview/88867.php

http://www.realraptalk.com/f121/new-artist-edreys-121565/

http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/celebrity_interviews/Edreys-46947-page2.html

http://thisistomorrow.blogspot.com/2008/02/edreys-duino-joke-and-6th-sense-its.html

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/underground/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003793772&inp=true

http://warpedtour.com/warpedtour/bands.asp

External links

* [http://www.edreys.com Edreys' Blog]
* [http://www.dtr45.com DTR45, Edreys' recording label]
* [http://www.myspace.com/edreysmusic Edreys' Myspace page]