Drezus facts for kids

Drezus (pronounced drē-zəˈs), whose real name is Jeremiah Manitopyes, was born on August 28, 1982. He is a Plains Cree rapper and activist. Drezus lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

He has won many awards for his music. These include Best Music Video, Best Producer/Engineer, Best Rap/Hip Hop Album, and Indigenous Entertainer of the Year. These awards came after his album, Indian Summer, was released in 2014. Jeremiah Manitopyes has used his music to share his story and inspire others.

Early Life and Beginnings

Jeremiah Manitopyes was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on August 28, 1982. He grew up as a First Nations person. He faced many difficulties in his early life.

Music Career Journey

Starting Out in Music

Drezus showed his talent for music at a young age. A well-known Native hip-hop group from the 1990s, War Party, was very impressed by him. He performed a 20-minute freestyle rap for them. One member, Big Stomp, called him "a diamond in the rough." Drezus could rap perfectly with the beat.

Forming Rezofficial and Early Success

Drezus was invited to help start a new group called Rezofficial. Some former members of War Party joined him. Their first album, The Foundation, won an award in 2004. It was named Best Rap/Hip-Hop album at the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards.

The group was invited to perform at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games. However, Drezus could not attend. He was going through a difficult time in his life.

Finding a New Path

In 2012, Drezus attended a program that helped him learn about his heritage. He learned traditional Native songs. This experience helped him connect with his identity. He began to care more about his roots.

After this, he had a very important moment. He decided to change his life for the better. He moved back to Calgary. There, he reconnected with his family, including his young son. This new connection changed his outlook. It also changed his music.

His album Red Winter was released in 2013. This album helped Drezus win more awards. He was also invited to speak to groups like the Calgary Youth Offender Center. He shared his story to help others.

Recent Achievements and Collaborations

Since Red Winter, Drezus has continued to make music that tells his story. He knows that some of his songs, like Warpath, might not be played on the radio. But he feels he is exactly where he should be.

In 2017, Drezus started working with Taboo from the famous group Black Eyed Peas. They were nominated for an MTV/VMA. Drezus, Taboo, and Mag7 won the "Best Fight Against The System" MTV VMA Award in the summer of 2017.

In August 2019, Drezus appeared in the TV show Yellowstone (American TV series) (Season 2, Episode 8).

Musical Style and Influences

Drezus has compared his musical style to groups like Public Enemy and N.W.A. He says his biggest influence is Ice Cube. Other artists who inspired him include Notorious BIG, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Wu-Tang Clan, Dr. Dre, and Run-DMC.

His early music was similar to War Party. It talked about challenging life experiences. As he grew older, his music changed. It became more about his personal journey and his Native heritage.

Activism and Community Work

Drezus is dedicated to giving back to his community. He leads workshops for young people. He also gives speeches about his life journey. He hopes to inspire others to reach their full potential.

He often shares messages of hope. He tells young people they are "young warriors" and "light givers." He encourages them to enjoy life, be thankful, and work hard. He believes there is always a way to overcome challenges.

Discography

• Indian Summer (2014)
  • Solomon's Prayer
  • The Sequel
  • Like This
  • Cruisin' (ft. Lightningcloud)
  • Say (ft. Inez)
  • All I Can Be (ft. K-Riz)
  • Free
  • Free Part II (ft. Fendercase)
  • Nehiyah Girl (ft. Joey Stylez)
  • Warpath
  • High Note (ft. Merkules, Nato & Sese)
  • Reminisce (ft. Hellnback & Big Slim)
  • What You Need (ft. Fayliesha)
  • The Morning After
  • Out My Window (ft. Young Kidd)
• Red Winter (2013)
  • Intro
  • Day of Action (ft. Main Flow)
  • Red Winter
  • Big Dreams (ft. Nato)
  • Feel's Good (ft. Brooklyn)
  • Me & U (ft. Inez Jasper)
  • Lose Control
  • Don't Give Up On Me
  • Rose

Awards and Nominations

• Indigenous Music Awards:
  • Best Music Video: Warpath
  • Best Producer/Engineer: Indian Summer
  • Best Rap/Hip-Hop Album: Indian Summer
  • Indigenous Entertainer of the Year
• Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards:
  • Best Rap/Hip-Hop Album: The Foundation
• MTV Video Music Award:
  • Best Fight Against the System with Mag7
• The SOCAN Awards:
  • Vince Fontaine Indigenous Song Award