Drezus

Jeremiah Manitopyes (born August 28, 1982), better known by his stage name Drezus (drē-zəˈs) is a Plains Cree rapper and activist based in Calgary, Alberta. These awards followed the success of his album, Indian Summer, released in the summer of 2014. One member of the group, Big Stomp, was especially impressed with the young rapper, pointing out the fact that Manitopyes was "a diamond in the rough." He was able to keep with the beat flawlessly and had no trouble flowing with the production.

2000–2012 Drezus was invited to start Rezofficial, which would include some of the former members of War Party. Their debut album, The Foundation, would go on to win the Canadian Aboriginal Music Award for Best Rap/Hip-Hop album in 2004. As a result of such album, Drezus has won multiple awards and been invited to visit and speak to government agencies such as the Calgary Youth Offender Center.

Since the release of Red Winter, Drezus has recognized the fact that songs like Warpath are not going to be played on the radio, but he says that now, he is exactly where he should be. As of 2017, he has begun work with Taboo from the Black Eyed Peas and has caught the eye of MTV/VMA with a nomination with Taboo for a possible award. Drezus, alongside Taboo with Mag7, officially won "Best Fight Against The System" MTV VMA Award in Summer 2017. He is expected to drop a new album this summer, but the future of Drezus is yet to be seen.

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

Artistry

Musical style Manitopyes has compared himself to artists such as Public Enemy and N.W.A with his biggest influence of all time being Ice Cube. Some of his other influences, however, include Notorious BIG, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Wu-Tang Clan, Dr. Dre, and Run-DMC. His early musical style was similar to War Party, a Native hip-hop group. He would write about the gang lifestyle, but as he grew older, after a couple jail stints, he reformed his music to act as a retelling of his story, with ties to his Native life and history.

Activism Since his recent success, Drezus has worked on giving back to his community. He holds youth/community workshops and gives keynote speeches regarding his journey. "I would tell them that they are all young warriors and have a special place in this world as light givers. Put the phone down and go shoot some hoops, feel the sun, snow, rain or whatever and just be thankful to be alive. There is always a way out of whatever seems to be bothering you or preventing you from being happy. Be yourself, love hard and work harder. Be proud to be. One day while you're out chasing your dreams that light will find you and it will show you a whole different world full of opportunities and goodness. Go get it."

Discography

Indian Summer 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 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