Drew Blessed Interview | Beginnings, Influences, Upcoming Releases + More
Hailing from the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, New York, Drew Blessed is a versatile musician and producer whose journey in music began in the heart of Flatbush. Born and raised in the borough that breathes creativity, Drew discovered his passion for producing in 2014.
Beyond the beats, Drew had always been the lyrical wordsmith in his circle, known for his freestyle prowess and clever wordplay. Writing poetry as a child fueled his transition into the world of rap, where he found joy in coloring outside the lines and creating something truly unique.
As a self-producing artist and DJ, Drew Blessed continues to carve his path in the music industry, with a keen eye on the future and a passion for exploring new sonic territories. Currently seeking new ventures, the east coast talent is open to collaborations and opportunities to expand his reach beyond the studio.
It was only right we sat down with Drew for an exclusive interview, in which he tell us more about his beginnings, his influences, upcoming releases and much more.
Check it out in full after the jump.
When did you start producing?
Drew: “I started [producing] in 2014, one day after finding my sisters “College Dropout” CD. After listening to “Family Business” .. I told myself, “I want to make beats.” So I googled “how to make beats” and the first link was a program called ‘Mixcraft 6’. And after I downloaded it, I made my first beat in just 20 minutes. I tried to copy the style of sampling cause I didn’t have a keyboard so I used the CPU keyboard to cut samples. A year later [2015], my mentor gave me my first MIDI controller.”
When did you start making music?
Drew: “I was the always the rapper or the “freestyle guy” out my friends group for as long as I can remember. I wrote poetry as a kid and my love for words moved to reciting bars in the funniest, clever way I can imagine. Since i started making music I always felt the urge to color outside the lines and make something that didn’t exist elsewhere.”
Releasing music?
Drew: “I released by first single in 2021, and now I have four instrumental tapes under my belt and some very solid singles including my most recent.. “She Drugs Love” featuring TONIOBABI.”
How do you describe your sound? Get specific.
Drew: “My sound is bouncy boom bap with infectious sample selection and arrangement. I like to to take advantage of all the frequencies in a song. Soul chop and sounds I pick up recording throughout the City. I’d say my style is similar to Marco Polo or The Alchemist.”
Who/what are your influences?
Drew: “MF DOOM , Madlib, Big L, Kanye West… Jay-Z. My Jamaican background plays a role in how I speak and rap.. plus being from NYC.. my slang is a mash up of jokes and jabs. Studying English made my writing better but not so much in the law of the language but in how I pronounce words.”
What was the inspiration behind your recent single and video “She Drugs Love?”
Drew: “The inspiration came from a joke while touring through Asia, while partying in Japan and Thailand, and being offered so much “fun.” I found myself having to keep explaining that I don’t drink alcohol very often so the alternative was to offer me any drugs that was on hand. Realizing I didn’t share the same passion for “party accessories,” I wrote the song from a perspective of someone talking to a girl and giving her advice about substance abuse.. explaining you can still have fun without it.”
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What can fans expect from Drew Blessed in 2024?
Drew: “Fans can expect a new EP later this month titled “Forgiven,” the third installment of “LAZY” in June .. and a visual to “Purp OG.” Oh and [another] project called “Beating Cases & Kissing Faces,” the sequel to “The Higher The Fare I Higher I Jump.” Stay tuned, I’m working!
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