Being a triple threat for an artist is a requirement as opposed to a unique gift that some have. Rather you are a recording artist, actor, or fashion guru, you must have three solid talents to survive the entertainment landscape. Some pull it off flawlessly (Mos Def) while others do more damage (50 Cent…have you seen his acting skills or lack thereof?) Nevertheless, when a new “triple threat” comes out, we are eager to praise them for being inhumanly talented or slam them for being greedy with fame.
Enter Idris Elba.
Some of you knew him as Stringer Bell from The Wire or for you romantic lushes, Beyonce’s husband in Obsessed. He was even on The Office while serving as the over zealous Tango in American Gangster. But no matter your theatrical preference, you’ve crossed his path so you have an understanding that he is an actor…check one.
He is also a respectable DJ that has been engulfed in the craft since he was 14. He started his own DJ company and began working in nightclubs throughout London. Although his craft took a backseat to his acting, he still managed to grab some legitimate gigs— spinning at NBA All Star parties and serving as the DJ for BET’s Rising Icons…check two.
And now he’s upped the ante because he wants to and well, because he can. Prior to releasing his new EP, High Class Problems Volume 1, he co-produced and performed on the intro to Jay-Z’s American Gangster album. But now that all of his ducks are aligned, he is ready to stand alone and introduce Driis, the artist…check three.
Like all EP’s, High Class Problems Vol 1 simply serves as a teaser to what is yet to come, almost like going to a wine tasting event. You aren’t supposed to get drunk— simply take in the flavors to get a feel of what you truly like and dislike. Apply that logic to this situation and decide if you want to get drunk off Driis, or if you want to just have a small portion and keep it moving. But abolish the notion that says actors can’t be musicians…be open and give Driis a chance before completely writing him off. The EP contains production from Pete Rock, 9th Wonder, and Vitamin D with Mr. Elba holding production credits as well. So taste it, and see if it’s a flavor that you can vibe with or move to the next station for something more fulfilling.
1: Best That I Can
Written by Driis
Produced by Vitamin D
2: Please Be True
Written by Driis
Produced by Pete Rock & Driis
3: Private Garden
Written by Driis
Produced by 9th Wonder
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4: Extraordinary Love
Written by Driis & Hanif Jainlett
Produced by Hanif Jainlett for Hevlar Recordings
5: Absolutely
Written by Driis & The Klassix
Produced by The Klassix
For more information on Driis, visit:
http://www.driismusic.com/
www.myspace.com/idrismusic
Release Date: February 8, 2010
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Not bad…kinda has that Mos Def vibe with the half singing/half rapping thing. If he sticks with it he might be able to create his own lane.
It through me at first because of the accent but I dig it. Especially the keys and the trumpets. Can’t wait to hear what Pete brought to the table.
Couldn’t believe this when I saw this! I loves his Stringer Bell character on “The Wire”, the man has mad charisma. And by the look of the producers involved, his musical taste doesn’t seem off either, so I’m definitely checkin this out
Wow, that “Private Garden” tune is groovy as hell! Reminds me a little bit of the first Wale Oyejide Album too. Lookin forward to hear more
9th used the same sample for his “Ether” remix of off God’s Stepson