Drei Ros is the Romanian artist who has been spicing up the music industry for a number years.
From working with the likes of Pusha T, Gucci Mane and Kap G, to his most recent Latina trap track ‘Bomberos’ with Los Rakas and Breakfast N Vegas, Drei has proven his versatility as an artist, yet has only just touched the surface in terms of what he is capable of.
Later this year, Drei will be showing himself off to the world unapologetically with the release of his 808 Mafia produced album Excuse My Accent. Ahead of the album’s release, Drei has dropped an incredibly ‘Lit’ new single.
‘Lit’ sees Drei collaborate with Sy Ari Da Kid, Reo Cragun and Tray Haggerty. The result is an exciting offering which shows that Drei means business and isn’t holding back with his new material.
We recently had the chance to quiz Drei about ‘Lit’, Excuse My Accent, collaborations, Romania’s musical influence, and much more.
Congratulations on your new single ‘Lit’! How would you describe the song in three words?
My new single is LIT, energetic, and saucy.
What can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song?
My inspiration for the song comes from the feeling you get when you accomplish all of the things you have been trying to do, and you look back and reflect and celebrate. That feeling to me is LIT, being the man of the year, being the best man you can be.
https://soundcloud.com/dreiros/lit
The track is a collaboration with Sy Ari Da Kid, Reo Cragun and Tray Haggerty. How did the collab come about and what were they like to work with?
The song and collaboration came to be from a lot of mutual connections. The city of LA is the kind of place where people love to connect and network, we all have a love for music, and the song resonated with all of us. Next thing you know, we have a hit, another one for the books.
You also have your own upcoming album Excuse My Accent. What can listeners expect from your album?
My upcoming album in a way is my introduction, my first impression to the world of hip hop. With this album I wanted to really give listeners an in depth view of my life and motivations. Music has always been my passion, and coming from a foreign country, translating my own story is hard to do. With this album, I wanted to speak in the universal language of music, and with that, an introduction to new fans, and new people that my music reaches, I say excuse my accent.
The album has been produced by 808 Mafia who’s worked with Drake, Migos, DJ Khaled and more. What was 808 Mafia like to work with?
808 Mafia are some one the most talented producers I know, I am honored to have worked with them and look forward to working with them in the future. The way I see it, when you have good hearted people all together in one place, amazing things can happen, and with that comes this amazing project.
What do you hope people will take away from your music?
I hope they take away a feeling of empowerment. I want people to know there are no limitations for making your dreams come true. Regardless of ethnic background, home town, country, age, gender, or language, you can make your dreams a reality when you focus and work hard.
You’ve collaborated with a lot of artists in the past, including Breakfast N Vegas & Los Rakas on ‘Bombero’ which we love. Who’s been your favourite artist to work with so far?
For me to tell you a favorite artist would be like asking me what my favorite movie is, it’s a very hard question. I have many reasons for why I enjoyed working with everyone that I have had the pleasure of working with. In order to fully answer this question, we would need to grab some coffee because the list is long.
https://soundcloud.com/dreiros/bombero
Growing up in Romania, what was the music scene like there?
The music scene back home is nice, it’s good vibes all over my home town and I have good relationships with a lot of the artists out there. If you haven’t been to Romania you should go, it’s a whole new world out there.
Now you’re based in LA, which is full of musical inspiration. How has the city influenced you as an artist?
LA is a very inspirational place, it’s so full of talent and driven people that it really makes you step it up. I always enjoy a challenge, so being here has been a dream come true, and there is never a dull moment in the city of angels. I’m sure all the talented people here can agree.
Who are your musical influences?
I grew up listening to 2Pac, Biggie and a lot of really inspirational artists. It’s hard to pin point a few without coming back to this and realizing how many I missed. I can’t wait to do projects with some of them, I’m sure in the future you will see me talking about how it was working with some of the artists that inspired me coming up.
How has your music evolved since the beginning of your journey?
My music is an evolution of my self, as long as I continue to grow so will my music. I’ve learned so much, moving from home, traveling, and seeing so much that the world has going on, it’s really put in perspective my musical direction and the kind vibe I want to give off.
The passing of your father led to your first musical project in Romanian, ‘Between Life and Death’. The project was never officially released – is this something that could happen in the future?
The subject of my father and that album is a touchy one. I’m sure in the future, in one way or another, I will be able to articulate what I wanted to. As long as you stay tuned I’m sure you will see more into the depth of my mind and musical expression.
You were once a professional basketball player. Do you still play a little for fun from time to time?
I do play from time to time, it’s something I love and will always love to do.
What would you like to achieve within the next few years?
I want to be able to share my music with anyone that wants to feel the vibes I’m giving off. Music helped me through a lot, and with that I want to pass that feeling on, I want to connect the people to each other, the way it should be.
What are your plans for the remainder of the year?
I have a lot planned for the remainder of the year, more amazing songs and collaborations, so much to share. All of this up coming project has been really on point with where I want to be and I’m excited to have everyone listen to my story and to enjoy my wave.
Thank you to Drei Ros for his time. Keep up to date with him via Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
‘Lit’ is available now on Spotify and iTunes.