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Dre Butterz: The Thin Line Between Crazy & Genius | @drebutterz313

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Music Producer/Artist Discusses Mental Illness and Misunderstood Creativity of Kanye West
As written by Treavion Davenport

We all do it. We are quick to call someone ‘crazy’ and dismiss or humorously explain unorthodox behavior like Kanye West’s as being a symptom of mental illness. West has commonly referred to his mental condition as a superpower vs a disability. The truth is, mental illness is a real thing, and yes, Black people suffer from bipolarism, depression, anxiety, and paranoia too!

Clearly, it’s a cultural thing with us. We have overcome so much as a people, from the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the oppression and debilitating impact of slavery itself, to Civil Rights and the George Bush era, that we are raised to believe that we can handle anything. Make no mistake about it, we are a strong, resilient, resourceful, highly evolving bunch of unicorns, but let’s face it, we are members of the HUMAN RACE, where all are created equal. To that effect, we all are susceptible to the rigors and effects of mental illnesses, and the woes of this world taking a toll on even the best of us.

Fortunately for creatives, like visual artists, writers, designers, and musicians; their respective art forms provide an outlet for their emotions, and is even therapeutic. BMB Entertainment music producer Dre Butterz, candidly discusses how making music was his saving grace before, during, and after he elected to check himself into a treatment facility last year for what he learned was anxiety and exhaustion.

“One day while at the hospital, I was just standing outside smoking a cigarette and like always the music made its way to my consciousness. I heard a beat, and it hit me that I didn’t have anything to play, no instruments, or keys to touch and for a minute I was shook…but then I just began to snap my fingers and the music just flowed through my hands. Suddenly others around me started chiming in, making beats with their voices, and on the wall, it might sound crazy, but it was one of the most powerful jam sessions I’ve ever had.”

Dre Butterz’ program lasted for 10 days, during that time he received help identifying where some of his issues stemmed from, was administered mild medication to aid in balancing his anxiety, caught up on some much-needed rest, and introduced to tools to manage symptoms should they arise again. Most of all, by snubbing the stereotypes, and potential ridicule regarding African Americans, and especially black males seeking mental wellness; Butterz was able to find his footing and regain the control over his emotions that he felt he was losing.

Upon his completion and return to the place he calls home, i.e. the lab, the music, melodies, songs and ultimate magic he created resulted in the soon to be released masterpiece aptly entitled Wish You Well. The solo EP that features Dre Butterz as the artist, vs the beatmaker behind the board, and ad lib vocalist.

According to Butterz “Wish You Well is the most real, I’ve allowed myself to be in a very long time. I’m happier than I’ve ever been and thankful that I allowed myself to submit to something different, the outcome is me being my best self, and one of my best bodies of work.”

The Detroit musician is extremely vocal about his appreciation for BMB CEO Brian Brown for his support through all of his adversities; never turning his back on him or kicking him off the label like so many majors would have. He acknowledges his cousin Ladawn Ford, dear friend Rashard James and manager Cedric Louie for the never-ending support and encouragement. He boasts that his children are a constant source of inspiration, and applauds none more than his beloved mother for reinforcing her non-judging love and instilling a strong faith in God.

Butterz when asked about the parallel with his personal mental condition, and Kanye’s own admission of being diagnosed with mental illness; he demonstrates deep empathy, and is humbled by any comparison to the talented and fearless West. The BMB producer/artist suggests that Yeezy may not be as ‘off’ as most think. “I’ve always looked up to Kanye, what others might see as craziness, to me is another level of thinking. People are quick to question the mental stability of everything and everyone they don’t understand”.

Kanye himself revealed that when he was diagnosed with a “mental condition” at the age of 39, he considered it a “superpower” that helps fuel his creativity.

Beat master Butterz continues, “Kanye’s is eccentric, not insane. He’s not afraid to create and is committed to his true authenticity; I can’t help but appreciate that. Who knows? He might be the best marketing genius of our time, one thing is for sure, if he dropped a project tomorrow it would go platinum”.

More than ever mental health, self-care, and wellness as a whole are subjects more that are popular, hot-button topics in urban culture. This is a good thing. Conversations and awareness about taboo or touchy subjects are the only way to get it all on the table and a progression toward healing. On some level, we are fortunate to have special individuals like Kanye West, and now Dre Butterz to stimulate and further this dialog.

Let’s just hope that Dre Butterz Wish You Well will enjoy the success it warrants without a visit to the White House. His current project, a cleverly curated 6-track EP Drop That Flame, featuring Neisha Neshae, Kevo Hendricks, HBK, Sino, Bryan Hamilton, Ashley Rose, and Sam Austin has received strong, favorable reviews and be found on Spotify, YouTube and online platforms everywhere.

@drebutterz313

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Dee-1 Calls Raheem DeVaughn To “Purify My Eyes”

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Fresh off his Breakfast Club appearance after having “Lines Drawn” with help from Billboard and successfully migrating From The Hood To Harvard, NOLA native Dee-1 taps Soul singer/songwriter Raheem DeVaughn for “Purify My Eyes.” Continuing his theme of counter-culture centered messaging the timely track, which was produced by Anonymous, urges listeners to replace images of corruption and cynicism with lifegiving content to reprogram our thinking for the better.

“This is easily one the most important songs I have ever done because it provides Hip-Hop with a solution-based perspective meant to combat some of the problems we face as a culture. It’s honest, raw, and transparent. I’ve been friends with Raheem Devaughn for a long time, so to finally collaborate on a song feels great. When I played the record for him, he fell in love with it and instantly added his parts; which took the song to another level,” say’s the David Found His Slingshot author in a exclusive statement to Medium Creative Agency.

Award-winning rapper. educator, host, activist, business owner, and keynote speaker are synonymous with Louisiana’s Dee-1. The Nasir “Nas” Jones Hip Hop Fellow at Harvard University is a Billboard Top 10 charting, game-changing MC with a persona to match his penmanship. He’s transitioned from being a middle school math teacher in The Boot to a Hip-Hop heavyweight with much more to accomplish. He has released 10 albums and 21 projects thus far in his career.

Dee-1’s music is part of a bigger lifestyle movement called Mission Vision, which centers around three core principles: Be Real. Be Righteous. Be Relevant. In 2020, Dee received the prestigious NAACP “Power of Influence Award,” highlighting his community activism and commitment to inspiring the youth. In 2021, he was nominated for an Emmy Award for his work on “The Manhattan Project,” but he lost to Michelle Obama. Later that year, Dee was appointed to the “Louisiana Council for the Success of Black Men and Boys” by Governor John Bel Edwards, making him the first rapper in Louisiana history to become a governor’s appointee.

After addressing critics and fans alike in the official music video for the Danny Beats-produced single for “Lines Drawn” and following his viral interview on Sway In The Morning centered around industry hypocrisy, Emmy-nominated educator turned entertainer Dee-1 released his latest project to date From The Hood To Harvard. The 8-track body of work includes guest features from Skyy Brooks as well as P3RK and is anchored by supporting records “Impostor Syndrome” & “Dr. Freshh.”

Stream “Purify My Eyes” on your DSP of choice below and watch Dee-1‘s interview with The Breakfast Club | HERE.

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Chelsea Pastel Releases Motivative New Single “Price Going Up”

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To celebrate “Greener” pastures, following the announcement of her joining Kid Cudi’s ‘Insano World Tour,’ Cleveland native Chelsea Pastel releases the Cassius G-produced single “Price Going Up.” Marking CP’s explosive entrance into 2024, the empowering anthem resonates with anybody pushing forward with resilience and determination. With infectious beats and powerful vocals, she asserts her presence as a rising star to watch. Setting the stage for an exciting year ahead, the brand-new track is a bold declaration of Chelsea’s unwavering commitment to excellence.

“I jumped off that porch, I’m not going back to that house and I mean just that. I’m never looking back. I took a leap of faith and where I land is where I’m staying,” says the talented triple threat in a press statement to Medium Creative Agency about her latest release.

Born and bred in Forest City, Chelsea found her passion for music early on, which led her to enroll in the Cleveland School of Arts. After graduating, Chelsea begin to make a name for herself throughout the Midwest and beyond. Her unique sonic style, catchy hooks, and lyrical prowess have earned her the title of Cleveland’s Next Up talent.

Apart from accolades, which include spotlight spots regionally on WKYC and Dirty Glove Bastard as well as national recognition on top-tier entertainment networks like BET, Chelsea is a self-taught instrumentalist who often handles her production, writing, and engineering. Her unique brand of ballads can be best classified as a fusion of Rap and Pop with a touch of Rock accented by old-school flavor.

Press play on “Price Going Up” on your DSP of choice below and watch the visual for “Greener” | HERE via Pastel Productions LLC / Vydia.

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Chill Vibes and Sultry Melodies: Exploring iazY’s Latest Release “Pink Leaf”

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Hailing from the vibrant city of Irvine, the rising artist iazY is making waves with her latest single, “Pink Leaf,” released under her own label, iazY Music Ent. This track, produced by The Real Mapa and engineered by Troy “R8dio” Johnson, introduces listeners to iazY’s signature sound—a fusion of Urban pop rock melodies.

iazY shared her motivation behind crafting “Pink Leaf,” revealing, “I just had this vision of just a chill vibe, something for my ladies.” This intention shines through in the song’s laid-back groove and sultry lyrics, creating an irresistible atmosphere that invites listeners to unwind and groove along.

What sets “Pink Leaf” apart for iazY is not only its sound but also the emotions it evokes. She explains, “I think just how the song sounds and how it makes me feel. It just puts me in that ‘have fun chill’ vibe.” With its catchy hooks and lush production, “Pink Leaf” effortlessly captures iazY’s essence as an artist, marking a milestone in her musical journey.

As iazY continues to captivate audiences with her unique blend of genres and infectious energy, fans eagerly anticipate upcoming shows and releases. To stay updated on iazY’s latest endeavors, follow her on Instagram @iazyofficial and keep an ear out for future announcements from iazY Music Ent.

Visit iazyMusic.com

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