Dre Polo: One of Phoenix’s Realest
One of my favorite artists to watch for 2023
Phoenix’s Dre Polo has an infectious passion for life and Hip Hop and is “positive vibes only” personified. With a DJ for a Father, said passion is embedded in his code, as is integrity and taking the craft seriously. Writing bars since the tender age of ten, Dre has put the work in ever since: opening up for artists like Snoop Dogg, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Twista, Mack 10, Warren G, Berner, and Hi-Rez. With all of that said, aside from him being a top-notch dude, I’m writing about him today because he can really rap.
What first caught my eye/ear was the visuals for “Who Is D.R.E:
As a Fugees fan, the Fu-Gee-La flip caught my ear immediately, as did the honest but potent bars “they try to book us for a show, they gotta pay us first, before I sign I tell my lawyer check the paperwork.” There’s a straightforward dope to his writing that encapsulates the moment he’s in: a force to be reckoned with who has put in the work but is still navigating this minefield of an industry to find his true worth. Dre is someone that speaks to other like-minded dream chasers, encouraging them while schooling them on what to look out for (“I Rap Better” is another super dope example of Dre’s brand of Hip Hop).
Polo’s hustle is something to admire, as homie has NINE projects under his belt, a prolific work rate, indie artist or otherwise. He’s continuing to apply pressure into 2023, recently dropping (this past January) yet another project: No Sleep Til Billboard. This project continues the trend of Dre Polo bringing stylistic versatility, authenticity, and presence as a spitter. “December 31st” is probably my favorite joint on the record: loving the soulful vocal sample and Dre getting introspective and personal while painting a vivid picture of his younger days.
More than ever, Hip Hop is filled with opportunists cheapening the art and using it as a means for attention and wealth. So whenever I come across an artist who I know to be the opposite of the aforementioned, I do whatever I can to support and encourage them. With that said, I encourage you to support Dre Polo by following him on Instagram, checking him out on Spotify, and giving his music just a fraction of your undivided attention; you’ll be happy you did.
