Dremur

Don’t be fooled by Dremur’s appearance: straight faced, quiet, bearded dude that raps. As soon as he hits the stage, he’s guaranteed to erase all assumption you’ve had. He believes in positivity and wants all “dreamers” to reach their goals. His first mixtape, “For The Love of Dilla”, put him on the map. He has just released his second project, “One Step Away Miles to Go” and it’s everything that’s absolute Dremur; a direct look into his life, his mind, and his soul.

Watch Latasha interview him for DopeFiles.com!

- Dopefiles.com

Name: Andre “Dremur” Manning
Age: 23
Hometown: Bronx,NY
Location: Jersey City,NJ
Links: http://whoisdremur.com , http://twitter.com/dremurmusic

Describe your sound as if we were deaf
My sound is blue skies, bright sun, cold glass of raspberry-lemonade with a patron shot you know everything thats sweet has to have a little kick to it.

What producers, songwriters and/or artists do you see as your primary inspirations?
As an artist my primary inspiration comes from other artist working hard on their craft, the simple answer would have to be Jay-Z, Common, Lupe and Kanye. Personally I feel those are models of inspiration when your hearing their story about their grind, know what i mean? For me to know someone personally and see their grind and be able to understand their grind from a first person perspective is more inspirational BUT if you still want me to name a few (lol) they would be YC the Cynic, Kalil Kash, Scienze, L.A. and so many more.

Do you have a favorite musical project that you’ve worked on?
At the moment my first project “For the Love of Dilla” is my favorite at the moment. “For the Love of Dilla” was a semi-tribute tape to the late great artist/producer James “J.Dilla” Yancey , I say it was a semi tribute because not every song was crafted to be dedicated to Dilla actually it was really just me mentally working with a producer that helped me develop a new sound for myself through his music. But I’m getting this gut feeling that my second project “One Step Away…..Miles To Go” just might bump “For the Love Of Dilla” out of the way (lol)

What was the main factor for launching your career when you did?
I was in college to make my mother happy but my heart was in music. Trying to make my mother happy and myself happy as well, I ended up getting academically suspended from college.I just couldn’t focus. So my girlfriend who was just a friend at the time looked at me andsaid, “maybe you need to do what it is that you love to do!” And after those words of advice I hit the ground running and haven’t stopped since then.

Who are some people you would like to work with?
I would really like to work with J.Cole not only as an artist but as a producer as well he’s pretty dope. I just started listening to this new cat he goes by the name of J.F. Brooks I would really like to work with him he’s pretty ill! Of course I want to work with some of the greats in the music industry and not only hip-hop artist but also Jazz musicians and Opera singers. I think that would be dope a crossover of hip-hop and opera. Anybody I work with I want to make timeless music with them. I want people of great-grands to know my music not just the lyrics but the production of it as well. So when I’m either retired or somewhere in the galaxy I can know the great-grands have listened.

How is the internet changing your craft?
It’s helped a lot I have had the opportunity to expand my base of supporters, producers and bloggers from all different regions of the world, because of the internet I was able to perform in different cities along the east coast all in my first year of performing and recording music,2010 was really good to me.

Do you feel like what you are doing is important?
It must be and I’m not saying that to sound cocky and arrogant but recently i have been in a motivational slump. I feel like the WHOLE industry is becoming over saturated with “wanna be overnight” success. Nobody seems to want to take their craft serious and elevate it to the highest power to where the need of a big name co-sign is irrelevant, and a few friends of mine told me that I cant give up. In reality whats going on SUCKS. but my friends told me I have the type of music they can play to their parents, to there little brothers and sisters. They also told me that despite how I feel about the whole industry that just me pursing what I love to do is motivational to them, and thats when I truly realized people do I have an open eye and ear to what I’m doing.I realized what I am doing is not only important to me but also important to the people that have invested there time, strengths, and attention to me.

Lastly, could you talk about any long-term goals or talents you have in mind?
One of my biggest goals that I want to reach is to write a HIP-HOP musical and when I say that I want all aspects of hip-hop not just a specific region or sound. I want to tell a story through the culture that will not only capture the minds of the youth but will also elevate the culture and show people that just because stereotypes exist not all of them are accurate.
- Convention Magazine

Song Post - Ray Stantz

As long as there are mics to record into there will never be a shortage of Dilla tributes from emcees wanting to pay homage to the man. Introducing an emcee from NYC named Dremur, take a listen to his dedication... - Conscious

(Bronx, New York) Independent hip hop artist, producer, poet, Dremur delivers his single “Asian Lover”. Check it out.
dremurtherebel.blogspot.com/ - FuNkwoRm

MC and Producer Dremur put together this dope compilation of tracks. He says it’s a tribute to J Dilla, “an individual who made soul music before soul music was popular.”

Although it dropped a little later than most Dilla tributes, don’t overlook this. Lots of dope original material put together on this joint, and I think it really has a “Dilla feel” — not to say it’s a direct emulation, but it’s got a lot of influence. It also features some dope guest MCs including the homie YC the Cynic and more.

Enough babbling, just check it out.

Download/Stream: Dremur – For The Love of Dilla (via Bandcamp)

Popularity: 1% [?] - Tyler Hakes

“Nothing more than a moon amongst a constellation of star “

Dremur” – Why


“Grind till the sunshine” a simple phrase that means a lot to a young Bronx breed MC, who doesn’t desire the glitz and the glam of the industry. He’s satisfied with being heard. Raised by a single parent Dremur has been dealt his fare share of dilemmas unlike many of his close friends and peers he choose to rise above. His fear of pursuing a music career soon subsided after meeting Donny Goines, an underground MC steady on the rise, who gave him some wise words…”no matter how tired or lazy you feel if you want something you go for it no matter what”. Those words have remained embedded in his mind ever since.

Dremur is humble and down to earth and feels the simple things in life are the best things in life. He loves all things that are artistic from dance, painting, and singing. Dremur understands that music as a career choice can be a very challenging journey but with the right support and the right connections he is ready and willing to face all hurdles.

Dremur is also one fourth of hip-hop group Starvin Rebels, along with J.Haz, Mr. Geronimo and Epiphany Blu. Constantly referred to Kanye for his appearance, Lupe for his flow and Common for his word play, Dremur remains level headed and looks at these artists as people who have created a platform for him to follow.

Although the market is full of dance songs and poppy beats with auto-tuned hooks, his outlook on the game still remains the same. The cliché line would be that Dremur is a breath of fresh air, but to be honest he doesn’t feel that way. “I’m more reminiscent of what was, a reminder to the older cats and real hip-hop heads that lyrical craftsmanship still exist”. He is unsure of where his career will go as an artist but he is an avid believer if you can’t get in one way then you better find another.

If you have not yet heard of Dremur you soon will, as he continues to grind until his name is a common name on the hip-hop scene. As a writer of feel good music, a lover of art, and all around great guy, Dremur has the motivation, determination, talent and charisma to reach his dream and turn it into a reality. Currently Dremur is working on his first EP, For the Love of Dilla which is slated for electronic release February 2010. He is also working with his group, Starvin Rebels on their debut project as well.

“As an artist I just love the fact that my music could possible make someone feel good, and become motivated to take it to the next level. That’s what I want for people, to find peace, love, and prosperity. That’s why I say that at the end of all my messages because I’m searching for it and so should all my people” - DreMur - James

“Your music lives on. Your music lives strong. In the mind, body, and soul, I feel he media is wrong” as the mix tape begins with words from Dremur. This tribute to the late J. Dilla starts of with sort of an audio collage for the ears. Listen as the beats maintain the simple “boom bap” over harmonies, giving that J. Dilla feel.

18 tracks with rhythmic hooks that ride the beat with an abundance of features from artists like Geronimo, YC the Cynic, Black Magic, and Epiphany Blu, just to name a few.

According to popular belief, those who have come across ‘For the Love of Dilla’, ‘Mr. Edible’, which features Geronimo, is the track to hear. The track sports a chant, “They call me Mr. Edible, uh.” The vibe is felt as the mix tape maintains a flow of a De La Soul or A Tribe Called Quest album. Telling stories on every track that could seemingly enlighten; from tracks like ‘1st Luv (Another Hip-Hop Love Story)’, followed by ‘Man’s World’, and ‘Felicia’, the classic storyteller seems present in the young Bronx, NY emcee.

Pick up on the early Common or a Slum Village feel and notice the connection of songs to the title of the mix tape. The mix tape is a tribute to soulful music for all genres and appreciation for someone who could take anything and make it sound dope as the back drop says on the intro track. - Joseph Worthy

About Dremur:
“– Nothing more than a moon amongst a constellation of star “
Dremur – Why
“Grind till the sunshine” a simple phrase that means a lot to a young Bronx breed MC, who doesn’t desire
the glitz and the glam of the industry. He’s satisfied with being heard. Raised by a single parent Dremur
has been dealt his fare share of dilemmas unlike many of his close friends and peers he choose to rise above.
His fear of pursuing a music career soon subsided after meeting Donny Goines, an underground MC steady on the rise, who gave him some wise words…”no matter how tired or lazy you feel if you want something you go for it no matter what”. Those words have remained embedded in his mind ever since.
Dremur is humble and down to earth and feels the simple things in life are the best things in life. He loves all things that are artistic from dance, painting, and singing. Dremur understands that music as a career choice can be a very challenging journey but with the right support and the right connections he is ready and willing to face all hurdles. Dremur is also one fourth of hip-hop group Starvin Rebels, along with J.Haz, Mr. Geronimo and Epiphany Blu. Constantly referred to Kanye for his appearance, Lupe for his flow and Common for his word play, Dremur remains level headed and looks at these artists as people who have created a platform for him to follow.
Although the market is full of dance songs and poppy beats with auto-tuned hooks, his outlook on the game still remains the same. The cliché line would be that Dremur is a breath of fresh air, but to be honest he doesn’t feel that way. “I’m more reminiscent of what was, a reminder to the older cats and real hip-hop heads that lyrical craftsmanship still exist”. He is unsure of where his career will go as an artist but he is an avid believer if you can’t get in one way then you better find another.
If you have not yet heard of Dremur you soon will, as he continues to grind until his name is a common name on the hip-hop scene. As a writer of feel good music, a lover of art, and all around great guy, Dremur has the motivation, determination, talent and charisma to reach his dream and turn it into a reality. Currently Dremur is working on his first EP, For the Love of Dilla which is slated for electronic release February 2010. He is also working with his group, Starvin Rebels on their debut project as well. “As an artist I just love the fact that my music could possible make someone feel good, and become motivated to take it to the next level. That’s what I want for people, to find peace, love, and prosperity. That’s why I say that at the end of all my messages because I’m searching for it and so should all my people”

LINK TO WEBSITE

http://www.dremur.bandcamp.com/ - A.B. Frasier

1. THIS 1NE FOR DILLA/ F.T.L.D. TRIBUTE
Straight-to-the-point intro that is a talk and rhyme hybrid. Beat starts up along with many quotes about J Dilla.. and that’s all it is. Very prolonged introduction. Could have been much shorter.

2. BE ALRIGHT ft. ERIC SOSA
Opening sound clip gives you a sense right away of the topic. Nice flow and voice, but can’t help but draw a comparison to Kanye in that respect. Dope content. Switching up the flow with versatility. “Stimulus” line I didn’t fully get, some muddy pronunciation there. Not feeling the chorus, not well sung.
Eric – Quirky metaphor, but not bad. From there until the buddha line is abstract. Vocals could have been mixed better, hard to hear at times.

3. BAD DAY feat THOUGHTZ & YC THE CYNIC
Chuckle-worthy track intro. Thoughtz – Tight rhyme scheme. Good mic presence. Quirky skit at the end of the verse.
YC – Dope delivery, mic presence, and rhyme scheme. “Clockwork” ok. “Day off” hehe, that’s happened to me.
Dre – Rides the beat well. No real standout lines from either MC on this track.

4. CAN YOU FEEL IT/CONSCIOUS RHYMES
Feeling the Wylcef-ish type flow on this. Cool use of vocal effects. “Down with the beat/comatose” ok. Diggin’ this chorus, goes very well with the beat. Pretty decent, yet overdone, bridge into an awesome beat switch. Good use of vocabulary.

5. MR EDIBLE ft. GERONIMO
Nice topic. “Raisinette eyes”, “Ribs”. Dope chorus, but first verse was more about an edible girl. “From my candystand” haha! Ok here are some reference to being “Mr. Edible”. “Sour patch kids” Haha!!!
Geronimo – Good delivery. “Four ways to split that” stood out. Vocal mixing could have been better.

6. 1ST LUV (ANOTHER HIP-HOP LOVE STORY)
“Snappy happy neck” Hehe. Dope allegory and topic. Flow was alright for the most part, but a couple of rushed lines were in there (ie. “I knew this was right”).

7. MAN’S WORLD
Another unique topic. Nice content. Very short.

8. FELICIA
Yet another sick concept. Captivating story progression. Delivery is on-point. “Just killed a boy who thought he was my man” pretty good ending.

9. LET ME B THE 1NE
Nice rhyme scheme… but “Head spinnin” is repeated too much. Cool chorus. “Façade” line is rushed flow-wise. “Soul’s into you” tight. Beginning of “solar system” sequence threw me off at first. “Seed/Grow with ya” works.

10. GALAXY
“Like the clown fish” the flow on that was off. Chorus is decent. “Get Betha” semi-forced at best. After 2 minutes, only a bridge and chorus is left with a short outro. Would have rather heard another verse.

11. STAR LIGHT, STAR BRIGHT
Dope topic. Lyrics are heavy in detail. Feeling the energy and delivery on this track. The song was well-written for the beat. Chorus is pretty cool. This track should have been further up in the playlist.

12. F.L.I.P feat BLACK MAGIC
Flow is a tad choppy. Chorus is nice.
Black Magic – Good voice. Basic flow. Outro was too long. No one wants to hear that much talking, no matter the topic.

13. SICK MC feat Epiphany Blu and Lex
“Da-feet/defeat” played. Chorus was alright.
Lex – “Arthritis” not bad. Sequence was very on-topic though. Some obvious metaphors though.
Epiphany – Lyrics were hard to follow. I’m not sure if it’s her pronunciation or her writing.

14. FTLD RADIO
Interview skit. Was somewhat funny.

15. LIKE THIS
“Similes best sport” slurred. “Bars don’t sound right” I liked that line, although there was no clear punch there. Good emotion. “Tings” forced. Last minute is left for shoutouts.

16. RUNNIN feat GERONIMO & ARSINY
Beat rides for a while before the verse. Nice rhyme scheme. Chorus is tight, although a bit repetitive. “Mind over matter” nice.
Geronimo – Rudimentary flow. Delivery is held back by the flow at parts.
Ars – Tight flow. “Launchpad” dope.

17. DREMUR SPEAKS ON DILLA
Another speaking joint. It doesn’t provide anything new. Drags on.

18. BONUS BE ALRIGHT PT 2 feat OTIS CLAPP
Opening intro and Dre’s verses are identical to Pt. 1. Would have benefited with some sort of change in those aspects and production.
Otis – Lyrics aren’t very complex, but cohesive.


Strengths
+ Great quality and variety of song topics.
+ Rhyme scheme and delivery were on-point.
+ Songs were well-tailored to J Dilla’s beats.


Weaknesses
- Flow was on for the most part, but was inconsistent in some songs. Laggy and rushed lines both showed up at times.
- A lot of the songs sounded the same. I don’t believe this had to do with Dilla’s beats, but more so with similarity in delivery throughout the tape.
- Too much speaking; a couple skits were just too long.
- Overuse of repetitive and/or chant-like bridges and outros.
- Hardly any standout lines. Poetic devices were used sparingly and ineffectively.


Compatibility/Appeal Rating:
Underground: 65%
Mainstream: 35%


Favorite Song: Mr. Edible


Face Value: 8/10
- THE MC FACEMAN