Tonka Boy Dre

Northern California has always been known as one of the most diverse places in the United States, culturally, ethnically and financially, and of course this goes even more for the music scene, especially Hip-Hop. Having produced some of the best talent from many genres of music, but with many ups and downs, and in rap specifically, years past the fledgling Mobb era of the 90’s and the failed Hyphy era of five years ago, it’s a new day and it’s time for a fresh start. Tonka Boy Dre is an artist hoping to be one of the leaders for the next generation of musical talent coming out of the Bay Area. 27-year-old Oakland, California native Andre Shavers got his start playing musical instruments in elementary and middle school, and then moved on to producing beats in high school. It wasn’t until after high school around the age of 19 that Tonka Boy Dre picked up the mic and started rapping. Around the same time he was introduced by a friend to veteran musician and producer Darren Patton a.k.a. Knocademus, who’s industry credits include work with En Vogue, Bobby Valentino, KRS ONE, The Clipse and E-40. Patton remains Tonka Boy Dre’s engineer and mentor. It was only a couple of years ago however, in which Tonka Boy Dre truly started taking his music career seriously, but he has been hard at work on his grind ever since. Like many current successful artists he has taken to new technology to spread the word, utilizing social networking websites like Twitter and Facebook, on which he has developed quite a large following. Through these outlets he has heavily promoted the releases of his first two mixtapes “Californication” and “Ain’t No Room For Me”. The “Californication” tape included production from hit maker Johnny Juliano as well as Mev The Producer. Thousands of copies of the first two projects have been given out, sold and downloaded and the third in less than a year “A Lonely Mans Game” is set for release shortly. Part of the self-professed ‘New Bay’, he brings a new swagger and a new sound to an old hustle. Tonka Boy Dre who’s name derives from his custom car club, says new listeners can compare his music to the likes of Curren$y, Dom Kennedy, CyHi The Prynce and Meek Mill. His main goals are to spread his music globally, bring the Bay Area back with great music and with his film company Innovative Visions and help to pave the way for other artists with talent. For more music from Tonka Boy Dre log onto his website at WWW.Dreskionthebeat.com - Tonka Boy Dre

Northern California has always been known as one of the most diverse places in the United States, culturally, ethnically and financially, and of course this goes even more for the music scene, especially Hip-Hop. Having produced some of the best talent from many genres of music, but with many ups and downs, and in rap specifically, years past the fledgling Mobb era of the 90’s and the failed Hyphy era of five years ago, it’s a new day and it’s time for a fresh start. Tonka Boy Dre is an artist hoping to be one of the leaders for the next generation of musical talent coming out of the Bay Area. 27-year-old Oakland, California native Andre Shavers got his start playing musical instruments in elementary and middle school, and then moved on to producing beats in high school. It wasn’t until after high school around the age of 19 that Tonka Boy Dre picked up the mic and started rapping. Around the same time he was introduced by a friend to veteran musician and producer Darren Patton a.k.a. Knocademus, who’s industry credits include work with En Vogue, Bobby Valentino, KRS ONE, The Clipse and E-40. Patton remains Tonka Boy Dre’s engineer and mentor. It was only a couple of years ago however, in which Tonka Boy Dre truly started taking his music career seriously, but he has been hard at work on his grind ever since. Like many current successful artists he has taken to new technology to spread the word, utilizing social networking websites like Twitter and Facebook, on which he has developed quite a large following. Through these outlets he has heavily promoted the releases of his first two mixtapes “Californication” and “Ain’t No Room For Me”. The “Californication” tape included production from hit maker Johnny Juliano as well as Mev The Producer. Thousands of copies of the first two projects have been given out, sold and downloaded and the third in less than a year “A Lonely Mans Game” is set for release shortly. Part of the self-professed ‘New Bay’, he brings a new swagger and a new sound to an old hustle. Tonka Boy Dre who’s name derives from his custom car club, says new listeners can compare his music to the likes of Curren$y, Dom Kennedy, CyHi The Prynce and Meek Mill. His main goals are to spread his music globally, bring the Bay Area back with great music and with his film company Innovative Visions and help to pave the way for other artists with talent. For more music from Tonka Boy Dre log onto his website at WWW.Dreskionthebeat.com - Tonka Boy Dre