What’s your stage name and where are you from?
My stage name is Dre Bennett. I’m originally from the Bronx, New York but I live in Florida.
What’s the story behind your stage name?
My real first name is Andre so most people naturally call me Dre. Bennett is my mother’s maiden name.
Describe your musical journey in three sentences.
When I was 14 living in a homeless shelter in the Bronx I started writing raps as a way to express myself. A few years later after moving to Florida, a friend of mine from high school heard me rap and convinced me to record. I do more than rapping now but for me, music is still therapeutic.
Share an interesting experience you had while creating your latest track.
The latest track I’ve released is a song called “GTIT.” I produced it. I got one of my guys from back in the day who I didn’t know rapped to lay a verse and I think he went harder than me. Lol
What message do you want to convey through your music?
My music is about self-empowerment and overcoming hardship.
Tell us about a challenge you faced during production and how you overcame it.
I’m hands on with everything. These days, I write, make beats, record myself, and mix my tracks probably 80% of the time. That’s challenging.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
Right now it would be Charles Bradley. I became aware of his music a few months ago. I must have played “Changes” a dozen times. It’s sad that he passed away. His rise is a testament to the timeless and ageless nature of good music with soul.
Where do you see your music taking you in the next year?
Somewhere I’ve never been.
What’s the next big step for you as an artist?
Quitting my day job.
Where can we hear/watch your most recent work?
www.mangoesandmusic.com. My albums are available for sale.
