We had the good fortune of connecting with DJ Drez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi DJ Drez, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
One of the most important lessons that I’ve learned in my career is that it’s crucial for me to play and create for my own growth and happiness first. The music then overflows to anyone who wants to hear. Within that, another big lesson is that levels of success, money, fame and health fluctuate like waves. Playing to play is more important than playing to win.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I grew up heavily influenced by street art. Music, dance and paint. My art is rooted in Hip Hop. Hmm, what sets me apart from others is maybe that I know that I’m not separate from others. With that, I think one of the elements that has made me stand out is creating Hip Hop beats that highlight Indian instrumentation and mantra. As well as being at the forefront of DJing with Yoga classes. I tend to take artistic chances without having a clue of the outcome. Art and love excite me and the forever learning and curiosity I have of life is something I’m proud of. I know that it’s the desire to explore and the way I think that has gotten me where I am today. I’ve had many challenges and it has taken real effort and strong desire to get through those obstacles. Weather the obstacle is me or it’s out of my control, they continue to show up and I only have one choice but to learn and keep it movin’. Music has always played a part in my greatest joy and deepest despair. I love and respect the balance. Releasing music into the world is always exciting, important and special for me. You can find me on all the music streaming and down load platforms, I’ll keep your speakers vibrating in all the ways.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In no particular order, hanging out with a friend in the city looks something like this. A Venice Beach experience is a fine way to start a day. A breakfast burrito at Maxwell’s or a giant pancake at Superba will be good fuel for a stroll or roll on the boardwalk. Venice is a balance of extremes and always an adventure of the senses. Peace or the opposite can easily be found. More wandering at Palisades park with a pause for a yoga practice under a tree is time well spent. Lunch at Gilbert’s El Indio in Santa Monica (request the el diablo salsa, they won’t serve it unless you ask) Make music of course. Take a hike break at Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook then stop at Culver City Farmers market to gather ingredients for dinner at home. I’m into simple, chill living. All this can be repeated day after day with varying food options like a meal at the Krishna Temple or the République Café.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost my wife Marti Nikko has pushed, pulled, supported and encouraged me in the lightest and deepest, most frustrating and beautiful ways. Hip Hop and Skate Boarding have taught me to use my mind and body to see more and to understand that nothing has one purpose.

Website: http://www.djdrez.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djdrez

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealdjdrez

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@djdrezofficial

Other: https://djdrez.bandcamp.com

Image Credits
ZinnPhotography, Marti Nikko, Hard Rock,

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