“YOU CAN’T MAKE IT” are words that ARE NOT in Ahmed “Dru” Yates vocabulary. Born in Germany in 1985, Dru is the son of a Military Service Member, who a few years after Dru’s birth, separated from Dru’s Mother and left her and her five children to fend for themselves. Relocating to New York in 1989, Young Dru quickly discovered a passion for music as an escape from the world around him and as a means to express himself through song.
Dru’s Mother began to notice her Sons’ desire to entertain and frequently began entering him in local “Star Search” style musical competitions. She also often had Dru perform for family and friends at social functions and gatherings to aid in developing his confidence and stage presence. In 1991, in an effort to shield Dru and her other children from the life of the City streets, Dru’s Mother relocated her and her children to Kansas. Though this was a major geographical change for the family, Dru continued to develop his craft, and immersed himself into his music. By the 8th grade, the desire to be a STAR overtook Dru completely.
Having done some major performances with his brothers, who were also aspiring rappers/entertainers, Dru had a taste of success and knew that he had what it took to make it in the music industry. He was on cloud 9 and ready to make major moves! But, in 2000, Dru’s world was shaken to the core, when his older brother was arrested and charged with attempted murder and sentenced to 42 years in prison. It was then that Dru’s passion for music changed. Overwhelmed over the physical loss of his brother, Dru decided to take a break from music.
After graduating from High School, Dru briefly attended College on a basketball scholarship; but after only one year of playing ball, Dru began to feel like he was missing his true calling. Reconnecting with his desire of making great music and performing, Dru decided to step into the booth one last time. It was as if Dru had never put down his mic; the rush that he got from recording solidified his life’s goals and aspirations of being a performer. Dru recommitted himself to the music game, and soon after became a member of the 2 man Hip-Hop/R&B group S.O. Allstars.
Dru and Redd had moderate success in the release of several S.O. Allstars mixtapes; However, creative differences and conflict of interest began to wear on the group, and both Dru and the other S.O. Allstars member, decided to go their separate ways and pursue their solo careers.
Today, Dru is grinding hard to continue what he started so many years ago. Recently completing his first solo album, The Cover Letter, Dru is moving forward with his musical aspirations and will stop at nothing to reach success. In honor of his brother, Dru not only wants to make music that the world will enjoy, but his life mission is to bring his brother home.
SOURCE: Official Bio
LINKS:
http://www.druyates.com
https://www.facebook.com/thedruyates
