*MFKN*
Deondre’ “Dre P” Parker is a Wichita based solo artist who
“I enjoy making music and acting because both are telling a story—”
became a breakout star in the “Pearl 2” movie released in December 2019. He played a villain character. But many people who have seen his acting chops and now recognize his face, don’t know about the artist. He is working hard to make sure that changes. After a 10-year stint in prison, Dre P is refocused and doing everything he can to make sure that his past is far behind him. While incarcerated he occupied himself with writing music— something he felt was therapeutic. A relationship with a female staff member provided yet another source of inspiration for the aspiring musician. “People began finding out about our relationship and she told me she was going to fall back,” says Dre P. “She was worried that she’d lose her job.” Dre P admits that he was feeling vulnerable and was hurt that he was losing the only companion he had behind bars. Many of the people he knew before serving prison time, turned their backs on him. They didn’t write, send phone calls or put money on his books. The female prison employee gave him a glimpse of hope. The song he wrote was later titled “Find a Way.” The idea to use a sample from “Missing You” by Brandy, Tamia, Gladys Knight and Chaka Khan was given to him by his cousin. She played the song as he was leaving prison. The original song Courtesy of Pearl Movie
was used for the 1996 film, “Set It Off.” He recently released a video for the song. It was directed by Devon Bray of Bray Films who gave him his first acting role in the movie, “Pearl” written by Micah Dennis. Dre P says he met Bray when he enlisted him for a video for his “Thug Luvin’” track. That landed him a role that was supposed to be only 15 seconds oncamera. But Bray saw that Dre P was hungry and wanted more. “He’s hungry and has the same drive I do—which is rare,” says filmmaker Bray. “His music is good enough for mainstream success and he has a story to tell.” Bray cast Dre P as Marcus and brought him back in a much larger role when he directed “Pearl 2.” Marcus is a ruthless drug dealer who deals to his childhood friend, Travis. When Travis’ father finds out he tries to stop him. But Marcus is relentless and continues dealing to Travis, threatening his sobriety. He cheats death twice and seeks revenge. “When people first saw me in Pearl they congratulated me,” says Dre P. “But when they saw my acting in Pearl 2 they were like ‘You stepped up your game.’” Dre P was also featured on the soundtrack for Pearl 2 on a song titled “Other Side.” The track was a collaboration with fellow independent recording artists Shawna and Miss V. His acting abilities and love for the craft allow him to be creative in videos when he’s showcasing his music. “I enjoy telling a story with my music,” says Dre P. “I feel like that’s how people connect to you.” Now that Dre P’s past is behind him, he wants to defy all of the odds against him. He sees music as his way out and means to a promising future. “When I think about where I come from and what I’ve been through, the odds are stacked against me,” admits Dre P. “I’m a young black man and a felon—so I’m expected to fail.” Dre P feels his story is far from being over. Success is in his reach. In summer 2020 he will release “Against All Odds,” which will be featured on his upcoming album appropriately titled, “Labeled an Underdog.” If the artist is anything like the character he plays on screen, then we know better than to count him out.
BOOKING INFO I 316.616.5110
FACEBOOK FACEBOOK.COM/ DEONDRE.PARKER.52 SNAPCHAT DRE P IG DRE_MF_P EMAIL
BOOKINGDREMFP@GMAIL.COM THE MF PLAYLIST
“We Still”
“Streets”
“Drip In My Step”
“Thug Luvin’”
“Thugs Pray”
“Ain’t Got to Like It”
“Remy State of Mind”
“I Got A Thang”
“Find a Way”
“He’s real and unique. He works hard and always tries to make his music come to life and create an image that pursues telling that story.” Independent Recording Artist Shawna of Wichita, KS
Dre P was selected to record for “Pearl 2: The Soundtrack.” The music project was released in December 2019 when the title movie premiered. He recorded “Other Side” with indie artists Shawna and Miss V.