Biography
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Born
18 April 1971 (age 53)
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Born In
Compton, Los Angeles County, California, United States
Andre DeSean Wicker (born April 18, 1971), known as Gangsta Dresta | Dre'sta | Dresta | Dresta The Gangsta Dresta DA Gangsta is an American rapper known for collaborating with Eazy-E on the 1993 single "Real Muthaphuckkin G's". He is also the older brother of rapper B.G. Knocc Out, who also collaborated in the song.
Early years
Along with his brother, he is Crips gang member, associated with Nutty Blocc Compton Crips set.
Dresta had reputation of rapping when he was in California Youth Authority. Eazy-E eventually discovered the brothers, met up and recorded songs with them.
He was first signed to Toenail Records with his younger brother B.G. Knocc Out. Then both signed to Ruthless Records with Eazy-E. With B.G. Knocc Out, Dresta appeared on the Eazy-E's 1993 double-platinum EP It's On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa on single "Real Muthaphuckkin G's" (which was censored to "Real Compton City G's" in order to garner MTV and radio airplay) with Eazy-E, taking shots at Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg after Dre and Snoop dissed Eazy on 1992s The Chronic.
Thanks to the success of the album's signature track, they gained exposure and were inspired to record an album of their own. Dresta and B.G. Knocc Out released their debut album Real Brothas in 1995. Dresta made three guest appearances in Eazy-E's posthumous album Str8 off tha Streetz of Muthaphukkin Compton.
Around the late 90's to 2000 Dresta worked with Death Row Records - the same label that the trio had dissed heavily in the mid 90's. Dresta appeared on two tracks from Death Row's Too Gangsta for Radio compilation, but never actually signed to the label.
Recent years
Dresta stated in an interview that he is currently working on Dirty West mixtape series and on upcoming solo album. He also wrote a song for Dr. Dre's upcoming album Detox, but Dre didn't want to collaborate with him. Dresta also criticized Dr. Dre for surrounding himself with talentless artists and delay of Detox.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dresta
BIOGRAPHY:
Born A. Wicker in the city of Compton, Dresta Da Gangsta and his brother B.G. Knocc Out both made a name for themselves on the streets after their mother was sent to jail when they were both only very young. Growing up, nobody looked out for the pair, which soon made them turn to gang banging as a way of life. As a consequence, Dresta was sentenced to ten years behind bars, leaving his then very young brother, B.G to fend for himself. Despite all the problems on the outside world, Dresta would not let this break his spirits and still found time to write and freestyle his lyrics with the other prisoners whilst he was locked up.
When Dresta was released from prison, he and B.G. both continued trying to make it big within the rap industry and eventually got the chance to sign a deal with Toenail Records although this was only very short lived. Through Toenail Records, Dresta and B.G. Knocc Out scored the once in a lifetime opportunity to work with the late, great N.W.A front man and Ruthless Records CEO, Eazy-E. The chance was a dream come true for the pair and of course history was made when the voices of Dresta Da Gangsta and B.G. Knocc Out were added to the title track of Eazy-Es infamous record, Its on 187um Killa.
In the mist of all the media attention that Eazy-E, Dresta and B.G. were receiving, the pair took the time out to pen down some of their more personal tracks, using their now established names as a backing. Following Real Muthaphukkin Gz, the duo decided to combine forces and come together for an album, putting together Dresta Da Gangstas O.G. style and delivery, with the tongue-twisting melodies and flow of B.G. Knocc Out. The album would later go on to be called Real Brothas, which would boast a huge array of super-producers, from Rhythm D, Charlie B, Madness4Real and Domino. The duo signed a deal with Def Jam / Outburst records for the release of the album which would then go on to be a huge success for the Compton team.
After the release of Real Brothas in 1995, Dresta and B.G. Knocc Out continued to work with the legendary Eazy-E on his new up and coming album, Str8 Off Tha Streetz Of Muthaphukkin Compton, however the album was put on hold when Eazy was taken ill and diagnosed with AIDS. Unfortunately, Eazy never recovered and soon passed away from the virus before the album was finished with a seal of approval from the man himself. Str8 Off Tha Streetz Of Muthaphukkin Compton would later come out under the same name, with Dresta and B.G. Knocc Out on tracks with Eazy-E himself and would be considered a classic in the eyes of many.
The pair however, would not go on to release another duo album; but would feature on different artists tracks from time to time In 1999, B.G. Knocc Out was sentenced to ten years in prison, leaving Dresta without the other half of the now legendary duo which made them famous. However, using experience from the past and shear will power, Dresta continued to work with West Coast veterans such as, MC Eiht, Jayo Felony, Mausberg (R.I.P), King Owl, Leicy Loc, Young Shane, King T and W.C. Dresta soon realised that he was not only known for his lyrical ability with his brother B.G, but was also now established as a West Coast veteran himself.
Dresta is now signed with Industry Phunk Entertainment where he has been working on many different projects with different artists such as, The Young Hogg$ and King T. A solo project is in the works and can be expected to be released in 2007, as well as a duo album with B.G. Knocc Out when they are reunited in summer 2006.
There is absolutely no doubt that this is going to spark the fuse for a whole new explosion in the West Coast sound and set a pace for the up-and-comers out of Compton and all over the West Coast
Written By: Inspire / Inspire@dubcnn.com
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