- Play:
- Song Name: High Class Problems Vol.1 EP Podcast
- Artist: Driis
- Album: High Class Problems Vol.1 EP
- Year: 2010
High Class Problems Vol. 1
Featuring the new single
‘Private Garden’ (Produced by 9th Wonder)
Release date 8 February 2010
On Hevlar Recordings
“The man is a legend with hero status in Bizarre Towers…” Gordon Smart, The Sun
“Smooth and laid back, it's the perfect chill-out song…” Rickie Haywood-Williams, MTV Presenter
“It’s certainly easy to picture the cool, laid-back tracks being played in clubs and wine bars across the UK…” Keysha Davies, Pride Magazine
“Honey dripping cool soul for the grown and sexy…” Chris Phillips, Choice FM
February will see Driis release his new hip hop soul EP ‘High Class Problems Vol 1’, featuring his brand new single ‘Private Garden’ produced by 9th Wonder (Jay-Z, Nas, Mary J Blige and Wale). Driis, the musical alter ego of Hackney-born entertainer Idris Elba has been carving out a name in music for years, producing, performing and DJing whilst honing his craft. The uplifting 5-track EP includes the popular Pete Rock-produced single ‘Please Be True’, leak track ‘Best I Can’ as well as new material, preparing music fans for the hotly anticipated album due out late 2010 on Hevlar Recordings.
The new single ‘Private Garden’ yet again reveals Driis’ softer side as he attempts to break down the barriers of a broken heart. Delivered in Driis’ trademark style, romantic but raw, masculine yet poetic, the track provides a great teaser for the upcoming release. Finding time during his hectic Hollywood schedule to get back into the studio, perfecting and tweaking his distinct sultry vibe, ‘High Class Problems’ showcases Driis’ maturity as an artist as well as his wide musical palette.
“’High Class Problems’ shows off my DJ mentality,” Driis insists, “having that ability to hear what sounds work well together, even if they’re from totally different genres, allows me to push the creative envelope and experiment.” Ever so smooth and confident, it is a skill he has shaped since the early Nineties, having DJ’ed inLondon’s and New York’s hottest clubs. You’ll even find Driis production credits on soundtracks and albums dating back to 2005, including work with Angie Stone and Jay-Z on the seminal ‘American Gangster’ album.
Driis is determined that the quality of his music will speak for itself and free him from the actor/musician curse. “It’s a well-trodden road, the whole actors wanting to do music thing,” Driis admits, “but hopefully the passion and heart I’ve put into the release will be clear for all to see, and the music will be judged solely on its merit.”
2010 is set to be another huge year for Idris, who made his name starring as the infamous Stringer Bell in HBO’s The Wire. Not only will he be starring in major blockbusters including Takers, The Losers and his executively produced feature Legacy, but Driis will also be performing at a series of lives dates across the UK, Europe and the US, as well as several DJ guest spots. For information on live dates check out http://www.driismusic.com