~Drésia Dee~ (/dray-Sha-dêe; Born July 1st, 1990), better known as De’André Smith, is a multi-talented entertainer born and raised in Elgin, IL. Life for this dancer, choreographer, singer and MC had got off to a rocky start. Growing up in a broken home and constantly switching schools and cities wasn’t easy but he never let it stand in the way. It was when he turned age 6 that life had begun to take a turn for the worst. It’s a known fact that between the ages of 4 & 6 memories begin to stick. Whether it was not having a bed of his own, making pallets on the floor or waking up on Christmas day to “hand me down” clothes too small. Life had become a bit rough for Dresia as a child.
As he began to grow Dresia had discovered his passion for entertainment. Despite his families struggle they attempted to put him in various arts programs. This sparked a fire in him. It was then that Dresia realized his talents and gifts could be his way out. It had become apparent that this was more than a hobby but something he wanted to do for the rest of his life.
In high school Drésia Dee started to do more performing. School plays, Football games, Pep rallies, you name it he was a part of it. In 2006 he co-founded internationally known dance team “Fatally Unique” from Rockford, IL. Dresia served as co-choreographer and dancer. Leading, traveling and performing with some of Rockford’s most talented individuals he graced stages on platforms such as BET’s 106 and Park, NBC’s Americas Got Talent and more.
Americas Got Talent opened many doors for Dresia to work as a Choreographer, Creative Director, and principle dancer for recording artists. His dream to work closely with artists, travel and perform as a professional entertainer was finally coming true. In summer 2013 he was booked to choreograph/creative direct for his very first international tour. Dresia’s talent stood out so much international agents and artists were beginning to contact him for more international work. After being booked for a 2nd international tour by 2014 Dresia had spent a total of 8 months touring all of Asia.
After coming back to Americas from what Dresia thought was a dream come true. He began to really evaluate life and his career. What would he do next? All he knew was that he wanted his voice to be heard. Not because he didn’t enjoy being in the back but because he had a story to tell and much more to say. Dresia’s true passion had always been music. In 2014, he began to embark on a new journey. He felt that he wanted to contribute to a new revolution. The rising of LGBT artists in the music business. He wanted to be a voice in this revolution. A voice that stood up for the LGBT community sharing similar struggles that he had been though in life. He knew taking this stand wouldn’t be easy but he was used to fighting adversity his whole life. More determined than hes ever been Dresia Dee has a point to prove. Why can’t there be a mainstream LGBT rap artist? Why can’t a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgendered individual use music in a poetic form to express his or herself as any other individual? To answer those questions, they can! As a visionary, Drésia Dee has his sights set high on being a game changer. And that’s exactly what he’s going to do!