Written By: Nani Hapa—Idrissa Akuna "Idris" Elba is known for his dashing good looks (so yummy) and versatility as an actor—he is one of the few actors of our generation who can weave seamlessly through American and British television, theatre, and film productions. But few know that the talented actor is also a musician who performs under the moniker Driis.
No stranger to music, Idris (or should I say Driis) has been making a name for himself for years, performing (he recorded the four-song EP Big Man in 2006 for Hevlar Records), producing (he co-produced and performed on the intro to Jay-Z's 2007 album American Gangster), and DJing while honing his craft.
This week, Driis released his second EP, High Class Problems, Volume I, but only in the UK (lucky, lucky Brits). Romantic but raw, masculine yet poetic, the sound is moody, sexy, and smart. “High Class Problems shows off my DJ mentality,” Driis explains, “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.” The music is experimental, and that's a good thing—I can't remember the last time I listened to something that was different (and not just for the sake of being different) and pushed the musical envelope in an interesting and creative direction. It's lyrical ear candy.
Have a listen at www.driis.com and www.driismusic.com and be sure to check out my favorite tracks Private Garden, Looking Crazy and Rise Up.
(Photo Credits: High Class Problems EP Cover Art)
