‘Cornerstone of Atlanta hip-hop’ D.R.E.S. Tha Beatnik passes away
Credit: Jonathan Phillips
Atlanta’s hip-hop community has lost one of its most prominent voices.
Legendary event host and emcee D.R.E.S. Tha Beatnik passed away on June 9, according to a message posted to his Facebook page.
“I’m sad to share that the love of my life @dresthabeatnik has crossed over to the other side this morning. He was here with me and by my side,” the message reads.
A family spokesperson confirmed the news to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was 51.
Born Andre Lett, D.R.E.S. (which stands for Divine Real Essence of Sound), a Philadelphia native, has been a fixture in the city’s music scene for decades. Always rocking his signature look — a beret and New Balance sneakers — the rap historian and beatboxer lent his hosting talents to influential music and performance venues like MJQ and Apache Cafe, events such as the A3C Festival and albums.
To peers in Atlanta and across the country, D.R.E.S. was known as arguably one of the most prolific live event hosts in the business.
As the news broke, online tributes and dedications poured in.
In an Instagram dedication, Grammy-winning rapper and activist Killer Mike referred to D.R.E.S. Tha Beatnik as a “cornerstone of Atlanta, hip-hop and underground culture.”
“We have lost a hero @dresthabeatnik we have lost a leader and library of history in losing you,” Killer Mike wrote in his post.
The loss was felt by rap giants beyond Atlanta as well. Legendary rapper and producer Kool Keith also shared a photo of himself posing with D.R.E.S. Tha Beatnik.
Award-winning songwriter and producer Bryan-Michael Cox spoke about D.R.E.S.’ influence on his career.
“I will never forget the impact you made on my life in my early years in Atlanta,” Cox wrote.
The self-proclaimed “Atlantadelphian” was also active in guiding other musical talents from his hometown on breaking through in ATL.
D.R.E.S was also the host of Art, Beats + Lyrics (AB+L), the traveling art exhibition launched in Atlanta, highlighting creatives of color. The AB+L team referred to him as their “conductor.”
D.R.E.S. was called the “heartbeat of the scene” by downtown music venue The Tabernacle, where he hosted Atlanta event staples such as FunkJazz Kafé.
No cause of death has been shared.
According to his family, details for a forthcoming memorial service in Atlanta will be provided.
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About the Author
Gavin Godfrey is an editor and Team Lead for UATL, the AJC's Black culture franchise. He's an award-winning writer and editor from Atlanta who's covered everything from OutKast to the water boys. Before joining the AJC, Gavin worked for Capital B Atlanta, CNN, and Creative Loafing.
