Guest curated by Classic Roots
Drezus (Jeremiah Manitopyes) is an Anishinaabe/Nehiyaw hip-hop artist, songwriter, and actor based in Calgary, Alberta. With a career spanning decades, he has become a powerful voice in Indigenous hip-hop, blending raw storytelling with cultural resilience.
He first gained recognition with Team Rezofficial, whose critically acclaimed albums earned a 2009 JUNO nomination and multiple Indigenous music awards. As a solo artist, he made waves with his 2013 album Redwinter, featuring the anthem “Redwinter,” a rallying cry for the Idle No More movement. He followed with the award winning album “”Indian Summer”” featuring the groundbreaking single “”Warpath””, further solidifying his impact globally.
Drezus has won numerous accolades, including the 2022 SOCAN Vince Fontaine Indigenous Song Award, a 2017 MTV VMA with Taboo (Black Eyed Peas), and four Indigenous Music Awards in 2015. He has performed alongside artists like Drake, The Black Eyed Peas, 50 Cent, and Mobb Deep, bridging mainstream and Indigenous music scenes. His latest release, Ballad of Bobby Jones featuring Sebastian Gaskin, continues his tradition of powerful, thought-provoking music.
Beyond music, Drezus has appeared in Yellowstone and contributed to various film and television soundtracks. Deeply connected to his culture, he fuses hip-hop with Indigenous traditions, creating a unique sound that resonates with audiences worldwide.