young dre

After a few unfortunate incidents left the once prominent West Coast rap scene disbanded before the turn of the century, the record companies went looking elsewhere, and many true fans of the Westside left the mainstream behind for the Internet.

Trend-setting websites like DUBCNN and WCRydaz led the way. Their forums brought together like-minded left coast-heads, who spoke on whether or not to support watered down material from once prominent names with no incentive to produce quality. Besides the banter, these sites also helped establish early fan bases for now notable artists like The Game, Crooked I and Mitchy Slick, and helped bubbling cats like Bishop Lamont, Jay Rock, and Glasses Malone grip lucrative deals with major labels.

Despite the online comraderie of the fans though, the artists themselves had a hard time breaking barriers between one another. Very few big acts did songs with up-and-comers and vice-versa. This led to supposed and fictional beefs, less broken bread, and an overall negative stigma for West Coast hip-hop in the public eye.

In recent years, however, The W has gained some momentum on the heals of some blood-red Chucks, and a few potential frontrunners are leading the way in guiding this Left Coast resurgence.

Young Dre, the self-proclaimed Truth, is one of those leading the pack.

The skills of this East LA native are apparent in his energetic delivery and flow. It goes deeper though, as his copious commentary is a mesh of Cube and Snoop. In songs like “Action 45″ and “Hip-Hop Needs Discipline,” Dre speaks on his drive for a revolution of rap and the world in general.

Along with his social commentary, he also holds down the W appropriately. The lead single to his upcoming debut album, “Can’t Be Faded,” features Bay-Area heavy-weight E-40 and a classic Nate Dogg chorus retooled by the G-Funk soulster himself. Over a specially catered beat by JR Rotem, each of the three artists spit that classic West Coast braggadocio over deep keys and a grounded bass-line that could easily blow like the San Andreas Fault.

With more than just sentiment for his home state, Young Dre has the passion to change the stereotype of what a Westside emcee is and should be. If he can do that while still staying true to his roots, he’ll be responsible for much more than bringing the West Coast back. He’ll be one of the main reasons that there’s a new breed of conscious LA-fitted wearing rappers, speaking on way more than just low-lows and palm trees, something that hasn’t been done by a renowned West Coast rapper in years.

Young Dre – Can’t Be Faded Feat. E-40 & Nate Dogg

For more info on Young Dre, check out his MySpace, his website, and of course, his Monumental Monday blog at DUBCNN.com, which features social commentary from Dre and a new track every week.

Props to NIMA at DUBCNN.com for the track and info.

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