Seattle, WA - In what might appear to be a major contradiction of sorts, civic activist Andre Taylor is reflecting on his notoriously iconic, urban culture hustler past and bringing back his alter pimp ego, “Gorgeous Dre,” with the release of his new music and video project, “Many Shades of Dre.” Always an outspoken figure, stemming back to his feature in the Hughes Brothers cult documentary film classic, “American Pimp,” Taylor has garnered national mainstream accolades for his work and achievements on the frontline battle for police accountability, most recently concluding his appointment as a “street czar” consultant by the mayor of Seattle. “The Many Shades of Dre,” an unapologetic exploration and dive back to his roots, is a multilayered music and video compilation, marking the evolution of Taylor from the mean streets to his former high-level executive suite.
Taylor has consistently brewed widespread controversy from both the left and right, with many questioning his ability to adeptly stride the road less traveled. From his street reign as a pimp, his transformation as a civil rights contender victoriously taking on the Seattle police department, to the appointment of his city position as “street czar,” while battling and managing family loss and health issues, including a bout with Covid, Taylor continues to rise as a 21st century renaissance man and urban legend.
Married for twenty-three years, his wife, Dove, has stood by his side through it all, even sharing a kidney during a health scare when his failed. A true enigma of sorts, Taylor also boasts a son who graduated from Yale and a daughter who graduated from UCLA among his offspring!
There is a strong message in his perceived madness. His current single and video releases, “Like Me,” “Knockin’ Season” and “A Day in the Life” have amassed over six million views across social media platforms. With plans to drop a video with every track from the project, Taylor is determined to make his musical mark and reignite his street ‘cred’ and visibility.
