# Drew Parks

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**Andrew Michael Parks** (born December 3, 1991) is a former American rapper, record producer, and songwriter from [Metro Detroit](/source/Metro_Detroit), [Michigan](/source/Michigan).[1][2] Parks first gained national recognition for his music career in the early 2010s, when his music was featured on networks and music publications such as [MTV](/source/MTV),[3][4] [ESPN](/source/ESPN),[5][6] [Freeform](/source/Freeform_(TV_channel)),[7][8] [BBC 1Xtra](/source/BBC_1Xtra),[9] [XXL Mag](/source/XXL_(Magazine)),[10] [Shade 45](/source/Shade_45), [Billboard Magazine](/source/Billboard_Magazine),[11] and [Vibe Magazine](/source/Vibe_Magazine).[12][13]

## Early life and education

Parks was born on December 3, 1991, in [Royal Oak, Michigan](/source/Royal_Oak,_Michigan) and grew up living in [Troy, Michigan](/source/Troy,_Michigan). He attended [Avondale School District](/source/Avondale_School_District) and graduated from [Avondale High School](/source/Avondale_High_School_(Auburn_Hills,_Michigan)) in [Auburn Hills, Michigan](/source/Auburn_Hills,_Michigan).[1][14] After high school, Parks attended [Oakland University](/source/Oakland_University), where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing.[15][16] In 2019, he enrolled at [University of Michigan Law School](/source/University_of_Michigan_Law_School) and is currently studying to get a [Juris Doctor](/source/Juris_Doctor) degree.[16]

Parks' parents are both of [Greek](/source/Greeks) descent, and he is a member of [St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church](/source/Greek_Orthodox_Archdiocese_of_America) in [Troy, Michigan](/source/Troy,_Michigan).[1]

## Music career

Parks began his musical career at age 10, under the [moniker](/source/Moniker) **Drew32**.[17] He later released music under the name **Drew Parks**.[13] He writes, produces, and records nearly all of his songs himself. His music began to gain recognition in 2011, when he performed in the [Fender](/source/Fender_Musical_Instruments_Corporation) Lodge at the 2011 [Sundance Film Festival](/source/Sundance_Film_Festival) in [Park City, Utah](/source/Park_City,_Utah),[18][19][20] and in [Austin, Texas](/source/Austin,_Texas) at the 2011 [SXSW](/source/SXSW) Music Conference.[18]

In October 2011, Parks performed as the opening act on [J. Cole](/source/J._Cole)'s [Cole World](/source/Cole_World) Tour at the [Royal Oak Music Theatre](/source/Royal_Oak_Music_Theatre),[21] and in March 2012, Parks was one of 18 US artists selected by [Billboard magazine](/source/Billboard_(magazine)) to compete in the 2012 [Billboard Music Awards](/source/Billboard_Music_Awards) Battle of the Bands competition.[11]

In April 2012, Parks performed as the opening act at Grizzlypalooza, the spring concert event at [Oakland University](/source/Oakland_University), which also featured performances by [Gym Class Heroes](/source/Gym_Class_Heroes), [Kirko Bangz](/source/Kirko_Bangz), and [New Boyz](/source/New_Boyz).[22] He released a mixtape in April 2012 entitled *Label Me* (hosted by [DJ Skee](/source/DJ_Skee)), which featured collaborations with [Jon Connor](/source/Jon_Connor), [Royce Da 5'9"](/source/Royce_Da_5'9%22), [Shorty da Prince](/source/Shorty_da_Prince), and [Slim the Mobster](/source/Slim_the_Mobster). The lead single from *Label Me*, "I Am King," received airplay on [Sirius XM](/source/Sirius_XM_Holdings) station [Shade 45](/source/Shade_45), and its music video aired on [MTVU](/source/MTVU).[23][24] Television network [ESPN](/source/ESPN) included several of Parks' songs on its sports debate TV show, [First Take](/source/First_Take_(TV_series)) throughout 2012 and 2013.[5][6]

In August 2013, Parks performed as an opening act for [Kendrick Lamar](/source/Kendrick_Lamar) at [The Fillmore Detroit](/source/The_Fillmore_Detroit) as a part of [Bud Light](/source/Bud_Light)'s 50|50|1 concert series.[25][26]

In June 2014, [BBC Radio 1Xtra](/source/BBC_Radio_1Xtra) selected 32 hip-hop artists worldwide to represent each of their relative countries by performing a freestyle video for [1Xtra](/source/BBC_Radio_1Xtra)'s coverage of the [2014 FIFA World Cup](/source/2014_FIFA_World_Cup) in Brazil. Parks was chosen to represent [Greece](/source/Greece), and his World Cup Freestyle was featured on [BBC Radio 1Xtra](/source/BBC_Radio_1Xtra) throughout June and July 2014.[27][28] Later that year, Parks performed alongside [DJ Head](/source/DJ_Head) at the official [Eminem](/source/Eminem) and [Rihanna](/source/Rihanna) [Monster Tour](/source/The_Monster_Tour_(Eminem_and_Rihanna)) After Party at [The Fillmore Detroit](/source/The_Fillmore_Detroit).[29]

In August 2016, he performed alongside [Fat Joe](/source/Fat_Joe) and [Nelly](/source/Nelly) at [WSNX-FM](/source/WSNX-FM)'s "Party in the Park" concert in [Grand Rapids, Michigan](/source/Grand_Rapids,_Michigan)[30]

Television network [Freeform](/source/Freeform_(TV_channel)) (formerly [ABC Family](/source/Freeform_(TV_channel))) included Parks' song, "We Ain't Stoppin" in episodes of its shows [Pretty Little Liars](/source/Pretty_Little_Liars), [Famous in Love](/source/Famous_in_Love), and [The Fosters](/source/The_Fosters_(American_TV_series))[7][8]

In 2017, [Detroit Pistons](/source/Detroit_Pistons) Center [Andre Drummond](/source/Andre_Drummond) collaborated with Drew Parks on two songs, "Lit," and "Nu Vibe," which were later released on [Andre Drummond](/source/Andre_Drummond)'s 2018 debut music album entitled *Fyi*.[31][32]

Parks is no longer actively making music. His last official release was his 2016 album, *Away We Go*, which featured the single "We Love Them," a collaboration with [Fatman Scoop](/source/Fatman_Scoop).[33]

## Selected discography

**Albums**

- 2006: Awakening
- 2016: Away We Go EP

**Mixtapes**

- 2007: *Awakening Vol. 2* Mixtape
- 2009: *Quarter Till Infinity* Mixtape (Hosted by DJ Mo Beatz)
- 2009: *Twittermania* Mixtape (Hosted by DJ Mo Beatz)
- 2009: *Who is Drew32? Vol. 1* Mixtape
- 2010: *Take the World: Who is Drew32? Vol. 2* Mixtape (Hosted by [DJ Pauly D](/source/Pauly_D))
- 2010: *Sunrise on Your Dreams* Mixtape
- 2011: *The B.U.R.N. Project*
- 2011: *Labeled* SXSW Sampler (prelude to "Label Me")
- 2012: *Label Me* (Hosted by [DJ Skee](/source/DJ_Skee))
- 2013: *The Batch*

## References

1. Maria A. Pardalis, ["Interview with DREW32"](http://www.neomagazine.com/2010_04_april/_maria.html), *Neo Magazine*, April 4, 2010

1. Amy Allen, ["Who is Drew32?"](http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2010/01/17/entertainment/doc4b50ae91e1460930155967.txt) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120313110152/http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2010/01/17/entertainment/doc4b50ae91e1460930155967.txt) March 13, 2012 at the Wayback Machine, *The Oakland Press*, January 17, 2010

1. D.L. Chandler, ["Detroit Rapper and Producer Drew32 Is Up Next"](https://web.archive.org/web/20191104044617/http://www.mtv.com/news/2495864/detroit-rapper-and-producer-drew32-is-up-next/), MTV, August 4, 2011

1. Rahman Dukes, ["Mixtape Daily: Drew32 and DJ Skee Drop 'Label Me'"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160611203254/http://www.mtv.com/news/2498076/mixtape-daily-drew32-and-dj-skee-drop-label-me/), MTV, May 29, 2012

1. ["New Cassettes, Solo to be on 'First Take'"](https://www.espn.com/blog/music/post/_/id/4334/new-cassettes-solo-to-be-on-first-take), ESPN, February 3, 2013

1. ["Music featured on 'First Take'"](https://www.espn.com/blog/music/post/_/id/7338/music-featured-on-first-take), ESPN, June 17, 2014

1. ["Pretty Little Liars Instagram Post May 09, 2017"](https://www.instagram.com/p/BT41_dBDnm5/), *Pretty Little Liars – Instagram*, May 9, 2017

1. ["The Fosters Official Season 5B Music Guide"](https://freeform.go.com/shows/the-fosters/news/the-fosters-official-season-5b-music-guide), *Freeform*, November 3, 2019

1. ["Greece – 1Xtra World Cup Freestyles"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p020ycs4), *BBC 1Xtra*, June 14, 2014

1. ["The Break Presents: Drew32"](https://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/the-break/2013/03/the-break-presents-drew32/), *XXL Magazine*, March 2013

1. ["Billboard.com and Chevrolet Host 'Cruze-ing to Vegas'"](https://media.gm.com/media/us/en/chevrolet/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2012/Mar/0308_cruze.html), *GM.com*, November 3, 2019

1. ["Drew32 Talks Detroit Hip-Hop: 'The Diversity Is Actually A Gift'"](https://www.vibe.com/2013/04/drew32-talks-detroit-hip-hop-diversity-actually-gift), *Vibe Magazine*, November 3, 2019

1. Leah Brungardt, ["An Interview With Detroit Rap Phenomenon DREW PARKS!"](https://music.allaccess.com/an-interview-with-detroit-rap-phenomenon-drew-parks/), *All Access Music*, November 3, 2019

1. Amy Allen, ["Who is Drew32?"](https://www.theoaklandpress.com/news/who-is-drew/article_e6b0c744-f49c-5156-88aa-cfb453e2b4f4.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20191104050616/https://www.theoaklandpress.com/news/who-is-drew/article_e6b0c744-f49c-5156-88aa-cfb453e2b4f4.html) November 4, 2019 at the Wayback Machine, *The Oakland Press*, January 17, 2010

1. Nichole Seguin, ["Rapper Drew32 focuses on rising carer, education at OU"](http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2011/03/29/entertainment/doc4d91f671bde79318240039.txt)[Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160406165627/http://www.theoaklandpress.com/general-news/20110329/rapper-drew32-focuses-on-rising-career-education-at-ou) April 6, 2016 at the Wayback Machine, *The Oakland Press*, April 6, 2016

1. ["Drew Parks – About"](https://drewparks.com/about), *Drew Parks Website*, November 3, 2019

1. Elena Keras, ["Drew32 to Headline Detroit River Days Festival"](http://www.malista.com/Drew32.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120313114605/http://www.malista.com/Drew32.htm) March 13, 2012 at the Wayback Machine, *Malista.com*, June 2007

1. Sowmya Krishnamurthy, ["Drew32 and DJ Skee drop 'Label Me'"](http://rapfix.mtv.com/2012/05/29/mixtape-daily-drew32-and-dj-skee-drop-label-me/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160611203254/http://www.mtv.com/news/2498076/mixtape-daily-drew32-and-dj-skee-drop-label-me/) June 11, 2016 at the Wayback Machine, *MTV Rapfix*, June 11, 2016

1. Brandon Wernerd, ["Drew32 Drops New Single ‘Spazz Out’ with Royce da 5′9″"](https://archive.today/20130118224538/http://www.brobible.com/music/article/drew32-drops-new-single-spazz-out-with-royce-da-59), *Bro Bible*, March 29, 2011

1. Garrett Richie, ["Conflict of interest: Drew32, rapper and best friend, comes to Mizzou"](http://www.themaneater.com/stories/2011/9/13/conflict-interest-drew32-rapper-and-best-friend-co/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160303212851/http://www.themaneater.com/stories/2011/9/13/conflict-interest-drew32-rapper-and-best-friend-co/) March 3, 2016 at the Wayback Machine, *The Maneater*, September 13, 2011

1. Gary Graff, ["Sound Check: Rapper J.Cole receives rewards for patience; Adrian Belew keeping busys with Power Trio"](https://www.theoaklandpress.com/news/sound-check-rapper-j-cole-receives-rewards-for-patience-adrian/article_e8b41ae3-917d-5812-b1f7-603c48623a11.html)[dead link], *The Oakland Press*, October 5, 2011

1. Chris Lauritsen, ["GrizzlyPalooza to feature Gym Class Heroes, Drew32"](https://oaklandpostonline.com/6413/life-arts/grizzlypalooza-to-feature-gym-class-heroes-drew32/), *The Oakland Post*, February 10, 2012

1. Abro, Joseph (March 31, 2013). ["Rapper Drew32 in the spotlight"](http://www.ounewsbureau.com/?p=4691). *ounewsbureau.com*. OU News Bureau. Retrieved August 24, 2015.

1. ["Introducing Greek-American Up and Coming Rapper Drew32"](https://hollywood.greekreporter.com/2013/01/08/introducing-greek-american-up-and-coming-detroit-rapper-drew32/), *Hollywood Greek Reporter*, January 8, 2013

1. ["Kendrick Lamar / Ro Spit / Drew32"](https://www.concertarchives.org/concerts/kendrick-lamar-with-ro-spit-and-drew32-at-the-fillmore-detroit-august-1-2013), *Concert Archives*, November 3, 2019

1. Styles, DJ Louie (April 11, 2014). ["On the Rise: Drew32"](http://www.hip-hopvibe.com/2014/04/11/on-the-rise-drew32/). *hip-hopvibe.com*. Hip Hop Vibe. Retrieved August 24, 2015.

1. Joanna Varikos, ["Detroit Rapper Picked to Represent Greece in World Cup Freestyle Contest"](https://usa.greekreporter.com/2014/07/01/detroit-rapper-picked-to-represent-greece-in-world-cup-freestyle-contest/), *Greek Reporter*, July 1, 2014

1. Nagsheen Nassif, ["Detroit Rapper Drew32 Freestyles for Greece, World Cup on UK Radio"](https://detroit.cbslocal.com/2014/06/23/detroit-rapper-drew32-freestyles-for-greece-world-cup-on-bbc-radio/), *CBS62 Detroit*, June 23, 2014

1. ["Official Eminem and Rihanna Pre & Post Party"](http://detroit.iheartmedia.com/calendar/august-22-2014/official-eminem-and-rihanna-pre-post-399384/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160304024601/http://detroit.iheartmedia.com/calendar/august-22-2014/official-eminem-and-rihanna-pre-post-399384/) March 4, 2016 at the Wayback Machine, *iHeartMedia Detroit*, August 22, 2014

1. ["104.5 SNX – Party in the Park with Nelly, Fat Joe & more!"](https://www.bandsintown.com/e/15429176-fat-joe-at-fifth-third-ballpark), *Bandsintown*, August 25, 2016

1. Rod Beard, ["Review: Andre Drummond's rap album 'FYI' is worth some attention"](https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2018/08/13/detroit-pistons-andre-drummond-rap-album-fyi-worth-some-attention/980399002/), *The Detroit News*, August 13, 2018

1. Riley Wallace, ["Review: NBA All-Star Andre Drummond’s 'Fyi' EP Isn't A Playoff Contender"](https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.3228/title.review-nba-all-star-andre-drummonds-fyi-ep-isnt-a-playoff-contender), *HipHopDx*, August 15, 2018

1. Jason Cott, ["Drew Parks Sharpens His Sword With His New Album"](https://www.popdust.com/drew-parks-sharpens-his-sword-with-his-new-album-1892761238.html)[dead link], *Pop Dust*, April 27, 2016

## External links

- [Official Website](http://www.drewparks.com)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Drew Parks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drew_Parks) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drew_Parks?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.