Rolling out had a chance to talk to Drebo, whose hit single, “Squeezed Up,” caught the attention of Fetty Wap. The ZooGang CEO contacted Drebo after an encounter via Periscope, and the young rapper out of Palm Beach County, Florida, was able to land a deal, becoming the newest member of the label. His mixtape dropped on July 8.
How did you arrive at this career choice? Was it a deliberate decision or a gradual and natural evolution?
I decided to keep it going with the music after I made “Squeezed Up” due to the good feedback.
What separates you from others in your field? What is unique to the experience that you create?
My style and my lyrics. I love to express my feelings on songs and what’s so unique about it is that the way I flow nobody else flows. I have my own sound.
For those considering a music career, what skill sets do you recommend mastering? What traits are most conducive to success?
I just recommend rapping on good beats and don’t be afraid to try anything new. Traits that are most conductive to success — grind all day every day. Don’t give up, times will get rough from here to there but you have to just stay focused and pray of course.
How do you map out your goals? How do you measure your success?
I just plan my future and just tell myself I have to do certain things to get there. I just want my mom and girl to be happy at the end of the day. To me measuring success doesn’t exist because there shouldn’t be a measurement on that. Success shouldn’t be able to be measurable, success should take you as far as the eye can see.
Who do you consider to be your peers in your field? Who do you see or use as examples to emulate?
I’d have to say 2FF because that’s my squad. They been here for me; shout-out #anti too they hold it down and help me out a lot. Example wise my homeboys Mikeo and Cello because we all want this, and also my assistant manager, Twayne, he gets a lot of work done and he has the same dream as me.
Name two of your top role models: one from your industry and one from outside of it.
Role model from the industry wise I would say Yo Gotti because he literally came from nothing and the way he describes his art of hustle is relatable to so many people. My role model outside the industry would have to be my mom because no matter what, she never complains and she’s a very strong person; that showed me weakness should not bother me at all.
Name three books, works, performances or exhibits that changed how you view life and/or yourself?
Rolling loud performances made me realize I wanted to rap and be on stage and snap for the crowd. Straight Outta Compton was another reason why I wanted to continue rapping. The music shows you that the struggle will make you stronger, and more liable to make it out and be somebody. The Grammys also inspire me, I would love to win a Grammy; that’s the ultimate goal.
What affirmations do you repeat to yourself that contribute to your success?
Always keep grinding.
What role does technology play in your day-to-day life? How do you utilize it?
My phone of course, I use it for all my social media and my music. I utilize it by putting out music and keeping my fans updated.
What app or other technological innovation has made the biggest difference in your life and/or career?
The studio, without that I wouldn’t be where I am today. The studio allows me to make great music, and I just feel like I’m at home. It also made me realize I want to do this forever.
Please define your personal brand.
I’m just myself, Squeezy Gang and 2FF those are just my movements. 2FF is a group of me and my homeboys and family that came up in our county (Palm Beach ) and Squeezy Gang is my rap movement due to the fact I call myself Drebo, but I also call myself Squeeze and Squeezy
What is your favorite vacation destination and why?
I would have to say Miami even though I’m always there, it’s just beautiful and I just feel so free when I’m there and there’s so much to do from clubs to good food.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
Violence
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Being stubborn. I hate when I’m stubborn but I am sometimes, and procrastination.
What does it take to be iconic? In your estimation, who has achieved that status?
Just live up to your ability and take control of what you love. Being successful and taking care of your loved ones, that’s what iconic means to me.
What keeps you inspired?
Music itself and money, I want to be rich while staying humble. The music will get me rich and I’ll always stay humble.
How do you stay connected with fans?
Social media — Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter.
What’s on your playlist?
Future, Gucci Mane, Playboicarti, Kodak Black , Lil Uzi Vert, Young Thug, and me, of course .
