Druski

Last updated
Druski
Druski, 2022.png
Druski in 2022
Birth nameDrew Desbordes
Born (1994-09-12) September 12, 1994 (age 29)
Columbia, Maryland, U.S.
Education Georgia Gwinnett College Georgia Southern University
Years active2017–present
Genres Comedy

Drew Desbordes (born September 12, 1994), known professionally as Druski, is an American comedian and actor. He is known for his sketch comedy, Coulda Been Records, and collaborating with various musicians in their music videos, including Jack Harlow, [1] Drake, [2] Lil Yachty, and others. [3]

Contents

Early life and education

Drew Desbordes was born on September 12, 1994, in Columbia, Maryland to Cheryl Desbordes, a worker at the Department of State, and David McLain Desbordes, a commercial pilot who previously served in the United States Air Force as a captain and in the National Guard as a Major. [4] [5] He grew up in Gwinnett County, Georgia. He played sports as a child and mostly stayed out of trouble, except in the classroom when he would make jokes. [6] He attended South Gwinnett High School.

Desbordes came from a comedic household and used to make his parents laugh speaking in different accents. [7] His family introduced him to the world of comedy at an early age, as his parents watched popular comedians on television, such as Cedric The Entertainer and Dave Chappelle. [6]

Desbordes graduated high school due to his Spanish teacher, Nancy Gordeuk, giving him a simple paper to complete that awarded two-years worth of the class, meaning he could graduate on time. He then attended Georgia Gwinnett College before transferring to Georgia Southern University. He became depressed and stopped attending classes, instead watching YouTube videos. After two semesters, he dropped out. Desbordes was originally a Sports analytics major and wanted to become a sportscaster, but later turned to comedy after being encouraged by his classmates. [8] [6]

Career

On October 2, 2017, Desbordes began posting comedic skits and other comedic content on his Instagram account under the handle "druski2funny", now Druski. [9] In his early skits, he pretended to be a frat bro named Kyle Rogger, a ruthless record label executive, and other characters, such as Bubba Joe, garnering a wide audience.

Druski crossed paths with then rising artist Jack Harlow and began opening and hosting shows for him. [10] On October 22, 2020, Druski made a cameo as a school bus driver in the music video for Jack Harlow's song "Tyler Herro." [11] On March 9, 2020, he was featured on Lil Yachty's song "Oprah's Bank Account." [12] On August 13, 2020, Desbordes was featured in the music video of Drake's song "Laugh Now Cry Later" featuring Lil Durk. [13] [14] Drew also appears in videos for Jack Harlow's song "Churchill Downs", featuring Drake, and Chlöe and Latto's music video for For the Night. [15]

In 2021, Diddy (through his Revolt) and Adidas announced a new series called Sneakin’ In With Druski, with Desbordes as the host. [16] The series has featured people like Snoop Dogg, Teyana Taylor, and Yung Miami (from City Girls) since its launch. [17] That same year, Desbordes created the satirical label Coulda Been Records as a way for artists to come onto his Instagram Lives, usually resulting in him teasing them throughout their time on. [18] Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. struck up a friendship with Druski upon finding his videos, and invited the comedian to stay at his home during the COVID-19 pandemic. [7] Druski was an opening act for J. Cole and 21 Savage's The Off-Season Tour throughout September and October 2021. [19] Also in October, Desbordes satirically offered Meek Mill to sign onto Coulda Been Records after Meek Mill said that he didn't get paid for his music. [20] [21] [22]

Desbordes launched his 4lifers entertainment company in 2023, which serves as the umbrella company for his business ventures. Those range from live touring, TV/Film/Web productions, merchandise, licensing, and Coulda Been Records. [23]

Touring

Druski has done four nationwide tours in the US. First with Jack Harlow, then opening for J. Cole on the Off-Season tour with 21 Savage in the fall of 2021. Druski also opened for Chris Brown and Lil Baby on the One of Them Ones tour in the summer of 2022. [24]

He headlined his first comedy tour, "Coulda Woulda Shoulda", in March 2023. [9] The tour featured a mixture of traditional stand-up comedy and live auditions as part of his Coulda Been Records series.

Brand partnerships

Druski has appeared in a number of promotions. In April, 2021, he appeared in the Squad Up The World | Call of Duty: Warzone Season 3 trailer, alongside Young Thug, Saweetie, Jack Harlow, Swae Lee and more. [25] Druski then appeared in Beats By Dre ‘It's the Music’ TV commercial in April, 2021. In the fall of, 2021, Druski starred in Bud Light seltzer's national TV campaign and is currently a Bud Light ambassador, appearing in spots for their coverage of the Super Bowl, March Madness and the start of the NFL season. [9] In 2022, he starred alongside Jack Harlow in a TV commercial for KFC. [26] That year, Druski also appeared in commercial spots for AT&T and in 2023 was featured in a spot for the NBA All-Star Game and the NBA NBA draft. In 2022, Desbordes also appeared in the Google Pixel Anthem spot, alongside stars Giannis Antetokounmpo, Candace Parker, Joel Embiid, Kelsey Plum, LaMelo Ball, Jayson Tatum, Jalen Green, Taylor Rooks, Richard Jefferson and Simu Liu. Druski continues to be a Google Pixel ambassador and stars in their latest TV commercial for the 2023 NBA Playoffs. [27]

Druski has also done commercial work for the likes of 2K Sports, Amazon, American Express, Fanatics, Inc., EA Sports, Meta, Mountain Dew, NBA, NFL, Pepsi, PrizePicks, QuikTrip, Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, and Spotify. [28] [29] [30] [31]

Druski also has equity stake in Happy Dad Hard Seltzer, which he actively promotes across his content & live shows. [32]

Coulda Been Records

Desbordes launched Coulda Been Records in 2019, a satirical record label crafted for his Instagram Live talent-scouting show. Desbordes began the show in 2019 as a talent show where he sought out the best singers, dancers, rappers, and it “turned out to be shit.” In a pivot, he renamed the project Coulda Been, and has turned it into a legitimate record label. While doing so, he studied the business craft of two inspirational figures, Suge Knight and Diddy. Coulda Been Records features Desbordes taking on a record label executive persona. Established artists and friends like Chloe Bailey, Drake, Jack Harlow, Ella Mai, Kodak Black, Chance the Rapper, Justin Bieber, Antonio Brown, 21 Savage, and Ice Spice frequently join Druski's streams while he looks for talent. Druski is now in production on Coulda Been Records Season 1, which will be an 8-10 episode series where contestants will compete to win a Coulda Been Records album deal. [33]

Sketch comedy

Druski employs situational humor across all demographics. Highlight characters include frat boy, Kyle Rogger; a country hillbilly, Bubba Joe; a court-appointed snitch attorney; an old-school biker; a line cook; Demon Home, who is usually fresh out of prison; a soccer mom; a youth football and basketball coach & more. 

TV and film

Desbordes made his film debut in 2023. First as a cameo in House Party , released January 13, 2023, and then as a lead supporting actor in the Will Packer produced film,  Praise This , directed by Tina Gordon Chism, released on April 7, 2023. [34] [35]

Drew was featured in the final season of Grownish. Druski is working on several TV & film productions for release in 2024, including several that he is executive producing. He is both writing and starring in the content. [9]

Videography

List of music video appearances
YearArtistTitleRole
2020 Lil Yachty and DaBaby featuring Drake "Oprah's Bank Account"Himself
2020 Drake featuring Lil Durk "Laugh Now Cry Later"
2020 Jack Harlow "Tyler Herro"Bus Driver
2022 Jack Harlow featuring Drake "Churchill Downs"Himself
2022 Chlöe and Latto "For the Night"

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drake (musician)</span> Canadian rapper and singer (born 1986)

Aubrey Drake Graham, known mononymously as Drake, is a Canadian rapper, singer and actor. An influential figure in popular music, he has been credited with popularizing R&B sensibilities in hip hop artists. Gaining recognition by starring as Jimmy Brooks in the CTV teen drama series Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001–2008), Drake began his recording career in 2006 with the release of his debut mixtape, Room for Improvement (2006). He followed up with the mixtapes Comeback Season (2007) and So Far Gone (2009) before signing with Young Money Entertainment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Meek Mill</span> American rapper (born 1987)

Robert Rihmeek Williams, known professionally as Meek Mill, is an American rapper. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he embarked on his music career as a battle rapper, and later formed a short-lived rap group, The Bloodhoundz. He signed with T.I.'s Grand Hustle Records as a solo act in 2008, although he departed by 2011 and released no albums with the label. Meek Mill then signed with Rick Ross' Maybach Music Group (MMG) that same year, and rose to mainstream recognition following his performances on the label's Self Made Vol. 1 (2011) compilation album; his song "Tupac Back" served as the album's lead single while its follow up, "Ima Boss" entered the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lil Durk</span> American rapper

Durk Derrick Banks, known professionally as Lil Durk, is an American rapper from Chicago, Illinois. He is considered one of the pioneers and a preeminent artist of the drill genre. He initially garnered a local following with the release of his Signed to the Streets mixtape series (2013–2014), whose success led to him to sign with Def Jam Recordings. The label released his debut studio album, Remember My Name (2015) and its follow-up, Lil Durk 2X (2016) to moderate commercial reception before parting ways with the artist in 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rogét Chahayed</span> American record producer and songwriter

Rogét Lutfi Chahayed is an American record producer and songwriter who Billboard has called "one of hip-hop and pop's most dependable hit machines." He has been nominated for nine Grammys, including Producer of the Year, Non-Classical at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Playboi Carti</span> American rapper (born 1995)

Jordan Terrell Carter, known professionally as Playboi Carti, is an American rapper and record producer from Atlanta, Georgia. An influential figure among his generation, he has contributed to the progression of trap music and its rage subgenre. He first signed with local underground record label Awful Records in 2014, and later signed with ASAP Mob's record label AWGE, in a joint venture with Interscope Records two years later. Carter gained mainstream attention following the release of his eponymous debut mixtape (2017), which peaked at number 12 on the US Billboard 200 and spawned the Billboard Hot 100-charting singles "Magnolia" and "Wokeuplikethis".

Shane Lee Lindstrom, known professionally as Murda Beatz, is a Canadian record producer. Born and raised in Ontario, he has produced commercially successful singles for various artists since 2011, predominantly in hip hop and trap music. His credits include the hit singles "Butterfly Effect" by Travis Scott, "Back on Road" by Gucci Mane, "Nice for What" by Drake, and "Motorsport" by Migos. He is best known for his guest feature alongside Nicki Minaj on 6ix9ine's 2018 single "Fefe", which peaked at number three on both the Canadian Hot 100 and US Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">YoungBoy Never Broke Again</span> American rapper (born 1999)

Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, known professionally as YoungBoy Never Broke Again or NBA YoungBoy, is an American rapper. From 2015 to 2017, he released eight independent mixtapes and garnered a regional following for his work. He signed with Atlantic Records in the latter year to release the singles "Untouchable" and "No Smoke", both of which marked his first entries on the Billboard Hot 100. Released in January of the following year, his single "Outside Today" became his first to reach the top 40 of the chart, and received quadruple platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It served as both his mainstream breakthrough and the lead single for his debut studio album, Until Death Call My Name (2018), which peaked at number seven on the US Billboard 200 despite mixed critical reception.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lil Baby</span> American rapper (born 1994)

Dominique Armani Jones, known professionally as Lil Baby, is an American rapper. He rose to prominence following the release of his 2017 mixtapes Harder than Hard and Too Hard, the former of which spawned his first Billboard Hot 100 entry with its lead single, "My Dawg." He signed with Quality Control Music, an imprint of Motown and Capitol Records to release his debut studio album Harder Than Ever (2018), which peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 and was supported by the Billboard Hot 100-top ten single "Yes Indeed". He released two additional retail projects that same year: The collaborative mixtape Drip Harder with fellow Georgia-based rapper Gunna—which saw continued success with its singles "Drip Too Hard" and "Close Friends"—and his commercial mixtape Street Gossip, which peaked at number two on the Billboard 200.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gunna (rapper)</span> American rapper (born 1993)

Sergio Giavanni Kitchens, known professionally as Gunna, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He signed with Young Thug's YSL Records, an imprint of 300 Entertainment in 2016, and rose to fame with his third mixtape, Drip Season 3 (2018). It moderately entered the Billboard 200, while his collaborative mixtape with fellow Georgia rapper Lil Baby, Drip Harder, peaked at number four on the chart. Its lead single, "Drip Too Hard" peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100, received diamond certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and was nominated for Best Rap/Sung Performance at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Quando Rondo</span> American rapper, singer-songwriter

Tyquian Terrel Bowman, professionally known by his stage name Quando Rondo, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He is signed to Never Broke Again and Atlantic Records. He initially gained attention with the release of his song "I Remember" featuring Lil Baby in January 2018, leading to him dropping three mixtapes, Life B4 Fame (2018), Life After Fame (2018), and From the Neighborhood to the Stage (2019).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jack Harlow</span> American rapper (born 1998)

Jackman Thomas "Jack" Harlow is an American rapper and singer. He began a musical career in 2015, and released several EPs and mixtapes until signing with Don Cannon and DJ Drama's record label Generation Now, an imprint of Atlantic Records in 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cole Bennett</span> American artist; founder of Lyrical Lemonade (born 1996)

Cole Bennett is an American music video director and record executive. He is also the founder of Lyrical Lemonade.

<i>Lil Boat 3</i> 2020 studio album by Lil Yachty

Lil Boat 3 is the fourth studio album by American rapper Lil Yachty. It was released on May 29, 2020, by Capitol Records, Motown Records, and Quality Control Music. The album serves as the third and final installment of the Lil Boat series and the sequel to Lil Boat 2. The album was recorded four times over and was described by Yachty as "upbeat" and "heavy-hitting". It features guest appearances from Tierra Whack, ASAP Rocky, Tyler, the Creator, Future, Draft Day, DaBaby, Drake, Lil Keed, Young Thug, and Lil Durk, with production by JetsonMade, Mike Will Made It, Pi'erre Bourne, Earl on the Beat, K Swisha, and Lil Yachty himself, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">King Von</span> American rapper (1994–2020)

Dayvon Daquan Bennett, known professionally as King Von, was an American rapper and gangster from Chicago, Illinois, that was affiliated with the Black Disciples gang. He is widely considered one of the most preeminent figures of the drill genre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oprah's Bank Account</span> 2020 single by Lil Yachty and DaBaby featuring Drake

"Oprah's Bank Account" is a song by American rappers Lil Yachty and DaBaby featuring Canadian rapper Drake. Produced by Earl on the Beat, it was released by Quality Control on March 9, 2020 alongside a comedic video, where Lil Yachty portrays talk-show host Oprah Winfrey. Yachty originally wanted American singer Lizzo to appear on the song, but, according to him, she never responded to him.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tyler Herro (song)</span> 2020 single by Jack Harlow

"Tyler Herro" is a song by American rapper Jack Harlow. It was released on October 22, 2020, by Generation Now/Atlantic Records, as a lead single from his debut studio album Thats What They All Say (2020). The song pays tribute to the basketball player of the same name and was produced by Boi-1da and Scott Storch, with additional production from Neenyo and Jahaan Sweet.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Back in Blood (song)</span> 2020 single by Pooh Shiesty featuring Lil Durk

"Back in Blood" is a song by American rapper Pooh Shiesty featuring fellow American rapper Lil Durk. It was released through Atlantic Records and 1017 Records on November 5, 2020, as the lead single from the former's debut mixtape, Shiesty Season (2021), and two days before his twenty-first birthday. The two artists wrote the song alongside its producer, YC. The song marks the first collaboration between the two artists, and they later reunited in 2021 on Lil Durk's song "Should've Ducked", a track off of the deluxe edition of his sixth studio album, The Voice.

<i>Expensive Pain</i> 2021 studio album by Meek Mill

Expensive Pain is the fifth studio album by American rapper Meek Mill. It was released on October 1, 2021, through Atlantic Records And Maybach Music Group. The production on the album was handled by multiple producers including Boi-1da, Tay Keith, Vinylz, 30 Roc, Cardo and Sevn Thomas among others. The album also features guest appearances from Lil Baby, Lil Durk, Kehlani, ASAP Ferg, Moneybagg Yo, Giggs, Young Thug, Vory, Lil Uzi Vert, and Brent Faiyaz.

Zack Bialobos is an American DJ, record executive, record producer, socialite, and club promoter. He was first known in the Los Angeles nightlife scene in the late 2010s as a club promoter and DJ. Later a co-founder of Field Trip Recordings, he signed notable artists including Yeat, SSGKobe, and Slump6s.

"Churchill Downs" is a song by American rapper Jack Harlow featuring Canadian rapper Drake from the former's second studio album Come Home the Kids Miss You (2022). It was produced by Boi-1da, Audi, BEDRM, and Ace G.

References

  1. Wicker, Jewel (September 27, 2021). "REAL FRIENDS: HOW DRUSKI AND Rosetta BECAME UNSTOPPABLE". Complex Networks .
  2. Rose, Jordan (October 6, 2021). "Drake Jokes That Things Have Gone 'Downhill' Since 'CLB' Drop in Hilarious IG Live Chat With Druski". Complex Networks .
  3. Easy, Claude J. (30 September 2021). "How comedian Druski finessed an entire industry for jokes". Kulture Hub.
  4. "Capt David McLain Desbordes". Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum .
  5. "Druski's Family: Facts about the Comedian's Parents and Siblings". Earn The Necklace. 28 September 2021.
  6. 1 2 3 Wicker, Jewel (September 27, 2021). "The Viral Life of Druski". Complex Networks .
  7. 1 2 Blackburn, H. Drew (November 11, 2020). "From Viral Skits to Music Videos: Druski Is Hip-Hop's New Favorite Comedian". GQ .
  8. Tambue, Louis (2 November 2020). "Who is Druski? The internet comedian reminding us to laugh again". Kulture Hub.
  9. 1 2 3 4 Elibert, Mark. "With Support From Jack Harlow & Drake, Druski Wants To Take His Comedic Chops to the Next Level". Complex. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  10. Grobar, Matt (7 July 2022). "'Stargirl's Anjelika Washington, Migos Frontman Quavo, Druski & Tristan Mack Wilds Among Final 14 Set For Universal's Youth Choir Comedy 'Praise This'". Deadline. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  11. "Watch the Video for Jack Harlow's New Single "Tyler Herro"". Complex . Retrieved 2020-11-08.
  12. Campbell, Mahlik. "Watch: Lil Yachty, Drake & DaBaby in "Oprah's Bank Account"". Daquan.
  13. "DRAKE DROPS NEW SINGLE 'LAUGH NOW CRY LATER' WITH LIL DURK". Rap-Up . August 13, 2020.
  14. Skelton, Eric; McKinney, Jessica; Ritchie, Matthew (August 14, 2020). "6 Takeaways From Drake and Lil Durk's New Song "Laugh Now Cry Later"". Complex . Retrieved August 16, 2020.
  15. Paul, Larisha (28 October 2022). "Chlöe and Latto Offer a Lifetime of Late Nights on New Single 'For the Night'". Rolling Stone. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  16. Thorpe, Isha (March 29, 2021). "REVOLT and Adidas collab for new "Sneakin' In With Druski" show". Revolt .
  17. Jefferson, Devon (April 17, 2021). "SNOOP DOGG, TEYANA TAYLOR, YUNG MIAMI STAR IN ADIDAS & REVOLT TV'S 'SNEAKIN' IN W/ DRUSKI'". HipHopDX .
  18. Galindo, Thomas (December 27, 2021). "Druski Hosts Hilarious Try Outs For Coulda Been Records". HotNewHipHop.
  19. "Druski Announced as Host of J. Cole's 'The Off-Season' Tour". The Source. 2021-09-21. Retrieved 2023-02-14.
  20. Elibert, Mark (October 28, 2021). "MEEK MILL GETS HILARIOUS OFFER FROM DRUSKI FOLLOWING LABEL RANT". HipHopDX .
  21. Robinson, Joshua (October 27, 2021). "Druski Invites Meek Mill To Coulda Been Records In Response To Label Complaints". HotNewHipHop.
  22. Rose, Jordan (October 27, 2021). "Druski Jokingly Responds to Meek Mill Publicly Airing Out Financial Issues With Label". Complex Networks .
  23. Lynch, John. "Druski on staying 'that number one go-to guy for comedy,' and business advice from Drake". Business Insider. Insider Inc. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  24. Callas, Brad. "Druski Announces Dates for First Headlining Comedy Tour, Hosts Auditions for Supporting Talent". Complex. Complex Media, Inc. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  25. Mahadevan, Tara C. "Watch a Wild 'Call of Duty: Warzone' Season 3 Live Action Trailer f/ Young Thug, Gunna, Saweetie, and More". Complex. Complex Media Inc. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  26. Cawthon, Haley. "Nimbus works with KFC, Jack Harlow on latest holiday ad campaign". The Business Journals. American City Business Journals. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  27. Nudd, Tim (10 May 2023). "GOOGLE PIXEL CONTINUES ITS NBA ADVENTURES WITH 'GREATEST WATCH PARTY' FILM". Adage. Crain Communications. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  28. Sadler, Armon (23 December 2022). "Sabrina Ionescu Stops By American Express X NBA 2K23 Gaming Lab, Talks Upcoming WNBA Season And Women's Empowerment". Yahoo. Vibe. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  29. Grant, Shawn (13 February 2023). "RUBIN-PALOOZA: MICHAEL RUBIN'S SUPER BOWL PARTY FEATURES PERFORMANCES FROM TRAVIS SCOTT, MEEK MILL, LIL BABY AND MORE". The Source. John Lewis Partnership. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  30. Hiken, Asa. "Mtn Dew nets audio activation with basketball-themed podcast". Marketing Drive. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  31. "MTN DEW® and RUFFLES® Present The Block at NBA® All-Star 2022". Bloomberg. Bloomberg. 9 February 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  32. Ward, Tom. "From YouTube Pranks To Beverage Moguls: The Nelk Boys And Shahidi Brothers' Happy Dad Hard Seltzer Is A Huge Success". Forbes. Integrated Whale Media Investments. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  33. Blanchet, Brenton. "Ruski Is Serious About Coulda Been Records. Sort Of". Complex. Complex Media, Inc. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  34. Lang, Cady (13 January 2023). "All the Cameos You Might Have Missed in House Party". Time Magazine. Time USA, LLC. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  35. Barnaby, Lane. "Comedian and 'Praise This' star Druski says appearing in his first major movie was 'mind-blowing': 'I thought it'd be years before I'd get my own trailer'". Insider. Axel Springer. Retrieved 14 May 2023.