*MFKN*
Deondre’ “Dre P” Parker is a Wichita based solo artist who
“I enjoy making music and acting because both are telling a story—”
became a breakout star in the “Pearl 2” movie released in December 2019. He played a villain character. But many people who have seen his acting chops and now recognize his face, don’t know about the artist. He is working hard to make sure that changes. After a 10-year stint in prison, Dre P is refocused and doing everything he can to make sure that his past is far behind him. While incarcerated he occupied himself with writing music— something he felt was therapeutic. A relationship with a female staff member provided yet another source of inspiration for the aspiring musician. “People began finding out about our relationship and she told me she was going to fall back,” says Dre P. “She was worried that she’d lose her job.” Dre P admits that he was feeling vulnerable and was hurt that he was losing the only companion he had behind bars. Many of the people he knew before serving prison time, turned their backs on him. They didn’t write, send phone calls or put money on his books. The female prison employee gave him a glimpse of hope. The song he wrote was later titled “Find a Way.” The idea to use a sample from “Missing You” by Brandy, Tamia, Gladys Knight and Chaka Khan was given to him by his cousin. She played the song as he was leaving prison. The original song Courtesy of Pearl Movie