Virgin Islands Music Spotlight: Lion Dre

Lion Dre

My featured artist for May is Lion Dre. The first track I heard from him was Ain Outchya, which featured Deh Wapp. Lion Dre is a rising talent with aspirations for greatness. These are his words.

Who is Lion Dre?

Lion Dre is from Saint Croix, US Virgin Islands, and I am a global, authentic, all-around VI artist. When I say VI, I mean not just the Virgin Islands, but versatile, international. I'm an all-around artist - I don't limit myself to one genre. I’m very humble and I'm that person in and out of the studio that you can depend on to get the job done.

Who's the team behind you?

My team consists of my whole village. They say it takes a village to raise a child; I’m in my 20s and realize it also takes a village to maintain an adult. That's the best way I could put it because independence is cool, but it's also cool to have codependence and know you have genuine people in your corner who support you. It’s not about the finances. It's more than that - just to have somebody believing in you and speaking life into you genuinely. My team consists of my whole village.

"Believe in yourself"

What inspired you to get into music?

I have a few inspirations including my father, Radio Andy. Radio Andy is his DJ and stage moniker. He was a person who walked around with a radio everywhere. He would have me as a baby in one hand and have his radio in the next hand. I feel like it's a genetic thing and it's just part of who I am naturally. While I was growing up, my father moved to the US and I would visit him during the summers. While visiting him, I was introduced to a lot of different music, whether it's old school reggae, 90s dance hall, dubs, and dubplates. He exposed me to different vibes like Mob Deep and other throwbacks.

Another one of my musical inspirations is a St. Croix artist named Dan Dadda. When I was in elementary school, I was exposed to his music and that's when I first realized that you could really be from home and actually make your own content. I have to 'big-up' Dan Dadda for that. 

Next is my need to just express myself. I have a love for creativity, so I felt like it allowed me to express how I feel without being fully outspoken about personal things.

What has been your greatest musical achievement thus far?

This question is the one that made me look at myself like, 'Hey, you need to work a little harder.' That's me being honest because right now my greatest achievement is radio play - hearing my song play on the radio. Recently, I dropped a single with Mayah V called Slip Inside and it has been streamed on WPFW Radio in Washington DC and London, UK based on the statistics. Right now, in 2025, that feels like one of my biggest accomplishments in music thus far - just radio play. So more to come!

Who do you listen to?

I listen to different genres. I don't limit myself but the two genres I listen to the most are hip hop and rap, and of course, dance hall because I’m from the Caribbean. For Dancehall, I listen to Popcaan because he has good vibes in his music. Another artist is Vybz Kartel even though every song is not for every occasion. I also listen to Massika, Prince Swanny, Chronic Law, and for the females, Shensea or Spice. For hip hop, it would be Lil Wayne, J. Cole, Meek Mill, Ace Hood, Tupac, Mob Deep, Gucci Mane, Kodak Black, and some Lil Durk. These are my go-to's.

Lion Dre performing

So what stage have you always dreamed of performing on?

In all honesty, I don't have a specific stage and I don't want to sound greedy, but I want to perform at all of them whether big or small. I could be on a big stage and not feel as much energy as performing for a birthday party. I feel like the size of the room doesn’t matter. It's all about the energy I receive and give back to the crowd reciprocally. Give me all the stages. I won't know until I experience it.

Who have you collaborated with?

Besides Mayah V, I have collaborated with Bloody Bear Bass, VI Jo, Michonde, Flizop, and Dapp Deh Youngin. I have some things on the way with stateside artists. I have collaborated with Tony La Clave from Maryland. He is originally from El Salvador so he's like that Latin - urban Latino. He doesn't limit himself either. He's very versatile as well and we’re working on a bilingual track called Patron. I have done some unique collaborations and I have more on the way.

In terms of international artists, who would who would you want to perform or write with?

Popcaan! It's funny because I originally started doing rap music and hip hop, but since we are versatile international - VI artists, we can’t limit ourselves. So, I have to say Popcaan. When I went through my little dark moments in life, Popcaan's music helped me get through some rough moments. I’m not just saying that to sound cool. I really mean it – his music helped me calm down my vibrations when I was going through some situations. So, I have to give Popcaan his credit. It's deeper than just music.

What are the plans for the rest of 2025?

With summer approaching and we're currently in May, the plans for the rest of 2025 include:

• We need to shoot more visuals and get more videos out there. People want to see the artists so I want to upload more content, whether reels or TikToks. It’s all part of the consistency. We have to shoot more visuals and upload more content.
• I want to drop a few projects, whether EPS, singles, or maybe an album.
• Last, but not least, I want to hit as many stages as possible, big or small. That's how we're looking for 2025.

What advice do you have for young people who are interested in music?

• Put God first because, in our reality, you can't do anything foundational or organic without putting God first.
• Stay true to yourself because you might be doing something to follow the crowd. But, is it really who you are or is it really for you? Is it made for you?
• Believe in yourself because you will have many days when people you expect support from may not be able to show up based on circumstances. It's going to take that self-driven fueling in you to keep things going.
• Wait your turn because you might be working hard and not get the recognition you deserve. But guess what? Today for me, tomorrow for you.
• Stay consistent because what you do regularly matters more than what you do once in every blue moon.

Lion Dre

Please share something with the readers that most people don't know about you

Honestly, I can't live without music. Music makes everything easier for me, whether writing an essay, washing the dishes, or cleaning the house. If I don't have music, I feel I will lose my mind. Honestly, I don't want to sound crazy saying that, but it helped me in my roughest moments. It uplifts me in every other way. It's a listening ear when I can't vent to people, whether it’s an instrumental I’m speaking to. People may figure it out knowing I'm passionate about it, but I want them to know it's really that serious. I can't live without music for real.

Who would you like to shout out?

Shout out to my mother, my father, Radio Andy, my manager, Gino, and my right-hand brethren Ash. Shout out to my production team, BSG Ent (Buildin Sumtin Great), and the whole rest of the family.

"Stay consistent"

Is there anything else that you’d like to share?
I recently released a Shake It To The Max (LionMix), but it doesn't have original instrumentals so I haven't been posting it widely. It hasn't been posted mainstream, but it's still out there. I have other singles on the way and a project as well. Aside from that, I'm working on a few visuals right now and I have some other things on the way.

I just want the world to know, like honestly, I've been doing music for a while and I waited my turn for years and I just humbly want to say it's really my turn now. I ain't coming to take nobody's spotlight from them. We all can shine. They shine, you shine, he shines, she shines, we all shine. But it's Lion Dre’s turn now.

*****

As Lion Dre shared in the article, he has lots more to come. He's ready to shine and bless the world with his powerful voice, inspiring thoughts and amazing talent.

Book Highlight: Illustrated History of the Virgin Islands: The 1949 March and the Restoration of the LEGCO Activity Book

I introduced you to Gabriel Skelton-Bardo with her first book, "Illustrated History of the British Virgin Islands Colouring Book."

Her next project, the "Illustrated History of the Virgin Islands: The 1949 March and the Restoration of the LEGCO Activity Book," was launched in 2023 and co-authored with Bernadine Walters-Louis. The book highlights the significant activities that occurred on Sunday, November 24, 1949, in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Three young Virgin Islanders led about 1,500 others in a demonstration that shaped the political landscape in the territory.

These historical figures were:

• Theodore Faulkner (1914-1989), aged 35 at the time
• Isacc Glanville Fonseca (1923-1995), aged 26 at the time
• Captain Carlton L. deCastro (1915-1991), aged 34 at the time

Faulkner, Fonseca, and de Castro were not pleased with the suspension of the Legislative Council and that Antigua ran the territory. They rallied other Virgin Islanders and presented a petition to Commissioner John Augustus Cockburn Cruikshank. Their efforts yielded success, and in 1950, Virgin Islanders had their Legislative Council restored.

The "Illustrated History of the Virgin Islands: The 1949 March and the Restoration of the LEGCO Activity Book" teaches children about the Virgin Islands' history with interactive activities that sharpen fine motor skills.

The authors include these fun activities:

• Coloring
• Crossword Puzzle
• Color by numbers
• Letter practice

This activity book provides readers with essential information about Virgin Islands' history. I encourage you to get copies for yourself and your family members.

Visit the Colour ME BVI History Facebook Page to arrange copies of "Illustrated History of the British Virgin Islands Colouring Book" and "Illustrated History of the Virgin Islands: The 1949 March and the Restoration of the LEGCO Activity Book."

New Album from Banco Bizmol - "Last Man Standing"

Banco Bizmol, who hails from the Virgin Islands, released his album, "Last Man Standing," on September 20, 2023. He was the 2020 winner of the Virgin Islands Qua-rap-tine Battle. Banco Bizmol has built an impressive discography of music, including EPs, "Route 88" and "Banco Bizzo Day." This artist captured over one million views with the music video for "Who Boost," which featured Prince Swanny.

Here are the eleven tracks on "Last Man Standing."

"Double Down" featuring Iyaz
The first track on "Last Man Standing" features Iyaz, another Virgin Islands artist, who is well known for the 2009 hit "Replay." "Double Down" is an excellent opening for this album, which balances Iyaz's soulful vibe and Banco Bizmol's witty lyrics.

Lyric Snippet: "Every man does get a shine when the time right/ but when you get the shine/ better shine bright, do it dawg for the cause/ don't get lost in the sauce/ never do for the likes or limelight."

"Never Fold" featuring Pressure Buss Pipe
The song opens, "This is the making of my history/ preaching to the world/ do it lyrically like a ministry/ all respect to God for the blessings that He has given me/ feel like I could make it, thankful for my ability."

Pressure Buss Pipe, an internationally recognized reggae artist from the Virgin Islands, is featured in "Never Fold." The refrain reminds us, "Give up don't live around here."

"For Me"

This song offers a softer, lovey-dovey side of Banco Bizmol. With the soulful vibe, the artist delivers with cadence and deep lyrics. He chants, "I still giving out the love I ain't receive yet/ some people stab me in the back and leave me speechless/ if I overthink and push away, it's just a reflex."

"My Life" featuring Timo Makaveli
"Good days, bad days, down times, up times/
rough nights, backstab, friends bite, heart breaks/
love fights, hurts right? Sudden highs, goodbyes/
big lies change lives, soul ties, my life, my rights/
one shot, one strike, three points"

"My Life" features Timo Makaveli, an international recording artist from the Virgin Islands and a member of the duo Rock City.

"Something to Say"
"You gotta keep going when you fed up/ it got times I feeling to quit but my people be like nah dawg keep your head up/ focus on music and go get your bread up/ shoot for the stars and see where you end up."

As the lyric snippet shows, the artist definitely has something to say in this track. He shares his journey about how his music and life have evolved.

"All Going Shine" featuring Theron Theron
Theron Theron is the other half of international recording duo, Rock City. In "All Going Shine," Banco Bizmol re-emphasizes his philosophy.

He chants, "Doing my thing, don't hate - just watch/ come from ground but we going up top/ I ain't going stop till they put we on the map/ and they fully realize that we more than a dot/ things ain't right but I love my life/ real ones in the pic, fake ones getting cropped."

"Fully 8" featuring Kalonji
"Fully 8" features Kalonji, who is known for "Apply Pressure" and "Chop Stick."

Lyric Snippet: "Lotta them a yes men, all they say is "Yes, Boss"/ I don't really talk much, I don't really take talk/ I be trying to keep calm, but my head sick, dawg/ I does see the devil on my shoulder with the pitchfork."

"Whole Time" featuring Th3rd
"I does go through the street like a Cadillac/ I maneuver the beats like an Acrobat/ mehn, this **** could get sticky like cataract/ cause we up like we deh on a flight/ cut off the ones who were there for the hype/ I see the duppie-dem, I see the blights."

"Whole Time" features Th3rd, who is also from the Virgin Islands. Th3rd's discography includes "Heartbreaker," "Best Things," and Higher."

"Retaliation" featuring Pediko
Banco Bizmol does not disappoint in "Retaliation". This high-energy track features Pediko, another Virgin Islands artist. We know Pediko from his tracks, "Bacck Seat" and "Grease" and his feature on Pressure Buss Pipe's "Who Feels It Knows It."

Lyric Snippet: "Just run your race, dawg, trying to keep my name good/ always need a face card/ n***as think they booming but it sound like the bass gone/ blind to the bull ****/ I feeling like Ray Charles."

"Donz Dem"
"Donz Dem" is another lyrically hitting track with Banco Bizmol's usual on-point delivery.

Lyric Snippet: "People always want to bring news and it don't even be the right set/ move on with your fake ***/ when I gone is bad talk and when I there is big laugh/ study long and you playing wrong/ in the game, you gotta think fast/ they be saying I the one now/ but I used to get picked last."

"No Problems" featuring DynamiQ
DynamiQ's discography includes "Dangerous," "Send Dem Home" and "Bad Inna Real Life."

Lyric Snippet: "I going hard till my last breath and my heart stop in my chest plate/ me and life in a chess game/ make the right moves and I checkmate/ one shot - get your best take/ don't want fame - we want estates/ and real moments that breathtaking - a blessed place."

Banco Bizmol absolutely delivers a powerful album with these eleven tracks on "Last Man Standing." You will enjoy the featured artists' performance, catchy instrumentals and Banco's usual on-point lyrical delivery. I commend this artist and his team another awesome release because the album is enjoyable from track one to track eleven.

Album Spotlight: Excuse My Accent 2 by King Ponche

“They pushing vibes,

I could feel the energy,

I was blind to it now I can see,

if ain’t broke don’t fix it,

I rather keep my distance,

they don’t see my vision”

King Ponche performs these lyrics in “Pushing Vibes,” a song on his latest album, Excuse My Accent 2. He is an artist from St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands. 

How King Ponche Started in Music
King Ponche wrote poetry while he attended school. Then around 2012, he linked with Teh’ron Tull, who encouraged him to record his performances. He considered music a hobby; however, he became inspired as people showed interest in his songs. King Ponche’s first song was “Ambition.” In 2015, he released his first album, Trap Paradise.

Excuse My Accent 2
Every Caribbean native who has visited or migrated to the United States can relate to Americans asking about our accent. King Ponche shared that he also had similar experiences because his Crucian accent is strong. He released Excuse My Accent in 2018 with 20 tracks.

The follow-up Excuse My Accent 2 has 11 tracks, which were all written by King Ponche. He recorded some tracks himself and some with Big A Prado. King Ponche shared that Excuse My Accent 2 offers a flavor of trap, rap, melodic, money music and R&B.

1. “L.O.A.D” (“Life of A Don”)
Producer: SDProductionzVI
Lyric snippet: “I hot like I catching a fever, trendsetter, money maker, n***a, I a leader, spin on the block in a Beamer, ducking an dodging the reaper, straight out the projects, I need a deposit if you trying to talk cause I talking bout business….”

2. “Harden” 

Producer: Emkay
Lyric snippet: “I can’t relate cause we don’t have nothing in common, I don’t forgive and I don’t give too many chances, if he flossing then my cuzzy going to extort him, how you a killer, dog and ain’t no bodies dropping….”

3. “Shadows”
Producer: SDProductionzVI
Lyric snippet: “Pocket watching, knock yo eye out the socket. This sh*t could get tragic. Deep in the projects with all the assassins. Sh*t could go left you don’t know what could happen.”

4. “Ain’t Safe” featuring DahReal Kmoney
Producer: BeatzOnLockdown
Lyric snippet: “I so fly – got a bird’s eye view, I just wanna be a young tycoon, when it come to the hate, I immune, they just mad cause we never does lose….”

5. “Catch Myself”
Producer: SahBeats
Lyric snippet: “I remember times I would sleep on the floor, had to hustle like never before, I too busy, catch me on the go, I be high but I move on the low….”

6. “Pushing Vibes”
Producer: Polack

7. “Hold It Down”
Producer: DJorFromWhim
Lyric snippet: “Only loyal n***as in my camp, they will light you up just like a lamp, when it’s time, I don’t step, I does stamp, them n***as confused looking ranks….”

8. “Top Shelf” featuring 2Klip340
Producer: Animeted
Lyric snippet: “I don’t smoke what you smoke, that s**t gyab, I got different flavors by the bag, top shelf all I smoke is gas”

9. “Sacrifices”
Producer: Greytest & Kyd Ace
Lyric snippet: “They don’t see the struggle, they only see when you shining, had to switch it up, I had to make some sacrifices, seeing is believing, but love for you made me blind, let my feelings get the best of me, that might be the death of me….”

10. “Prayed Up”
Producer: JGotMelodyz
King Ponche shared that this track is a relatable song about how people go through different things.
Lyric snippet: “I perfecting my craft, I try not to stress, cause life goes on, it be moving so fast, don’t get lost in the sauce, now I in 1st place but I started in last….”

11. Don’t Forget Me featuring VI Jo
Producer: Ant Chamberlain
Lyric snippet: “You say love me but you got n***as on the side, I shoulda know cause you showed me all the signs, that mean that everything you told me was a lie, you did me wrong but all I did was treat you right….”

Where to Find Excuse My Accent 2
You can find this album on all streaming platforms: Apple Music, Amazon, Spotify, etc. Visit his Link Tree. 

Shout Outs to Persons Who Assisted with Excuse My Accent 2
King Ponche gave a special shout out to SD Productions VI, producer for “L.O.A.D.” and “Shadows.” In addition, SD Productions VI, a long term acquaintance, created the cover art.

King Ponche’s Favorite Track on Excuse My Accent 2
King Ponche’s favorite track is “Sacrifices.” According to him, “in life, you have to make sacrifices” regardless of the various trials, tribulations and milestones.

Facts You May Not Know About King Ponche

• King Ponche is an audio/sound engineer and producer.
• The artist he listens to most is Future.

Music Videos
King Ponche already released a music video for “Shadows” and one for “Sacrifices” is coming soon.

Advice to the Youth Wanting to Get in the Music Business
King Ponche advises:

• “Anything is possible - just put your mind to it”
• “Before you sign off on anything, make sure the business is right.”
• “The music is a plus but to make income and to get the music out there – you have to get the music right.”
• “Do you and be yourself.”

Upcoming Projects
King Ponche asked that we stay tuned to his social media pages for his upcoming projects.

Some Musical Storytellers

I like to listen to all types of music. Sometimes the lyrics are garbage but the song has good rhythm and dance vibe. Sometimes, the dance vibe is enough. On the other hand, I do love a song that tells a story and keeps me enthused at the same time.

Some of the music of the 60s to the 80s told a story. Country musicians loved telling stories and a good example was Kenny Rogers in his song The Gambler. The Mighty Sparrow told lots of stories and he greatly influenced the soca and calypso we enjoy today. Jean and Dinah and Obeah Wedding are great examples of Sparrow's lyrical genius. Bob Marley was another exciting lyricist who shared so many aspect of life in his reggae albums. No Woman, No Cry and Trenchtown Rock keep us listening to hear a tale in reggae style.

Nicholas "Daddy Friday" Friday was one example of a talented musician, along with The Jam Band, who kept people in the Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean enthralled by his catchy and insightful lyrics - all sung to a rhythmic balance of rhythm box, live instruments and drums. Jam Band's discography include We From De VI, Hugo and Let Loose.

Hip Hop had its share of storytellers including Slick Rick in Children's Story, Sugar Hill Gang in Rapper's Delight, and Will Smith as Fresh Prince in Summertime. Later R&B had hits like I Wish by Carl Thomas, Boyfriend Number 2 by Pleasure P and Need You Bad by Jazmine Sullivan.

I listen to many genres but these days, I mostly listen to the old school music. The depth of the music is not the same today. I do find myself listening to more soca these days because I think the genre has grown and there's even a collaboration with Machel Montano and Ashanti in The Road. 

Soca that I am pumping in car these days include:

• Kerwin Du Bois - Right for Somebody
• Teddyson John - Vent
• Jougo (VIBE) - Rule Numba Uno
• Kelly Jr. - Love Trip
• Pressure BussPipe - Do It and Done
• Machel Montano - Epic (2014)
• Skinny Fabulous, Machel Montano and Bunji Garlin - Famalay
• Farmer Nappy - Hookin Meh

Music is entertainment, it influences, it inspires, it evolves and it helps us to keep fit. Music is truly life.