Life & Work with Drey Nelson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Drey Nelson.

Hi Drey, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
I am a former professional basketball player who, when my career was cut short due to injury, started indulging in other pastimes that brought me joy in my childhood. Those pastimes were music and film. By the grace of God, I can say that is my career now. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not by any means, but I wouldn’t change that. Like many others, my journey has been plagued with constant rejection, disappointment, heartbreak, and setbacks. As I have grown and matured spiritually, I realize it was the path God wanted me to take. Quitting was never an option, so I had no choice but to learn and get better at anything I wanted to do. I believe it is safe to say that if it would’ve been easier, there’s no way I would have the gratitude I have now. 

My basketball career is probably the most unorthodox and non-traditional of them all. Like any child who picks up a ball, the dream is to make it to the professional level. I was blessed to play at the collegiate level and professionally overseas. I tore my MCL the summer before a very lucrative contract season. I fell into a deep depression, became addicted to painkillers, and anxiety clouded my judgment. I was in a very dark place. One day, I was watching one of my favorite films, “A Bronx Tale,” – and that’s when God reminded me that basketball was not the only gift He gave me. It was divine, to say the least. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a hip-hop artist, actor, producer, writer, teacher and director. 

I have released 16 indie hip-hop projects to date – which include a collective of mixtapes, EPs, and full albums. 

I am currently producing, writing, and starring in a television series called “The Nature of Sin,” which is still in its early filming stages. I have a brilliant cast of fellow under-the-radar actors who are doing a wonderful job of helping me bring this vision to life. 

I am also starring in a feature film that is currently being pitched. Although I cannot go into complete detail, it is a role I have always wanted. The character has a lot of similarities to who and what I used to be, so having the challenge of having to revisit past traumas to give the best performance possible is something I’m preparing myself for. 

Any big plans?
I plan to continue to learn and excel at a very high level in my craft. 

With God’s grace, I believe I have the passion and work ethic it takes to be one of those “out of nowhere” type artists. I want to be a prime example of what it looks like to persevere against all odds. I want to be a leader of a community of artists who help one another elevate to the next level when mainstream attention is not in the cards for them. 

I’m in the early stages of starting my performing arts class, “Life. Camera. Action.” which is for anyone looking for personal development in areas of film, television, screenwriting, producing, directing, and more. I majored in History and Sociology, with a certification in secondary education, but when playing basketball at the professional level presented itself as an opportunity after graduation, I went that route instead. Now, the opportunity to teach has come back full circle. 

My biggest change is just getting stronger spiritually daily and walking the path God has set for me. I believe the majority, if not all, of the trauma and setbacks I have experienced have been due to me leaning towards my own understanding and wanting to do this thing called life on my terms and rules. I know with that mindset, no weapon formed shall prosper. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14260775/
• Instagram: @prostatus
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItsProStatus/
• Twitter: @itsprostatus
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1YO9pkalWDHFoaQWlOZZ0w
• Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/pro-status/1150579169