“January 10th, 1981, a goddess' water broke she about to have a son”
Born Derek Jancar to mother Carol and father John, Derek is the first born of 3 sons. Growing up in the west end of Toronto, Derek was raised in a culturally and socially diverse community in a city itself praised for its multi-culturalism.
“Don't let the world tell you who you are, tell the world who you are”
Drex is the natural evolution of Derek Jancar. Grown from a reserved and sensitive child into a self-confident showman, Drex is an artist. A humble orator of substance in a generation of flash. A series of perfect contradictions, Drex is at once a controlled and passionate man, by turns a serious and comical mc, and a straight and honest hustler. His dedication is evident when you hear his music. Taking a strong role in all aspects of his art, Drex is often producer, editor and engineer. A spokesman for his community, Drex' self-styled brand of “honest music” encompasses the thoughts and aspirations of a generation.
“Get Money, Make Change”
Putting his money where his mouth is, Drex’s “Clark Kent” persona is Derek Jancar, the resource coordinator and cofounder of Canada’s largest youth-led urban arts program, The Remix Project.
The Remix Project focuses on three main programming streams: Recording Arts, Creative Arts and The Art of Business. As a cofounder of the entire project, Drex has been involved in everything from the program development to the identification and securing of resources to working frontline with some of Toronto’s most talented and underserved young people.
“Switched it up from Charlie Hustle to Corporate Charles”
Since the international release of the Charlie Hustle album on iTunes in 2006 and the national retail (HMV – Canada wide) and international digital release (iTunes) of The Rawluck Movement album in 2007, Drex has come a long way in his understanding of both the music industry and more importantly his place in it. Having performed in places as diverse as Waterloo, Ontario and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Drex’s outlook has taken a decidedly global perspective.
“City to City, the struggles just the same”
The last year (2007) has seen Drex begin to travel the world with his unique mix of music and community actions. It was after journeying to Rio de Janeiro to join Her Excellency the Governor General of Canada on a cultural delegation, Drex split off from the official party and linked up with local Schools Without Borders affiliate Andrew Lens and Brazilian based organization IBISS for the real frontline experience. It was these experiences through SWB and IBISS that rocked his very foundations and led him to initiate a collaborative project between those two organizations and his Remix Project to help construct a full media arts centre right in the middle of one of the poorest favelas in Rio, Terra Encantada (Enchanted Land). It is his unique experiences and perspectives that have led him to be tapped by everyone from MuchMusic and MTV to Global News and The Toronto Star as an authentic voice and expert on youth issues. Using his precious face time in the media to not just talk about the issues but also to identify solutions has made Drex a much sought after and popular resource himself.
“I'm here people”
2010. With the full blessing and support of his Rawluck family, Drex is again striking out on his own with the release of his second solo full-length project: . The proceeds of this album and all related activities (merch, release party etc.) will go directly towards completing the construction of a media arts centre in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil that Drex has been intimately involved in putting together through his role at Remix alongside Brazilian organization IBISS and Canadian charity Schools Without Borders.