In the tradition of Doug E. Fresh, Biz Markie, and Rahzel, the Godfather of Noize, D.R.E.S. created with his mouth sounds that emulated those of drum machines, turntables, and samplers -- the tools of hip-hop. It was a lost art, dating from an age when instantaneous, perfect home recording was a fable. But D.R.E.S. set out to prove that ability -- not technology -- was the real talent. In 2000, he won the Amateur World Beatbox Championships, where the judges included hip-hop legends like Rahzel and Grandmaster Flash. D.R.E.S. continued to take his adopted hometown of Atlanta by storm, and in early 2001 released the Have Mic...Will Travel EP on the 4 Kings label. The project was the first 100 percent beatbox album of its kind, and established D.R.E.S. tha Beatnik not only as a formidable beatboxer, but also as a talented MC. In July of 2002, 4 Kings released Have Mic...Will Travel: The Live Experience, a recording of a D.R.E.S. show from April of that year at Atlanta's Midtown Café. It showcased the rapper's studio material, while spotlighting his beatbox skills in a live setting. ~ Johnny Loftus