Dave East

Dave East (born David Brewster, Jr. on June 3, 1988) is an American rapper and actor from Harlem, New York City. He gained recognition after releasing several mixtapes in the early 2010s and signing with Nas' Mass Appeal Records in 2014.

Early Life and Career:

Brewster was raised in East Harlem, where he developed an interest in basketball. He played at the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) level alongside future NBA players. He attended the University of Richmond and later Towson University on basketball scholarships but eventually left school to pursue a career in music.

Music Career:

East's early mixtapes, including "Change of Plans," "American Greed," and "Don't Sleep," garnered attention within the hip-hop community. His association with Nas and signing to Mass Appeal Records proved pivotal, leading to the release of critically acclaimed mixtapes like "Black Rose" (2014), "Hate Me Now" (2015), and "Kairi Chanel" (2016), which charted on the Billboard 200.

In 2017, East signed a joint venture deal with Def Jam Recordings. He released his debut studio album, "Survival," in 2019, which reached the Top 20 on the Billboard 200. He has collaborated with numerous artists, including Nas, Drake, Mary J. Blige, and Lil Uzi Vert.

East is known for his gritty, street-oriented lyrics, his storytelling ability, and his classic New York hip-hop style. His music often explores themes of struggle, ambition, and the realities of life in urban environments.

Acting Career:

Beyond music, Dave East has ventured into acting. He has appeared in television series such as "Being Mary Jane," "Wu-Tang: An American Saga" (where he portrayed Method Man), and "Power Book II: Ghost." He has also appeared in films.

Discography (Selected):

• Survival (2019)
• Karma 3 (2020)
• Hoffa (with Harry Fraud) (2021)

Awards and Nominations:

While Dave East hasn't won major industry awards, his work has been recognized and praised by critics and fans. He has received nominations for various awards throughout his career.