EL Drez Turns Up the Heat with “Yayo”

For the fourth time, the spotlight swings back to a voice that refuses to blend into the background—EL Drez, born Marphus L. Drez Stewart. From the coastal charm of Buchanan, Liberia, this young Afro-Pop and R&B sensation has built his artistry from the ground up, first commanding the harmonies of his church choir as a teenage director, now commanding entire soundscapes with his unmistakable style. Signed under Relumae Liberia, EL Drez has proven time and again that his music carries the pulse of his roots while stretching toward global appeal.

With “Yayo”, EL Drez steps into a darker, moodier lane without losing the infectious rhythm that defines him. The track’s Afrobeat foundation is undeniable—those tight, syncopated drum patterns set a kinetic backdrop that keeps the body swaying, but it’s the deep, resonant bassline that anchors the song in something more intense. Over this, a minimalistic yet haunting melody snakes its way through the mix, giving the production a cinematic edge, as though it’s underscoring a gritty street tale or a tense late-night journey.

Vocally, EL Drez thrives in the pocket. His delivery is bold, his cadence sharp, every bar coated with an unshakable confidence. There’s an ownership in his tone—like every word belongs to him before it even leaves his mouth. He doesn’t just rap or sing over the beat; he rides it with an effortless cool, shifting between rhythmic punches and smoother, drawn-out phrases that allow the instrumental to breathe. The performance feels lived-in, like a story told by someone who’s been there and walked away with his head held high.

Lyrically and thematically, “Yayo” exudes assertiveness; it’s about presence, self-assurance, and moving through life with a fearless stride. The mood is immersive, perfectly paired with the production’s stripped-back melodic elements, which allow the track’s rhythmic intensity to shine. You can almost picture it blasting from tinted car windows on an empty highway, the city lights blurring into the distance.

This is EL Drez in his element: a Liberian voice with global resonance, fusing Afrobeat’s infectious grooves with a cinematic mood and unapologetic swagger. “Yayo” doesn’t just play—it prowls, reminding us why every return to this blog is a welcome encore for one of Liberia’s rising stars.

Listen to “Yayo” on Spotify