Lewis Drey Skonie Jackson

Drey Skonie is a Detroit-born singer, songwriter, producer, and performer known for blending classic soul tradition with a modern sound he calls “New Old School.” Raised on the west side of Detroit, he was shaped by Motown’s legacy, church music, and the everyday rhythm of the city. He began singing in church and formed his first band as a teenager before launching his early career in Chicago. He gained national attention on MTV’s Making the Band 4, advancing four out of eight episodes. The show introduced him to a wide audience and marked a turning point in his career, reinforcing his path as a professional artist. After the show, he joined the group Kwiet Storm, later signing an independent deal with Jonetta Patton’s JPat Records. During that time, the group completed a self-driven promotional run, independently selling approximately 30,000 units. After the group disbanded, Drey returned to Detroit and built his career through live performance, collaboration, and consistent releases. He has since released over 130 songs, accumulating millions of streams and collaborating with artists including Obie Trice, Slum Village, Payroll Giovanni, Boldy James, Elzhi, and Young RJ. As the frontman of Skonie & The kLOUDs, he continues to bring live-band soul energy to modern audiences. Drey has performed at venues such as Cliff Bell’s, Beacon Park, Grosse Pointe War Memorial, and Motown Museum events. His single “Like A Train” has gained viral traction across social media, contributing to a growing global audience. His viral hair content series with stylist Michael Horner has generated over 10 million views, helping introduce new audiences to both his image and his music. His work has earned recognition including Artist of the Year (Motown Museum Hitsville NEXT Amplify, 2023) and 1st Place in the Masterpiece Cover Song Contest ($25,000). He is currently developing a new project focused on continuing the legacy of Detroit soul—honoring its foundation while creating a modern interpretation for today’s audience.