Drea Dominique is walking into a new chapter on her own terms. While many first discovered her through her reality television debut on season nine of Oxygen’s Bad Girls Club, the singer, entrepreneur, and independent artist is now focused on what matters most: her music. Her latest single, “Lue Viton,” has been gaining momentum with its blend of Latin rhythms, bilingual lyrics, and infectious energy, introducing listeners to a side of her that extends far beyond the television screen.
Your single “Lue Viton” has been connecting with listeners through its Latin-infused dance sound. What inspired the track, and did you expect the response from fans to grow so quickly?
What inspired the track is actually kind of funny. The song is called “Lue Viton,” and I originally intended to go in a completely different direction musically. My producer gave me a different beat, and the hook just flowed naturally. It’s a very girly song—girls love singing about Louis Vuitton and Chanel.
The response has been really good. I’m singing in both English and Spanish, so I’ve received love from both communities. I’m excited about the music, and the video turned out amazing as well.
Many people first met you through ‘Bad Girls Club.” Looking back, how do you think reality television helped shape your career? Were there any challenges in changing public perception as you moved into music?
I don’t think reality television really shaped my career, but it definitely gave me more visibility. I don’t necessarily feel it was the most positive experience because “Bad Girls Club” focused heavily on drama and negativity.
What it did do was help shape the person I’ve grown into as an artist. I’ve matured and learned to approach life differently than I would have back then. The transition from television to music is a major one because people develop a certain perception of you. Music is personal for me, and it gives people an opportunity to know me through my own perspective rather than through a television edit that was created for them.
I’m getting ready to release an album soon, and I think listeners will get to know me on a much deeper level through that project.
You’re currently working under a family-owned independent label. How does that experience differ from what people might expect from a traditional record label?
It’s always nice to have your family in your corner. We’re blessed to have opened the label together, and I own everything. That’s important. When you’re dealing with major labels, they often determine the steps you take and what they believe will work for you. When it’s your own operation, you get to be yourself. You don’t have to worry about some of the politics because the people handling the business side are your family. There are always challenges in the industry, but having that support system is definitely a benefit.
Your fan base has become highly engaged online. What are some ways you stay connected with your supporters and keep them involved in your journey?
I try to keep everyone updated on what I have going on. I’ve been performing more shows, getting out into the community, attending events, shaking hands, meeting people, and introducing them to who I am. Staying visible and accessible is important to me.
Can you walk us through your creative process when writing and recording music? Where do the ideas typically come from?
Honestly, it depends on the beat. I like to turn the music on and see what naturally comes to mind. I do write down thoughts and lyrics throughout the day, and sometimes I’ll find a beat that matches those ideas later. Most of the time, though, it’s about putting on the music and seeing what flows.
Your new album, Romantic Tragedies, arrives July 4. What story are you hoping listeners take away from hearing the project from beginning to end?
I hope people enjoy the message and find something they can relate to. I sing about heartbreak, loss, love, and pursuing someone you care about. It covers a wide range of emotions. I’m really excited about the project. We just finished shooting videos yesterday and wrapped around midnight. It’s unlike anything people have heard from me before. It’s all R&B, no “city girl” records—it’s all about love. I think people are really going to feel it.
The album title suggests themes of love, heartbreak, and growth. Were there any personal experiences that influenced the songs on this album?
Absolutely. All of it. The last person I was with passed away, so a lot of those emotions found their way into the music. I’ve experienced love, loss, and everything in between, and the album paints that picture. It explores the journey of getting to love and the trials and tribulations that come with relationships.
It’s definitely personal, but I think it’s also relatable. A lot of women are going through many of the same things I’ve experienced.
You’re celebrating the album with a release party in Miami. What can fans expect from the event, and why was Miami the perfect place to launch this chapter of your career?
I recently relocated from California to Miami to pursue music full-time, and I’ve received a great response since moving here. It felt like the perfect place to launch this project.
The release party is going to be very sexy and romantic—roses, chocolate-covered strawberries, champagne, candles, and great visuals. The album goes live at midnight, and we’re creating an atmosphere that matches the music. It’s open to the public, so anyone in Miami is welcome to come experience the music and meet me.
You’ve spoken openly about mental health and raising awareness for autism. Why are these causes important to you, and what message would you share with women facing their own challenges?
Autism is deeply personal to me because I’m a mother, and my daughter is on the spectrum. I’ve experienced everything from her being nonverbal to having therapists in my home, homeschooling, speech therapy, and all the challenges that come with navigating that journey. Today she talks a lot, and it’s been an amazing process to watch her growth. But it can be difficult. Having a child with special needs can take an emotional toll, especially when you’re dealing with how the world perceives and treats your child.
You have to be mentally strong. You have to develop patience, resilience, and faith because it can be overwhelming at times. It’s important for me to speak about it because many women don’t get the opportunity to share those experiences. It can be a lonely road because no one will advocate for your child the way you do. That’s why it means so much to me—I know I’m not the only one going through it.
Lastly, as someone who has navigated television, music, social media, and entrepreneurship, what advice would you give to young women who want to build a successful career in entertainment while staying true to themselves?
Stay true to yourself. Be yourself.
You don’t need to be the next anyone. Whether it’s Cardi, Nicki, or someone else you admire, you don’t need to become them. Stay true to your own voice. If people don’t connect with what you’re doing right away, that’s okay. Your tribe will find you. Stay dedicated. Don’t change because someone tells you they don’t like something about you or your work. You’re going to hear “no” a hundred times before you hear “yes.” Don’t get discouraged. It happens to everybody. Success takes time. You have to put in the work before you start seeing results. Just stay dedicated and keep going.
Be’n Original
