Ricardo Drue, a soca and R&B artist, passed away on December 12, 2023, at the age of 38. Although his official cause of death has not been revealed, his admirers and coworkers have expressed their shock and grief on social media. This essay will examine his life, career, and legacy.
Early Life and Career
Ricardo Drue was born in Antigua & Barbuda on July 31, 1985. He began musical training at the age of five and quickly demonstrated his talent and love for singing and performing.
When he was 16, he came to the United States and joined the Crossovah dance and vocal quartet. He also tried a solo career as a soca and R&B singer, releasing “The Breakthrough” in 2006.
He rose to prominence with tracks such as “Water Pump,” “Rub Up on It,” “Push Back,” “Vagabond,” and “I.D.” He received multiple prizes and nominations, including Best New Artist at the 2015 COTT Awards.
He has worked with Patrice Roberts, Machel Montano, and Bunji Garlin, among others. He also performed alongside international superstars such as Sean Kingston, Ciara, Trey Songz, and Solange Knowles.
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Personal Life and Relationships
Ricardo Drue had a relationship with Patrice Roberts, a fellow Soca singer and lyricist. They first met in 2014 and got engaged in 2017. Alric, their son, was born in 2018. They had planned to marry in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to their preparations.
At the time of his death, they were still together. Ricardo Drue had four other children from previous partnerships. He was the son of Nicola Barriteau, an Antigua and Barbuda television celebrity.
Ricardo Drue Death and Tributes
Ricardo Drue died in Miami, Florida, on December 12, 2023. The circumstances surrounding his death are still unknown, but some accounts indicate that he was discovered comatose in his hotel room. Patrice Roberts, his fiancée, confirmed his death on Instagram, where she shared a photo of him with the comment, “Rest in peace, my love.”
The soca community mourns the loss of Antiguan 🇦🇬 soca sensation Ricardo Drue, as reported by various media outlets in Antigua.
He was discovered unresponsive in his room and later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Drue, engaged to fellow soca artist Patrice Roberts, gained… pic.twitter.com/ItKwGV5P2a
— WESTINDIMADE (@westindimade) December 12, 2023
His death stunned and devastated his followers and peers, who took to social media to express their sympathies and pay their respects. Among the messages were the following:
“This is devastating. Ricardo Drue was one of the most talented and humble artists I ever met. He always had a smile and a positive vibe. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, brother,” says Machel Montano, a soca singer.
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