Who Is Mac Dre? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on July 5, 1970, in Oakland, California, Mac Dre, whose real name is Andre Hicks, emerged as a pioneer of the Bay Area’s hip-hop scene. He passed away tragically in 2004, but his influence remains palpable as new generations continue to discover his unique style and contributions to the genre. Mac Dre's music, characterized by its fun and celebratory themes, has solidified his status as a cultural icon.
As of 2025, Mac Dre would have been 55 years old. His legacy lives on through his discography and ongoing influence on contemporary artists.
| Occupation | Musicians |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 5, 1970 |
| Age | 34 Years |
| Birth Place | Oakland, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 1 November, 2004 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Mac Dre's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Mac Dre was known for his distinctive style and presence. He was approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall, with a weight of around 170 pounds (77 kg). While specifics of his body measurements are not widely documented, his charisma and energetic performances captivated fans across the globe.
Andre Louis Hicks (July 5, 1970 – November 1, 2004), known by his stage name Mac Dre, was an American rapper from Vallejo, California. He was an instrumental figure in the emergence of hyphy, a cultural movement in the Bay Area hip hop scene that emerged in the early 2000s.
Hicks is considered one of the movement's key pioneers that fueled its popularity into mainstream, releasing songs with fast-paced rhymes and basslines that inspired a new style of dance. As the founder of the independent record label Thizz Entertainment, Hicks recorded dozens of albums and gave aspiring rappers an outlet to release albums locally.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Mac Dre's personal life has been subject to great speculation. He was known to have had relationships during his lifetime, although details about a significant boyfriend or girlfriend were kept relatively private. There is no record of a spouse, and much of his biography focuses on his music career and friendships rather than extensive details on romantic relationships. His relationships often reflected the love and camaraderie found within the hip-hop community.
Mac Dre moved to the Arden-Arcade area of Sacramento in 1998 in attempt to distance himself from Vallejo law enforcement. There, he founded his independent label Thizz Entertainment, which is currently managed by his mother Wanda Salvatto. In the early 2000s, Dre's change in sound became influential in the hyphy movement.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his untimely passing, estimates suggested that Mac Dre's net worth was around $1 million to $2 million. This figure reflected his successful career as a rapper and entrepreneur, but it’s essential to note that this number may not accurately capture the entirety of his influence and posthumous earnings, primarily from album sales, streaming, and merchandise. In 2025, Mac Dre's estate continues to generate revenue through ongoing music releases, merchandise, and his legendary status, likely increasing his net worth even after his passing.
Career, Business, and Investments
Mac Dre's career took off in the late 1990s and early 2000s, where he created landmark albums like "Young Black Brotha" and "Thizzle Washington." Dre was instrumental in popularizing the "Hyphy" movement, a subculture and musical style that celebrated life, fun, and spontaneity.
Beyond his music career, Mac Dre was also a savvy entrepreneur. He founded his record label, Thizz Entertainment, which helped launch the careers of several artists within the Bay Area. His investments in merchandise, music production, and his unique branding strategies have left a lasting impact on the industry, inspiring upcoming artists and entrepreneurs.
Social Network
Even in 2025, Mac Dre’s presence remains strong on social networks, with fans creating pages dedicated to his memory and music. Official accounts for Thizz Entertainment and tribute pages share insights, concert footage, and merchandise sales, ensuring that new fans can connect with his legacy. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok frequently see revived interest in his hits, with fans sharing their favorite tracks and promoting the ongoing significance of his contributions to hip-hop culture.
Education
Information on Mac Dre’s education is limited; however, he attended local schools in the Bay Area. While he may not have pursued formal higher education, he learned a great deal about music, culture, and business through his experiences in the vibrant Bay Area hip-hop scene.
They then lived in Marin and later moved to East Vallejo area. He would often frequent and claim the Country Club Crest neighborhood, known locally as The Crest. In 1989, the outgoing Hicks made waves with a cassette tape featuring the single, "Too Hard for the F—in' Radio" while still a student at Vallejo's Hogan High School.
In 2013 National Public Radio (NPR) noted his sound as being "fast and confident" further writing that "he built upon the bouncy bass that had its roots in the funk era." When asked about his childhood, Hicks stated that "Situations came out for the better most of them, I went through the little trials and the shit that I went through." Hicks first
adopted the stage name MC Dre in 1984, but altered it to Mac Dre the following year because he considered that the name sounded "too East Coast-ish".
Hicks recorded his first three extended play (EP) recordings as Mac Dre between 1988 and 1992.
