Drag-On

Melvin Jason Smalls (born January 4, 1980), known professionally as Drag-On, is an American rapper. He is best known for his time on Ruff Ryders, through whom he released his debut album, Opposite of H2O (2000). The album was successful, debuting at number five on the US Billboard 200 chart and eventually sold over 500,000 copies and earning a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Drag-On released his second album Hell and Back, in 2004.

Drag-On has appeared in the 2001 film Exit Wounds and the 2003 Cradle 2 the Grave, both of which stars his then-Ruff Ryders label-mate DMX.

Early life

Drag-On was born Melvin Jason Smalls, was raised in The Bronx, New York City, New York. He was raised in the Bronxdale Houses. Smalls developed an interest in rapping at the age of nine, influenced by artists such as Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, and Slick Rick, and found early creative expression through music. Smalls has had a stutter since childhood.

His father left shortly after his birth, and his mother struggled with drug addiction, leading to frequent absences. As a result, Smalls was often locked out of his apartment and spent periods sleeping in hallways, on trains, and rooftops. In 1995, at age 15, he was involved in a violent altercation that left him with a permanent scar from his left temple to his cheekbone.

He eventually went to live with his grandmother, whom he credited with providing stability and support that allowed him to continue pursuing music.

Musical career

Around 1997, at age 17, Smalls was discovered selling bootleg clothes and music by Darrin "Dee" Dean, the co-founder of Ruff Ryders Entertainment. After performing for Dean at Ruff Ryders studio, Smalls was signed to Ruff Ryders. Drag-On was mentored by DMX, with whom he developed a close friendship. He subsequently signed with B.A.R. Management, the management company owned by DMX’s uncle, Ray Copeland, who also represented DMX. Smalls's original stage name was "Sabretooth Dragon" but was shortened to Drag-On, reflecting his skill at delivering powerful and high-quality lyrics, a quality often described in hip-hop as ‘spitting fire.’

At age 17, Drag-On recorded his first commercial track, appearing on DMX’s May 1998 debut studio album, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot, on the song "For My Dogs". That year, Ruff Ryders signed a joint-venture deal with Interscope Records, which placed Drag-On under the Interscope umbrella. He subsequently appeared on DMX's second studio album as well, Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood, released in December 1998.

Drag-On appeared prominently on Ruff Ryders' debut compilation album, Ryde or Die Vol.1, released in April 1999. He appeared on three songs: "Ryde or Die", "The Hood", and "Down Bottom", the latter being released as the fourth single from the album. Drag-On also made a guest appearance on DMX's December 1999 third studio album, ...And Then There Was X, appearing on the song "D-X-L (Hard White)".

Drag-On's debut album, Opposite of H2O, was released on March 28, 2000 through Interscope and Ruff Ryders. Featuring the single Spit These Bars, the album debuted and peaked in the top 5 on the Billboard 200. Selling over 150, 000 copies in its first week, the album was ultimately certified gold by the RIAA for sales of over 500,000 copies, making it Drag-On's bestselling album. Critical reception to the album was mixed to average. In July, Drag-On appeared on Ruff Ryders' second compilation album, Ryde or Die Vol.2, appearing on the songs "Twisted Heat" and "Weed, Hoes, Dough".

Discography

Studio albums

Singles

As lead artist

Guest appearances

External links

• at AllMusic
• at IMDb