Drag-On

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Mel Jason Smalls (born January 4, 1979), better known as Drag-on, American rapper from The Bronx, New York City. He's the founder of the label Hood Environment and of African-American and Jamaican-American descent.

Music career

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Drag-On is also known as the Fire-Man. He is rapper with a long and profitable history as both a solo and guest artist on numerous hardcore rap albums. Drag-On has contributed to a number of prestigious projects including: DMX's three multi-platinum albums; the Ruff Ryders group album/compilation Ryde or Die Vol. 1; DJ Clue's The Professional (album); The L.O.X 's 2000 album We Are The Streets, Eve's Ruff Ryders' First Lady; along with several compilations, soundtracks and mixtapes.

In early 2000, Drag-On released his first solo album, entitled Opposite of H2O. The album proved to be a huge success, peaking at #5 on the Billboard Top 200 and #2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums category. Opposite of H2O sold 800,000 copies to date.

In 2004, Drag-On released Hell and Back, which debuted at #5 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart; and showcased his newer hardcore style. In this album he explored many realu life topics; such as his own mother Terrie Smith’s battle with throat cancer; his family members’ struggles with drugs; being abandoned by his father; street fights; losing his unborn twins to a miscarriage; and living and sleeping wherever he could.

In late, 2004 at the height of Drag-On’s success with a Gold Album under his belt, a new album on the way and films in production, he was threatened by an attacker, and was forced to defend himself. This altercation led to the attacker suffering severe injuries and ultimately suing Drag-On; events that proved a major set back for Drag-On’s career and personal life.

In 2007 Drag-On obtained the services of Grind House Management (Grady Spivey and Tony Panther). Grady Spivey, the founder of the GrindHouse , long time friend and A&R of Swizz Beatz Full Surface Record company is best known for the success of Cassidy and signing Bone Thugs-n-Harmony to Swizz’s imprint. The management company devised a plan to revise Drag-On’s career. In 2007, Drag-On signed to Swizz Beatz's record label Full Surface. it helped rekindle Swizz and Drag’s creative partnership. Since that time Drag-On has started his own label, Hood Environment.

In 2008 Drag-On released School of Hard Knocks, produced by Avenue (The Individualz) and featuring Swizz Beatz,. The track gained heavy rotation from local Hip Hop radio Giant Hot 97. Mr.Cee debuting the record on New Year’s Eve, inaugurating the new year by letting the hip hop community know that Drag-On was back. Since then, Drag-On has been featured on various mixtapes from Dj Big Mike and Dj White Owl. Drag-On also was among the driving forces behind the Sean Bell tribute song, following the verdict finding NYC police officers innocent of the wrongful death shooting of Sean Bell. Drag-On is featured on the title track” Stand Up,” along side Maino, Talib Kweli, Styles P, Cassidy and Swizz Beatz.

Recently, Grind House and Drag-On renegotiated, the artist’s agreement with Ruff Ryders to release one last album through Ruff Ryders Indy /Full Surface/ Universal. Drag-On is currently working on this new solo album, which will be his final, album under the Ruff Ryders banner. This album will mark the beginning of Drag’s Independence, since gaining his release from the record company in summer of 2009. It will have production by Swizz Beatz, Dame Greese, Snagz and The Individualz, and guest artists including Philly protégé of Cassidy, AR-AB, Cassidy himself, Maino, Styles P, Eve and many more. The album will combine the sounds that Drag-On’s fans have come to know and love while showcasing new beats and vocal styles celebrating the artists newfound independence. Recently Drag-On has been featured on the Ruff Ryder Scenario Remix featuring Swizz, DMX the Lox and Eve “Who’s Real” from Jadakiss’s album The Last Kiss. This cut announces to the world know that Drag-on is back with that original Ruff Ryder sound while bringing in the new!

Acting career

Drag-On has also enjoyed, a varied and successful film career, with co-starring roles in box office hits both Exit Wounds (2001) alongside DMX and Steven Segal as well as Cradle 2 the Grave (2003) alongside DMX and Jet Li. Drag-On appeared in The Hustle (2003), which co-starred Ed Lover and Doctor Dre.

Discography

Filmography

• Exit Wounds (2001)
• Cradle 2 the Grave (2003)
• The Hustle (2003)

External links

• Drag-On at MySpace
• Hood Environment at MySpace
• Drag-On on Twitter