Young Dro is an American rapper who became famous after his hit song “Yes Sir” was released on his 2002 independent album titled “I Got That Dro,” He hit the scene running and it wasn’t long before his major record label album was released for its debut, and he received greater exposure to the mainstream rap audiences. Fans are always glad to hear more interesting facts about the rapper, so after looking into his past, and current activities, here are 10 things you didn’t know about Young Dro.
1. His real name isn’t Young Dro
Young Dro is the stage name that the rapper adopted for professional purposes. His real name is D’Juan Montrel Hart. He was born January 15, 1979, in the Atlanta west side neighborhood of Bankhead. He’s an Atlanta native and as such, one of his biggest inspirations was Goodie Mob, who came from the same stomping ground and had the most significant impact upon him.
2. He became Dro in 1999
D’Juan began his professional career in rap in 1999. It was at this time that he signed with Raheem the Dream’s Atlanta label called Tight 4 Life. This is when he first adopted the moniker, Dro. This was a local label and it just made sense to the talented young hopeful.
3. His big years were 2006 through 2013
Young Dro had a series of hits throughout his career, but his 2006 debut album “Best Thang Smokin” hit the number three spot on the United States Charts. “Shoulder Lean” was the hit single from the album that was the most popular and skyrocketed his career to new heights. Again in 2013, he released his second album “High Times.” This album went all the way to the number 9 spot for 2013 on US Rap charts. In between the two albums he was featured on the “Let it Go” remix with Keyshia Cole, TI, and Missy Elliott.
4. He grew up in a tough neighborhood
D’juan spent his younger years growing up in a rough part of town. The Bankhead Court housing project was notorious for its high crime rate. His mother worked hard to keep D’juan and the other kids fed, clothed and housed, but it was challenging for her, and the family ended up moving around in the Atlanta housing complexes.
5. Young Dro comes from a large family
Young Dro was one of five children that his mother gave birth to, and among his siblings, he was the second oldest. His dad had fathered a total of 21 children. He comes from a very large family of brothers and sisters.
6. He was nearly killed as a teen
Young Dro had a serious brush with death. When he was just 16 years old, he became the victim of a shooting. Dro was wounded in the back and in the stomach. It took nearly a year for him to recover from the near-death incident. This was a traumatic time in his life and it left him bedridden for a good part of that challenging year. He shared that he couldn’t walk or even laugh. It was a traumatic experience in his life.
7. He had run-ins with the law
Growing up in a rough neighborhood, it’s no small wonder that Dro had some trouble with the law. He spent time in and out of jail from the time that he was in his late teen years until he reached his early 20s. He had a very troubled life in his early years and he learned to be tough because of his exposure to the constant threats he lived around in Atlanta.
8. He developed a passion for rap as a young boy
When Dro first began writing raps, he was only in the 9th grade. His colleague in the industry T.I speaks highly of his friend and stated that Dro has a lot of talent because of the way that he expresses himself. He writes material that people can relate to because he includes the real-life experience and the human element that is authentic.
9. Young Dro was in several videos
Young Dro has appeared in several short videos. His first experience in a video short was in 2005 in T.I.: U Don’t Know Me. In 2006, he appeared in a video with T.I, called UGK: Front Back, followed by another titled T.I. Featuring Young Jeezy, Young Dro, Big Kuntry King adn G.G: Top Back – Remix. In 2007 he appeared in T.I. Featuring Alfamega & Busta Rhymes: Hurt. A third video short came out in 2012 titled T.I. Featuring Travis Porter & Young Dro: Hot Wheels, followed by the 2013 release of Doe B. Featuring Birdman, I.I., BoB. & Young Dro: Kemosabe.
10. He also acted in a film
Young Dro also has experience as a professional actor. He starred in a film called The Return, alongside Barber Tee Edmunds, and Sarah “So” Oliver. The film told the story of a single father who lost his only child to senseless violence. His child was killed when he was caught in the cross-fire from a store robbery that was carried out by a ruthless street gang. The plot of the story revolves around the father getting his revenge on the killers. The film was written by Barber Tee Edmunds and Jay Sommerville, and Sommerville also directs the film. Young Dro is a versatile and talented artist who has branched out in his career from the rap scene, which he is still actively a part of, to film. His life has been far from easy, but it has been the experiences which have combined together to make him who is his as a human being today. He brings his life experience to the fore in creating meaningful raps to a grateful fan base.
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