In the late 90’s and early 2000’s, no crew ran roughshod over the New York City scene Hip-Hop-wise more than the Ruff Ryders themselves. Anchored by DMX, their trademark “R” symbol along with their army of motorcyclists’ made everyone want to either start rapping, learn how to do front wheelies on a Yamaha R1, or both.
But with a slew if successful compilation albums, and solo artist albums to boot, one-by-one names like Eve, and The LOX, all ventured off to do their own thing.
As for Bronx native Drag-On, he weathered the storm and released his debut, Opposite Of H20, followed by Hell And Back, and then fell off the radar for the next couple of years.
Remerging on Jadakiss’ ‘Who’s Real’ remix along with his old label mates, the MC born as Mel Smalls was more than ready to prove he’s still a force to be taken seriously, and he furthers that cause with his new label Hood Environment, and his first album since 2004 in My Life, My Legacy, My Melody.
So what’s been going on in the life of the original “fireman”? Make sure to strap on your custom-made airbrushed helmet, cause it’s going to be an interesting “ryde.”
