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.
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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.
