D'Juan Montrel Hart, better known by his stage name Young Dro, is an American hip hop recording
artist from Bankhead, Atlanta, Georgia.
Dro's major label debut Best Thang Smokin', was released in August 2006, under Grand Hustle
and Atlantic.
The album was preceded by his debut single "Shoulder Lean", which served as the album's
lead single and proved to be a hit in the urban community and Billboard charts.
He released his second studio album High Times, seven years later, after an abundance of mixtapes,
on October 15, 2013 under Grand Hustle, eOne Music and Atlantic.
It spawned the single "FDB", his highest charting single since "Shoulder Lean".
Biography 1979–2006: Early life and Best Thang Smokin'
On January 15, 1979, Young Dro was born D'Juan Hart in Bankhead, a neighborhood on Atlanta's
west side.
His inspiration for wanting to rap came from the success of one of his best friends, Chris
"Daddy Mack" Smith, one half of Kris Kross.
Musically speaking however, Goodie Mob -- also west Atlanta natives -- had the biggest impact
on him.
Hart embarked on his professional career around 1999 when he signed to bass music rapper Raheem
the Dream's local Atlanta label, Tight IV Life Records, under just the moniker Dro.
He released the regional hit "Yes Sir", and an album titled I Got That Dro, around the
same time T.I.
released his debut, I'm Serious.
Although Hart had known T.I.
since the early '90s, they grew apart for some time.
By early 2006, Young Dro was signed to T.I.'s imprint, Grand Hustle Records.
Young Dro released his commercial debut single "Shoulder Lean", in summer 2006.
The song had heavy rotation on BET and MTV2, and its cellular phone ringtone sold over
500,000 units.
The hit single was featured on his major-label debut Best Thang Smokin', released on August
29, 2006.
The album debuted at number three on the Billboard 200.
2007–present: Mixtapes and High Times In 2008, Hart was included in XXL's first
annual Top 10 Freshmen list, featured on their cover alongside fellow American rappers Lupe
Fiasco, Lil Boosie, Joell Ortiz, Plies, Saigon, Rich Boy, Gorilla Zoe, Papoose and Crooked
I. On March 17, 2009, Hart released a single titled "Take Off", featuring his protege Yung
L.A..
The song was originally released as the first single from his then-titled second studio
album P.O.L.O..
On February 23, 2011, he released a mixtape titled Equestrian Dro.
On March 17, 2011, he released a mixtape titled I Co-Sign Myself.
On July 8, 2011, he released a mixtape titled Drocabulary.
On January 16, 2012, he released a mixtape titled We Outchea.
On July 24, 2012, he released a mixtape titled R.I.P. 2.
On September 26, 2012, he released a mixtape titled Ralph Lauren Reefa.
On March 28, 2013, the first single from his second studio album "FDB" was released.
On June 17, 2013, Young Dro released the mixtape Day Two, in promotion for his second studio
album.
On July 10, 2013, Young Dro announced he would be releasing his second studio album, titled
High Times, in October 2013.
On September 18, 2013, the album cover was released and it was announced that the album
would be released on October 15, 2013.
On September 30, 2013, the track-listing was unveiled, revealing guest appearances on the
album from Forgeeauto, Mac Boney, T.I., Spodee, Problem, Natasha Mosley, Blu June, Doe B and
Miloh Smith.
On September 30, 2013, the second single from High Times, titled "Strong", was released.
Discography Studio albums
Independent albums Compilation albums
Mixtapes Singles
As lead artist As featured artist
Other charted songs Guest appearances
Awards and nominations References
External links Official website
Young Dro at AllMusic Young Dro on Myspace
Young Dro on Twitter