Drag-On Interview

2G chilled with Ruff Ryder member and Hood Environment CEO, Drag-On for a exclusive interview. We discuss his hiatus from the game and what he has been up to with his label and new album, we also discuss good times during the Ruff Ryders amazing run in the game and what the crew has in store for 2010 and much more so check it out.

Illuminati 2G is here with Drag-On, how’s it going?

Yessir, everything is good, definitely can’t complain dog. Just grinding, working on this album, My Life, My Legacy, My Melody. The streets are excited and the DJs are definitely respecting it so I am just glad to be here.

That leads right into my first question. I know it has been a minute since we last heard from you as far as any music or albums. Other than this new album, what have you been up to lately?

Ever since 2004, I started my own label called Hood Environment. Even though it seems like I left, I have been kicking out music on a smaller scale. I signed 2 artists to the label and we have just been on our grind, dropping joints in the streets, just on a smaller scale. Alot of people did not know about Hood Environment at that time and now that the growth is really starting to catch on to people, it is all good.

We have been on with DJ Big Mike and DJ Thoro and a couple other DJs, just grinding. Plus I am dropping videos, some have been on World Star Hip Hop so we are just going in.

Is there any details that you can give about your new album? Release date, guest appearances?

Yes, most def. The album is most likely going to drop in March or April and like I said earlier the title is My Life, My Legacy, My Melody. To speak a little bit on the title, I first named it My Life because I know alot of people have wanted to know what has been going on in my personal life. I have a daughter now and I have alot of things that have happened to me. The My Legacy part is that I am aware that there is a whole new audience that is out there that might not know my legacy. Not in a sense to say that I am dwelling on that old sound from previous albums, but that music is a part of my legacy.

But I want to definitely let the new listeners know that it is all about the present and the future. My Melody is my sound, my whole new rhythm, and my whole new swag. Also that part of the title is special to me because I dedicate this album to my daugther. My real name is Mel and because I am in the music industry, I name my daughter Melody. So that is how I came up with the title.

You had spoken earlier about the label, Hood Environment. As far as other than yourself, what is next from the label in 2010 as far as artists?

As far as the label is concerned, I have a artist named The Dude. We call him The Dude because his swag is on 110 and he is just that dude. I thought I was that nigga but he is that dude. You can actually hear him on my new album. Actually my album is a joint venture with Ruff Ryders. It was nothing for me to come back to the table and work again with the family. It makes sense so that is what it is.

With part of the album title legacy, you have been part of a legacy and a dynasty with Ruff Ryders. What’s up with the crew as far as 2010? We heard that The Lox are working on some stuff, Eve got back with Swizz, DMX is back in the studio, what’s coming up?

Right now what is planned for 2010 is Drag-On. I am the first one that is going to bring that back and at the same time I am branding my new movement, Hood Environment. But the rest of the camp is definitely putting in work.

Is there any stories or memories that stick out to you from all the great music that you guys did or studio sessions with Ruff Ryders?

Yeah one of the greatest times I had was on the Ruff Ryders/Cash Money tour. That was definitely fun and I enjoyed myself and at the same time it was a learning experience. That whole experience helped shape and mold what I am trying to emulate with Hood Environment, so it is all good.

What are your thoughts right now on the state of hip hop?

I love hip hop. I never really thought that it died. Me, I am a hip hop head, so I am all for the growth of the music. I am definitely glad that the south is winning. For me I never got caught up into the whole east, west, north, south thing. When I do music and when I think of music, I think of it from a global and worldwide viewpoint. That is what Hood Environment is all about. There is a hood environment in every city, every state, across the world. I am all for the growth of hip hop, we have artists all over the world doing they thing, the internet is a good thing also for the music. It really gives the fans a opportunity to get up close and personal with the artist.

I know you have done a couple movie roles. Do you have any upcoming scripts or movie roles that you are looking at in 2010?

Nah right now I am focused on this music. Right now I feel like I have a point to prove, once I get that out of the way, maybe I will look into getting a agent for movie roles. But for now I got to mash up and eat up the competition on this music tip.

Do you have any shows or tour dates coming up that you want to let the people know about?

Yeah we are supposed to be going on this 12 city promo run but I do not want to call about it yet. We still working on it and nothing is solidified yet.

What is your website information for yourself and the label?

No doubt, I definitely want people to hit me up on www.myspace.com/officialdragon. But I really want people to hit me up on twitter, www.twitter.com/officialdragon. Everything is official Drag-On, ya boy is here, word up.

Alright well that is all the questions I have for you, appreciate you getting down for the interview. Is there any last words or shoutouts you want to get out there to the people?

Yeah I want to give a shoutout to Terra Da Dude and Iz B. Just crazy shoutout to the whole Bronx man.

Appreciate the interview.

I definitely appreciate you having me for real dog.