Young Dro

D’Juan Montrel Hart, better known as Young Dro, was born on January 15, 1979, in Atlanta, Georgia. Growing up in the tough Bankhead neighborhood on Atlanta’s west side, he found inspiration in his childhood friend, Chris “Daddy Mack” Smith, of the iconic duo Kris Kross. This early influence sparked his passion for rapping, and he soon began honing his craft.

In 2001, Young Dro made his debut with the album I Got That Dro under Raheem the Dream’s Tight IV Life Records. The album featured the regional hit “Yes Sir,” which garnered attention and helped him establish a name in the Atlanta music scene. His big break came in 2004 when he signed with T.I.’s Grand Hustle Records and Atlantic Records. The following year, his first studio album, Best Thang Smokin’, dropped. The album featured the smash hit “Shoulder Lean,” featuring T.I., which climbed to number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over two million ringtones in the U.S., eventually earning a double platinum certification.

Young Dro’s career continued to flourish with several successful releases, including the mixtapes and albums High Times (2013) and Da Reality Show (2015). Known for his distinctive Southern rap style, he has remained a key figure in the hip-hop scene, collaborating with a variety of artists and helping shape the evolution of the genre.