DJ Drama
Template:Infobox musical artist 2 DJ Drama (Dramatic) (born Tyree Cinque Simmons on April 22, 1978 in Philadelphia) is the official DJ for Grand Hustle/Atlantic recording artist T.I., but he is most well-known for his achievements in the mixtape game, producing the popular "Gangsta Grillz" mix tape series. He went to high school in Philadelphia and Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta.
DJ Drama recently landed a "long term, worldwide" deal with Grand Hustle Records. In 2005 Drama independently released sixteen of his twenty southern based mix tapes, featuring acts such as Saigon, Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Webbie, Little Brother, and Pimp Squad Click (P$C). He's also one third of the highly productive Aphilliates Music Group with DJ Don Cannon and DJ Sense.
In 2006, Aphilliates Music Group inked a label deal with Asylum Records. He will be releasing the album "Gangsta Grillz: The Album" on June 5, 2007. The album's first single is "Takin Pictures" which features Young Jeezy, Willie The Kid, Jim Jones, Rick Ross, Young Buck & T.I.[1]
He also made a cameo appearance in T.I.'s movie ATL as himself, performing at a party, as well as appearing in T.I.'s music video "Front Back", and Young Dro's music video "Shoulder Lean".
DJ Drama has done over 40 Different Gangsta Grillz mixtapes with major artists like Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Jim Jones, T.I. and many more. Lil Wayne and DJ Drama are also planning Dedication 3 for release in 2007.
Arrest
DJ Drama and DJ Cannon were arrested January 16, 2007 on RICO charges for selling CDs (in this case, mix CDs) that were not labelled with a publisher's address. His recording studio has been raided for investigation. All the CDs waiting to be sold will be destroyed while the other CD and mixtapes are being confiscated for investigation. His official website has been shut down until further investigation.[2]The two DJs posted bond and were released from jail on January 17th, one day after being arrested. They are now preparing their legal defense[3] and have hired attorneys to represent them.
Albums
| Album cover | Album information |
|---|---|
 |
Gangsta Grillz: The Album
|
References
- O.C.G.A. 16-8-60 Reproduction of recorded material; transfer, sale, distribution, circulation.
- O.C.G.A. 16-14-4 Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization (RICO)
- ^ http://www.rapbasement.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2527&Itemid=35
- ^ http://www.postchronicle.com/news/entertainment/article_21259588.shtml DJ Drama arrested in raid
- ^ http://www.soundslam.com/articles/news/news.php?news=070121_djdrama
- ^ http://www.riaa.com/gp/database/default.asp
Trivia
The "GANGSTA GRIZZ-ILLZ!" sound clip heard on DJ Drama's mixtapes was actually done by Lil' Jon while he was doing the Gangsta Grillz Volume 4 installment.