Drag-On’s life can be considered somewhat true to his new album’s title, “Hell and Back.” After being one of the most anticipated new artists on the Ruff Ryders camp, his first album, “Opposite of H20,” got bad reviews (most notably The Source’s 1 ½ mics) and flopped commercially. However, after a few appearances on Ruff Ryders’ “Ryde Or Die” compilations, and a couple years off, Drag-On has a new album and a new attitude. William Ketchum III interviews Drag-On on his new album, The Source, and his future plans.

WK3: First off, new album. I already copped it, but summarize it for the readers.

Drag-On: The album isn’t too commercial, it’s a lot of hard (stuff), I try my best to stick to the streets. But I gave a lot of different styles (a try), different types of joints, a few club joints, but I stick to the streets. I got a lot of producers on there—Swizz Beats, Rockwilder, Tuneheadz, Black Keys, Chocolate City, E.O, Needlez, I got the family on there of course. Joint wit me and Kiss, me and Styles, me and X, me and Eve, I got Cash Money on there. Lot of wild joints on there, got a lot of real deep, life joints on there too.

WK3: Your first album was blasted by The Source. You’ve addressed this on Ryde Or Die Vol. 2, but did you come back with any sort of vengeance this time?

“And you know what? I also got love for The Source, I got love for them regardless of whatever they say.”

Drag-On: No. See I don’t (let it bother me), as far as the magazines, they can write what they wanna write cuz I got love in the streets, I got love for my fans. And you know what? I also got love for The Source, I got love for them regardless of whatever they say. Don’t none of that bother me, wanna know why? I been writin rhymes since like ’88, ’89 straight up, since I was like 8 or 9 years old, ya know what I’m sayin? I was doin this before they was (reviewing my stuff), I been doin this before the deal. I do this for the love, I ain’t gon let nothing stop me.

WK3: You played in “Exit Wounds” and “Cradle 2 The Grave,” and you just put out your second album. What are your future plans, as far as music, acting, and any other endeavors?

“I’m definitely looking for a movie agent right now, sending all my press kits and all that out there.”

Drag-On: As far as acting, I’m definitely looking for a movie agent right now, sending all my press kits and all that out there. But as far as music, y’all can definitely expect a lot more of me. I’m gonna drop at least 100 more joints for the street. I’m already back in the studio for my third album, I go back in there March 4.

WK3: DMX said that he’s leavin after Grand Champ. What does this hold for the future of Ruff Ryders?

Drag-On: I mean, I’m still here. LOX still here, a lot of people still here. So we gon hold it down. I’M HERE, as far as Ruff Ryders, Drag-On is Drag-On. But, I’m signed to Ruff Ryders, I’ll put them up… but I’m bumpin me right now.

WK3: Who do you listen to, rap music and otherwise?

“I like a lot of street, hard shit yo. If it’s not street, I’m probably not listenin to it. I listen to 50 Cent, I’m feelin the G-Unit thing.”

Drag-On: As far as rap, I like a lot of street, hard shit yo. If it’s not street, I’m probably not listenin to it. I listen to 50 Cent, I’m feelin the G-Unit thing. I won’t front, I like the Black Album, that was hot.

WK3: There have been rumors of Shyne, from Bad Boy, getting out of jail and signing to Ruff Ryders. Can you speak on these rumors?

Drag-On: I don’t know. But what I do know, is that Drag-On is definitely back at it again. I’m doin it again real crazy, I’m in the lab. So fans, to all the mixtapes (DJ’s) out there, get ready for me.

WK3: You really made a name for yourself on the single from Ryde Or Die Vol. 1, “Down Bottom.” Why wasn’t Juvenile on the song when it was released as a single, but made it to the album?

“I kinda blame me for not being in-tune (with the business) so that’s why now I’m really sellin’ my music, and plus I’m more in tune with the business side.”

Drag-On: Some real political stuff, I ain’t know what was goin’ on. I kinda blame me for not being in-tune (with the business), so that’s why now I’m really sellin’ my music, and plus I’m more in tune with the business side.

WK3: Okay, here’s the deal: I say a name, and you tell me what comes to mind. Jay-Z.

Drag-On: Hot.

WK3: The Source.

Drag-On: Magazine.

WK3: Hot magazine, or lame magazine?

Drag-On: Hot.

WK3: Eminem.

Drag-On: Hot.

WK3: Kobe Bryant.

Drag-On: He’s innocent.

WK3: New York Yankees.

Drag-On: Bronx.