DJ Drama, whose real name is Tyree Cinque Simmons, drew his first breath on 22nd April in the year 1978. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Concerning his ethnicity, he has European-American roots from the mother’s side and African-American roots from the side of his father.
Don't Miss: Erica Johnson
Education
DJ Drama attended the Clark Atlanta University where he started to perform soulful-rap and neo-soul, and he was already known under his current nickname, then.
Career Experience
Tyree Simmons started his career of the DJ and singer of hip-hop in his native city of Philadelphia, and, already at that time, he started to perform under the nickname that we know nowadays. In 2003, DJ Drama becomes a co-creator of the group known as “The Aphiliates”. Then, DJ Sense, DJ Don Cannon, Ox Banger, and DJ Jamad participated in the creation of the group, too. Three years later, the Aphiliates Music Group struck a deal on the creation of a joint venture with Asylum Records, an American label. Then, the enterprise signed Willie the Kid, an American rapper who is considered to be a protégé of DJ Drama.
In cooperation with the Grand Hustle, an American label company, Tyree Simmons released his debut album, called “Gangsta Grillz: The Album, in 2007. The Vol. 2 of the album was released two years later. Already at that time, he cooperated with such famous rappers as Yo Gotti, Snoop Dog, Akon, Gucci Mane, OJ da Juiceman, Lonnie Man, and others. Then, DJ Drama also started to appear in different TV music – and not only music – shows.
On 11th October in the year 2011, DJ Drama released the album named “Third Power”, the third studio album of his. Immediately after the album’s release, it occupied the 42nd position in one of the most eminent charts, namely the Billboard 200.
He released several singles and, later, he also issued two more albums, and the first out of those two is believed to be the most successful album of DJ Drama. Upon its debut, the album, named “Quality Street Music” (2012), was in the top 15 of the charts. In the first week, the number of the sold copies exceeded 25,000.
Thereafter, DJ Drama signed a deal with Atlantic Records, according to which he will work for A&R, the label’s scout department. In addition to that, DJ Drama was nominated once as a DJ of the Year by BET Hip Hop Awards. With his mixtape, he also won a 2008 Ozone Award. Up to date, his net worth is believed to be equal to $12 million.
Personal life
Concerning the private life of DJ Drama, reportedly he has two kids from his first, unknown to the public relationship. In 2007, he married Summer Walker, a supermodel. However, several years later his wife took a decision to divorce after a scandal, when a 21-year-old girl claimed that she has a child from DJ Drama after they had an affair at one of the many parties. Reportedly, DJ Drama offered her $10,000, but the girl wanted DJ Drama to be “a responsible father who looks after the kid.”
Discography
Up to date, DJ Drama has released 5 albums:
1) Gangsta Grillz: The Album (2007)
2) Gansgta Grillz: The Album (Vol. 2) (2009)
3) Third Power (2011)
4) Quality Street Music (2012)
5) Quality Street Music 2 (2016)
Last Modified: Apr 7, 2020
Related Biographies
