Rapper D.R.A.M. will be one of the supporting acts for Juice Jam 2016. Before you don your flower crown and Ray-Bans, here are three things to know about D.R.A.M.

1. His name is an Acroynm

D.R.A.M. stands for “Does Real Ass Music.” His birth name is Shelley Massenburg-Smith, and he was born in Germany as his mother was in the military. Since moving back to the States, he has been residing in Hampton, Virginia. His music career began in the Coliseum Mall, which no longer exists, according to an article by Vice.

2. D.R.A.M. sure likes his veggies

Well actually, this is unconfirmed, but he does have a song named “Broccoli,” featuring Lil Yachty. Although the song is not a profession of love for cruciferous vegetables, it is a hit that climbed to the no. 19 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2016, according the press release.

3. He didn’t always work in music

After parting ways with his first manager, D.R.A.M. was working at call-centers from 2005-2009. He began making music again in 2008, and recorded music on his own $100 mic, according to the Vice article. He broke onto the scene in 2015 with the song with his single “Cha Cha,” according to the press release.

Published on September 9, 2016 at 5:56 pm

Contact Rachel: rcgilber@syr.edu