DRAM

Biography

Shelley Marshaun Massenburg-Smith (born August 3, 1988), known professionally as DRAM (; an acronym for "does real-ass music", briefly Shelley FKA DRAM), is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. He is best known for his 2016 Diamond certified single, "Broccoli" (featuring Lil Yachty), which peaked at number five on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song preceded his debut studio album Big Baby DRAM (2016), which was released in October of that year by Atlantic Records.

Early life

Massenburg-Smith was born in Landstuhl, West Germany. Before the age of one, he moved to the United States and was raised in Hampton, Virginia. His mother was in the military. As a teenager, Massenburg-Smith was an ardent fan of the singer Bilal and recalls discovering his unreleased second album Love for Sale when it leaked online in 2006, later citing the song "White Turns to Grey" as his favorite "hidden gem" in music.

Career

In March 2015, DRAM released his debut EP, #1Epic through Atlantic Records and Empire Distribution. The EP included the single "Cha Cha", which peaked at number one on the Bubbling Under Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart. In October 2015, his debut mixtape, Gahdamn! was released.
In April 2016, DRAM released his hit single "Broccoli" (featuring Lil Yachty). The song gained international success and peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming his first top five song in the country. In October 2016, he appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, performing "Blessings (Reprise)" with Chance the Rapper, Ty Dolla Sign, Anthony Hamilton, and Raury. His debut studio album, Big Baby DRAM, was released on October 21, 2016. The album received many positive reviews.
DRAM was featured on the single "Andromeda" from British virtual band Gorillaz for their fifth album, Humanz. He also provided uncredited guest vocals on the track "We Got the Power" from the same album.

Other ventures

He voiced Wallace in the Adult Swim animated series, Lazor Wulf (2019–2021), which was also his voice acting debut.

Personal life

Massenburg-Smith supported Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock in the 2020 United States Senate elections, performing at a rally for both in 2020.