Dru Down facts for kids

Danyel Robinson (born September 14, 1971) is an American rapper and actor from Oakland, California. He is best known by his stage name, Dru Down. He is a member of The Regime, a rap group that includes artists like Yukmouth and Tech N9ne.

Early Life and Family

Danyel Robinson grew up in East Oakland, California. His mother passed away when he was only three years old, so he was raised by his grandmother and step-father.

When he was a teenager, his grandmother told him a surprising family secret. His biological father was the famous musician Bootsy Collins, who was known for his work as a bassist and singer. Collins had met Robinson's mother at one of his shows.

Music Career

Starting Out in Music

In the late 1980s, Robinson became very interested in rap music. He started writing and recording his own songs under the name Dru Down. In 1993, he released his first album, Fools from the Streets. It was popular in the Bay Area.

This local success helped him get a record deal with Relativity Records. In 1994, he released his second album, Explicit Game. This album had his most famous single, "... of the Year," which was a big hit. It climbed to number 65 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and stayed on the chart for 24 weeks.

Working with Stars and Acting

Dru Down's third album, Can You Feel Me, came out in 1996. The title song was another hit. This album was special because it featured his first song with his father, Bootsy Collins. He also appeared as a guest on Collins's album Fresh Outta 'P' University.

That same year, Dru Down also started his acting career. He played the character Kayo in the movie Original Gangstas. He was also featured on the intro of the famous song "All About You" by 2Pac, from the album All Eyez on Me.

Recent Work and The Regime

Dru Down is currently signed to Smoke-A-Lot Records, a label owned by fellow rapper Yukmouth. He also has his own record label. In 2010, he released the album Chronicles of a ....

He is an active member of the hip-hop group The Regime, which is led by Yukmouth. The group released its first album, Dragon Gang, in 2013.

Discography

Studio Albums

• Fools From the Streets (1993)
• Explicit Game (1994)
• Can You Feel Me (1996)
• ...' Phernelia (2001)
• ... ...' (2002)
• Chronicles of a ... (2010)
• GP No PC Lock Up (2018)
• Welcome 2 Dru’s World (2019)

Collaboration Albums

• Cash Me Out with Lee Majors (2006)
• Dragon Gang with The Regime (2013)

Compilation Albums

• Dru Down's Greatest Hits (2006)
• Lost Tapes I (2008)
• Lost Tapes II (2008)
• Lost Tapes III (2008)
• Lost Tapes IV (2008)

Singles

• "... of the Year" (1994)
• "Ice Cream Man" (featuring Luniz) (1994)
• "No One Loves You" (1995)
• "Can You Feel Me" (1996)
• "Baby Bubba" (featuring Bootsy Collins) (1997)
• "Hello" (featuring The Jacka) (2010)

Filmography

• 1996 Original Gangstas as 'Kayo'