Fire. The "American Heritage College Dictionary" defines it as "a chemical change that releases heat and light and is accompanied by flame." Some alternate meanings include "burning intensity of feeling" and "liveliness and vivacity of imagination; brilliance."

Ruff Ryder MC Drag-On likens his music to fire and would probably agree with all of the above definitions. After stellar appearances on DMX's three multi-platinum albums, Eve's million-selling debut, and the Ruff Ryders Ryde Or Die Vol.1 compilation, Drag-On has finally released his own debut effort, "Opposite Of H2O."

Drag-On has been waiting patiently in the Ruff Ryders wings and has finally reached the front of the line with an LP that features cameos from fellow Ryders DMX, Eve, and The LOX. Other friends that came out for "H2O" include R&B crooner Case, Capone, Icepick Jay, Parle, and P. Killer Trackz.

Mel Smalls, better known as Drag-On, released his album on March 28 and was able to score the number five spot on the Billboard pop albums chart the following week. It definitely helped that the young rapper was able to showcase his material previous to its release as part of the Ruff Ryders/Cash Money Tour. But ask Drag-On why people are running to their local record store to pick up "H2O" and he'll probably point to the scorching first single, "Ni**as Die 4 Me," as one reason. DMX appears on that track in addition to spitting verses on a song called "Get It Right."

If you'd like to hear more Drag-On history, check out his contributions to DJ Clue's "The Professional," the "Belly" soundtrack, and Harlem World's "The Movement."

MTV News' John Gill had the opportunity to sit down with the fire-breathing Drag-On, recently, to discuss his new album. Drag To The Dash, as the MC sometimes calls himself, also touched on the Cash Money Millionaires, his fellow Ruff Ryder DMX, a possible Eve/Drag-On album, and his aspirations to launch an acting career.