Young Dro Expands His Impact: From Hip-Hop to Healing Communities

"If we can talk to each other again, care about each other again, we can save lives. It still takes a village--always will." --Young Dro

Atlanta, GA -- Two decades after chart-topping hits like “Shoulder Lean” and “We In Da City” defined his career, D’Juan “Young Dro” Hart is rewriting his legacy. Once known for party anthems and high-energy performances, the Atlanta rapper is now using his platform to fight for the soul of his community.

Through his growing national campaign, “It Still Takes a Village: Guns Down, Drugs Out Journey” (ISTV), Dro is turning his personal pain into public purpose—fusing hip-hop, healing, and hope.

At the onset of ISTV, Edition8 caught up with Dro in Atlanta, GA; his first tour stop.

“At fifteen, I was a victim of gun violence,” he said. “If you don’t have someone close to you who’s been affected, it’s somebody in your extended family. ‘It Still Takes a Village’ isn’t just a saying—it’s a lifestyle we’ve forgotten. I want us to get back to that.”

The proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” guides the movement, reminding communities that healing begins when neighbors reconnect.

“Communication is key,” Dro said. “How can we protect our kids if we don’t even know our neighbors? The village is me, the village is you. That’s where it starts.”

Raised in the church by his grandmother, Dro credits faith for giving him purpose. In his 2024 collaboration with Deitrick Haddon and Zaytoven, “Run Out of Time,” he warns listeners that time is running out for change.

The song pays tribute to artists lost to violence, including Takeoff and Young Dolph, and serves as a reminder that prevention begins with presence.

“Music is my way of spreading a message,” he told Edition8. “I’m still a hit maker—but now, I’m making hits that heal.”

“Hip-hop isn’t the problem. The problem is when there’s no guidance, no mentorship. Music is just the outlet.”
— Young Dro

ISTV partners with organizations like the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, The Hopeful Change Project, and 1 Mo Question, Inc. These partnerships bring workshops, grief counseling, and mentorship to local teens and families.

Parents who’ve lost loved ones to gun violence also share their stories, building a network of support and awareness.

According to the Institute for Health Research and Policy at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health, young people with consistent, long term mentors are less likely to engage in violent behavior—proof that what Dro preaches truly works.

In 2025, It Still Takes a Village is expanding its reach. Check the organization's website for upcoming tour dates and to see how to get the youth in your community involved.

By Alaina Coats

Updated November 5, 2025