Smithsburg, Maryland’s own Dr. E, born Ian Hartge, is making a bold statement with the release of his new album Growing Up, which dropped last Month. The project is a raw and unflinching look into his journey—pulling from some of his darkest moments and transforming them into a soundtrack of resilience, lessons, and personal evolution.
Blending sharp lyricism with emotional storytelling, Dr. E uses each track on Growing Up as a chapter in his transformation. From vulnerable reflections on past struggles to anthems celebrating hard-won victories, the album mirrors the complexities of chasing dreams while fighting through adversity. “This album is my story,” Dr. E explains. “It’s about the battles I faced, the mistakes I made, and the growth that came from them. I wanted to make something real—something people could feel and connect with, no matter where they come from.”
The story behind Growing Up adds even more weight to its message. Dr. E began creating the project after being raided back in 2018, a pivotal moment that could have broken him. Instead, he turned to music as therapy and fuel for a better future. By channeling pain into art, he not only redefined himself but also crafted a body of work meant to inspire others to rise above their circumstances.
Fans of Eminem, NF, and Joyner Lucas will find familiar echoes in Dr. E’s delivery—relentless, confessional, and packed with grit—but it’s his own authenticity and hunger that sets him apart. With dream collaborations including Berner, Wiz Khalifa, and NF, Dr. E is carving a lane that fuses vulnerability with unshakable confidence.
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With Growing Up, Dr. E isn’t just dropping an album—he’s delivering a testimony that proves no matter how heavy your past is, you can grow beyond it and create something powerful.