Rocko (rapper)

Last updated

Rocko
Birth nameRodney Ramone Hill Jr.
Also known asRocko da Don
Born (1979-12-28) December 28, 1979 (age 44)
Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Genres Hip hop
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
  • record executive
Years active1999–present
Labels
Producer(s) Drumma Boy

Rodney Ramone Hill Jr. [1] (born December 28, 1979), better known by his stage name Rocko, is an American rapper and record executive from Atlanta, Georgia. He is credited with discovering fellow Atlanta rapper Future, whom he signed to his record label, A1 Recordings upon its launch in 2010. Rocko acted as executive producer for Future's earlier albums until his departure from the label in 2017. [2]

Contents

Prior, Rocko released his debut studio album, Self Made (2008) in a joint venture with Jermaine Dupri's So So Def Recordings and Island Records. [3] Despite negative critical reception, the album peaked at number 21 on the US Billboard 200 and was supported by the single "Umma Do Me", which peaked at number 66 on the US Billboard Hot 100. [4] [5] His 2013 single, "U.O.E.N.O." (featuring Future and Rick Ross) peaked at number 20 on the chart.

Musical career

1999–2008: Career beginnings and Self Made

In 1999, Rocko began his career as a talent agent for the independent label, Triple A Records. [6] After a local rapper he discovered received a contract with Universal, he left Triple A to join the company in scouting for additional talent. He is credited for the initial discovery and signing of local musical acts Young Dro and Dem Franchise Boyz, having brokered recording contracts for both artists prior to their mainstream breakthroughs. [7] In 2003, he established his own label, Rocky Road Records, thereafter releasing his first project as a recording artist, a mixtape titled N.W.A (No Wack Artist) the same year. [1] He would release several follow-up mixtapes before signing with L.A. Reid on Def Jam Recordings in October 2006. The deal was in a unique joint venture with fellow Atlanta native, record producer Jermaine Dupri's So So Def Recordings. [8]

He released his debut studio album, Self Made on March 18, 2008. It featured production from Drumma Boy, Cool & Dre, The Runners and J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, and vocal contributions from guest artists Lloyd, Dre, Kevin Cossom as well as Monica. The album was preceded by the single "Umma Do Me", his first single to reach success on the Billboard Hot 100. The album was met with generally negative reviews and lukewarm commercial reception. [5]

2010–present: Mixtape circuit

His second studio album One of One was originally slated for release on Def Jam Recordings, however Rocko ultimately parted ways with the label. He subsequently rebranded his Rocky Road label to be known as A1 Recordings (often typeset as A-1 Recordings). [9] On March 1, 2010, he released the mixtape Wild Life. As a result of the positive feedback for the mixtape, Rocko re-released it as an independent album in June of that year, adding the subtitle Deez Streets a Beast. [10] The album contained guest appearances from his A1 Recordings signee Future, who performed on the tracks "9 Times Outta Ten", "Up", and "You Know". [11] [12]

On February 9, 2011, Rocko released his mixtape Rocko Dinero. [13] [14] In September 2011, A1 Recordings would have its first major release with Future's debut single "Tony Montana", which Rocko co-wrote. On November 24, 2011, he released the mixtape Gift of Gab, the mixtape spawned the regionally successful single "Squares Out Your Circle" (featuring Future). [15] [16]

In April 2012, Future released his debut album Pluto , which Rocko executive produced and co-wrote five tracks on. The album was met with critical and commercial success, likewise with Future's subsequent releases on the A1 label. On October 25, 2012, Rocko released the mixtape Wordplay. [17] [18]

On January 26, 2013, it was announced that Rocko was considering joining his old business partner L.A. Reid (who was previously an executive at Def Jam) on his new label Epic Records, as Rocko's artist Future was performing well on the label. He intimated he wasn't sure about the decision, and ultimately did not sign with the Epic. [19] Despite Rocko remaining independent, Future would continue to release his projects with Epic and remain A1's only major signee. [20]

On February 16, 2013, he released Gift of Gab 2; the mixtape spawned his second hit with the somewhat controversial single: "U.O.E.N.O." featuring Future and Rick Ross. [21] [22] [23] The song, produced by Childish Major, peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming his first top 40 hit. On February 16, 2013, it was announced that Rocko signed a distribution deal with E1 Music for his label A1, and that he was preparing for the release of his next studio album, Seeing Is Believing, effectively cancelling One of One. On March 25, 2013, Rocko hinted of a possible collaboration album between him and Future. [24] Rocko would then release the mixtape Wordplay 2 the same year. [25] [26]

On February 7, 2014, Rocko released his mixtape Lingo 4 Dummys. [27] On May 29, 2014, Rocko released an extended play (EP) entitled Poet in dedication of the passing of Maya Angelou. The EP, which features a guest appearance from Nas, was originally released for free online, but later added to the iTunes Store via A1 Recordings. [28] [29] On October 15, 2014, Rocko released his mixtape IGNANT. [30] [31] [32] On November 27, 2014, Rocko released his mixtape FOOD. [33] [34] [35]

On February 20, 2015, Rocko released his mixtape Expect the Unexpected. [36] [37] [38] On July 2, 2015, he released his mixtape Real Spill. Future would part ways with Rocko's A1 Recordings label in 2017. [39] [40] [41]

Controversy

U.O.E.N.O. lyrics

In a line on Rocko's song "U.O.E.N.O.", fellow rapper Rick Ross raps the line, "Put molly all in her champagne/ She ain't even know it/ I took her home and I enjoyed that/ She ain't even know it." A petition containing 72,000 signatures was presented to Reebok, demanding they drop Ross as a spokesman for the lyrics which appeared to condone date rape. Ross has apologized for the lyrics, claiming they weren't about rape. [42] He was dropped by Reebok on April 11, 2013. [43] Rocko later dropped the Rick Ross verse in order to get radio play. [44]

Lawsuit

In June 2016, Hill filed a $10 million lawsuit against his A1 Recordings artist, Future. According to Hill, Future breached his contractual obligation to release 6 albums under the label. [45] Neither artist has announced the settlement.

Other ventures

A1 Recordings

A1 Recordings
Founded2003
FounderRocko (CEO)
StatusActive
Distributor(s)
GenreVarious
Country of originUnited States
Location Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.

A1 Recordings, formerly known as Rocky Road Records, is an Atlanta-based record label formed in 2010 by Hill. On February 16, 2013, it was announced that A1 Recordings will be distributed by E1 Music.

Current artist
Former artist
Releases
List of albums, with selected chart positions
YearArtistAlbumPeak chart positions
U.S. U.S. R&B U.S. Rap
2008Rocko Self Made 2164
2012 Future Pluto
  • Released: April 17, 2012
  • Label: A1, Freebandz, Epic
  • Format: CD, download
822
2014Future Honest
  • Released: April 22, 2014
  • Label: A1, Freebandz, Epic
  • Format: CD, download
211
2015Future DS2
  • Released: July 17, 2015
  • Label: A1, Freebandz, Epic
  • Format: CD, download
111
2016Future Evol
  • February 6, 2016
  • Label: A1, Freebandz, Epic
  • Format: CD, download
111
2017Future Future
  • Released: February 17, 2017
  • Label: A1, Freebandz, Epic
  • Format: CD, download
111
2017Future Hndrxx
  • Released: February 24, 2017
  • Label: A1, Freebandz, Epic
  • Format: CD, download
111

Discography

Studio albums

Filmography

Films

Television

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Juelz Santana</span> American rapper

LaRon Louis James, better known by his stage name Juelz Santana, is an American rapper and member of East Coast hip hop group, the Diplomats. He is best known for his appearances on group cohort Cam'ron's 2002 singles "Oh Boy" and "Hey Ma," which peaked at numbers four and three on the Billboard Hot 100, respectively. His guest appearance on Chris Brown's 2005 single, "Run It!" peaked atop the chart for five weeks and received triple platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). As a lead artist, he is also known for his 2005 single "There It Go ," which peaked at number six on the chart and received platinum certification by the RIAA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeezy</span> American rapper (born 1977)

Jay Wayne Jenkins, known by his stage name Jeezy, is an American rapper. He is credited, alongside fellow Georgia-based rappers T.I. and Gucci Mane, with pioneering the hip hop subgenre trap music for mainstream audiences. Jenkins began his career in 2001, releasing two independent albums until signing with Def Jam Recordings to release his major label debut, Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 (2005). The album peaked at number two on the Billboard 200, sold 172,000 copies in its first week, and received double platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA); its lead single, "Soul Survivor", peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains his highest-charting song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">T.I. discography</span>

The discography of American rapper T.I. consists of eleven studio albums, one compilation album, one remix album, four extended plays (EPs), 13 mixtapes, 110 singles and 11 promotional singles. He has also released one music video album and over 60 music videos, the details of which are included in his videography.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plies (rapper)</span> American rapper (born 1976)

Algernod Lanier Washington, better known by his stage name Plies, is an American rapper. Born in Fort Myers, Florida, Plies was a wide receiver on the Miami Redskins football team of Miami University in Ohio for two years in 1995 before embarking on a musical career. After a brief transfer to University of Central Florida, he dropped out and signed with the South Florida-based record label Slip-n-Slide Records in 2004; after four mixtapes, he signed a joint venture with Atlantic Records two years later.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Soulja Boy</span> American rapper and record producer (born 1990)

DeAndre Cortez Way, known professionally as Soulja Boy, is an American rapper and record producer from Atlanta, Georgia. He rose to prominence with his self-released 2007 debut single, "Crank That ", which peaked the Billboard Hot 100 for seven non-consecutive weeks. After its commercial re-release by Collipark Music, an imprint of Interscope Records, the song and its follow-up, "Soulja Girl", both preceded the release of his debut studio album, Souljaboytellem.com (2007). Despite unfavorable critical reception, it peaked at number four on the Billboard 200 and spawned the single "Yahhh!."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Soulja Boy discography</span>

The discography of Soulja Boy, an American rapper and producer, consists of ten studio albums, three compilation albums, 71 mixtapes, 14 extended plays (EPs), 55 singles, and 38 music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ace Hood</span> American rapper (born 1988)

Antoine Franklin McColister, known professionally Ace Hood, is an American rapper. Born in Port St. Lucie and raised in Deerfield Beach, Florida, he was discovered by DJ Khaled and became the first act to sign with his record label, We the Best Music Group in 2008. Released in a joint venture with Def Jam Recordings, his debut studio album, Gutta (2008) was met with mild critical and commercial reception, but yielded his first Billboard Hot 100 entry, "Ride".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">B.o.B discography</span>

The discography of American rapper B.o.B consists of seven studio albums, five compilation albums, three extended plays (EPs), 26 mixtapes, 51 singles, 14 promotional singles, and 76 music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yo Gotti discography</span>

American rapper Yo Gotti has released 11 studio albums, 25 mixtapes and 57 singles, and 5 promotional singles. After several guest appearances, mixtapes and independent releases, he released his major-label debut album Life, in 2003.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Future (rapper)</span> American rapper (born 1983)

Nayvadius DeMun Cash, known professionally as Future, is an American rapper and singer. Known for his mumble-styled vocals and prolific output, Future is considered a pioneer of the use of Auto-Tuned melodies in trap music. Due to the sustained popularity of this musical style, he is commonly regarded as one of the most influential rappers of his generation.

Kevin Christopher Belnavis, better known by his stage name Torch, is a Haitian-American rapper signed to Maybach Music Group as part of the group Triple C's. Born and with a childhood in the Castle Hill area of the Bronx, he was sent by his mother to live with his older sister in Miami, Florida, as a teen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike Will Made It</span> American record producer (born 1989)

Michael Len Williams II, known professionally as Mike Will Made It or simply Mike Will, is an American record producer, rapper and songwriter. He is best known for producing trap beats for several Southern hip hop and pop artists on commercially successful singles. His credits include "Black Beatles" and "Powerglide" by Rae Sremmurd, "Mercy" by Kanye West, "No Lie" by 2 Chainz, "Bandz a Make Her Dance" by Juicy J, "Pour It Up" by Rihanna, "Love Me" by Lil Wayne, "Body Party" by Ciara, "We Can't Stop" by Miley Cyrus, "Formation" by Beyoncé, and "Humble" by Kendrick Lamar. He embarked on a career as a non-performing lead artist in 2013 with his debut single "23", which peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. His 2017 follow-up single, "Rake It Up" peaked at number eight on the chart. He has released six mixtapes and one solo studio album, Ransom 2 (2017).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trinidad James</span> Trinidadian-American rapper

Nicholaus Joseph Williams, better known by his stage name Trinidad James, is a Trinidadian-American rapper, songwriter and music video director. In December 2012, he signed with Def Jam Recordings to release his debut single, "All Gold Everything" commercially that same month. The song peaked within the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100, received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and spawned a remix featuring fellow Georgia-based rappers T.I., Jeezy and 2 Chainz. He was dropped from the label in 2014 after failing to promptly record a debut album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Young Scooter</span> American rapper (born 1986)

Kenneth Edward Bailey, better known by his stage name Young Scooter, is an American rapper from Atlanta, Georgia. He was among the first artists to sign with fellow Atlanta rapper Future's record label, Freebandz in 2012, having known its founder since childhood. The following year, he jointly signed with Waka Flocka Flame's Brick Squad Monopoly, an imprint of Gucci Mane's 1017 Records. He first gained regional recognition for his collaborations with the rappers, as well as his mixtape Street Lottery (2012) and its lead single, "Colombia". His guest appearance on Future and Juice Wrld's 2018 song, "Jet Lag" marked his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100.

Rory William Quigley, known professionally as Harry Fraud, is an American record producer. Primarily a hip hop producer, Fraud began producing at an early age and began interning at a recording studio after graduating from high school. First discovered by French Montana during a recording session in Chinatown in early 2009, Fraud has since worked on each of his releases and become a fixture in the New York underground hip hop scene. He was credited on Montana's 2012 single, "Shot Caller", which became one of the most added tracks on urban contemporary radio during 2011–2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">U.O.E.N.O.</span> 2013 single by Rocko featuring Future and Rick Ross

"U.O.E.N.O." is a song written and performed by American rapper Rocko featuring fellow American rappers Future and Rick Ross. It was released on March 5, 2013, as the lead single from the former's sixth mixtape Gift of Gab 2 (2013). Produced by Childish Major, "U.O.E.N.O." peaked at number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 as well as number 87 on the year-end Billboard Hot 100.

<i>Electric Highway</i> 2013 mixtape by Rockie Fresh

Electric Highway is the fifth mixtape by American rapper Rockie Fresh, it was released on January 21, 2013. The mixtape features guest appearances from Lunice, Rick Ross, Nipsey Hussle, Sasha Go Hard and Currensy. The mixtape is hosted by DJ Ill Will.

Darien Corey Dash, Jr., known professionally as Dash, is an American rapper. Apart from his solo career, he was a member of Heir Global, alongside former friend and collaborator, Retch. Dash is also an affiliate of ASAP Mob, making his first high-profile appearance on their debut mixtape Lords Never Worry, in 2012. He frequently works with record producer Mordecai Beats, with whom he released the mixtape La Cienega (2012). Da$h has also collaborated with several prominent rappers in the hip-hop industry, including Ab-Soul, Action Bronson, Earl Sweatshirt, Vince Staples, Suicideboys, and Mac Miller.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maybach Music Group</span> Record label

Maybach Music Group is a record label founded by American rapper Rick Ross in 2008. An imprint of gamma. since 2023, the label was previously an imprint of Def Jam Recordings (2009–2011), Warner Records (2011–2012) and Atlantic Records (2012–2023). The label, having signed artists including Wale, Meek Mill, French Montana, Omarion, Rockie Fresh, and Stalley, has released a total of 29 studio albums, including three compilation albums in its Self-Made series. The "Maybach Music" vocal tag heard in many of the label's recordings is spoken by Australian model Jessica Gomes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kevin Gates discography</span>

American recording artist Kevin Gates has released four studio albums, three extended plays, seventeen mixtapes and thirty-four singles.

References

  1. 1 2 "Rocko – Music Videos, Songs, News, Photos and Lyrics". MTV.com. Archived from the original on February 17, 2008. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  2. ↑ "Brothers Turned Adversaries: The History of Future & Rocko". Djbooth.net. Retrieved April 14, 2020.
  3. ↑ "Self-Made: Rocko". at Amazon.com . Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  4. ↑ "Self-Made – Rocko". Billboard.com. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  5. 1 2 "Rocko Album & Song Chart History". Billboard.com. March 15, 2008. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  6. ↑ "Rapper Rocko scores hit with song "for the streets"". Reuters . Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  7. ↑ Concepcion, Mariel (January 18, 2008). "Rocko". Billboard. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  8. ↑ "Show & Prove: Rocko". XXLMag.com. February 29, 2008. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  9. ↑ "Rocko Parts Ways With Def Jam; Launches A1 Recordings – Exclusive Hip Hop News, Interviews, Rumors, Rap & Music Videos". Allhiphop.com. September 30, 2010. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  10. ↑ Rocko Da Don - Wildlife Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic , retrieved February 19, 2024
  11. ↑ "Rocko – Wild Life Hosted by Scream". DatPiff.com. Archived from the original on December 20, 2015. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  12. ↑ "Rocko – Wild Life – DJ Scream". LiveMixtapes.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  13. ↑ "Rocko – Rocko Dinero Hosted by The Empire". DatPiff.com. Archived from the original on December 20, 2015. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  14. ↑ "Rocko – Rocko Dinero – The Empire". LiveMixtapes.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  15. ↑ "Rocko – Gift Of Gab Hosted by DJ Scream". DatPiff.com. Archived from the original on December 29, 2015. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  16. ↑ "Rocko – Gift Of Gab – DJ Scream". LiveMixtapes.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  17. ↑ "Rocko – Wordplay". DatPiff.com. Archived from the original on December 20, 2015. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  18. ↑ "Rocko – Wordplay – A1FBG / Freebandz, DJ Plugg". LiveMixtapes.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  19. ↑ "Rocko Considering Epic Reunion With L.A. Reid". Bet.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  20. ↑ "Rapper Rocko Inks New Distribution Deal With eOne, Readies Seeing Is Believing – Rappersroom". Rappersroom.com. February 16, 2013. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  21. ↑ "Rocko – Gift Of Gab 2 Hosted by Don Cannon". DatPiff.com. Archived from the original on December 20, 2015. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  22. ↑ "Rocko – Gift Of Gab 2 – DJ Don Cannon". LiveMixtapes.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  23. ↑ "Rick Ross comes under fire for line on Rocko's "U.E.N.O." with Future". March 27, 2013. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  24. ↑ "Rocko Announces Joint Album With Future". HNHH. March 25, 2013. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  25. ↑ "Xclusiveszone.net". Archived from the original on January 3, 2014.
  26. ↑ "Rocko – Lingo 4 Dummys – A1FBG / Freebandz". LiveMixtapes.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  27. ↑ "Welcome orangemixtapes.com – BlueHost.com". Orangemixtapes.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  28. ↑ "Rocko – Hustle Feat. Nas (Prod. By Fatboi)". HNHH. May 29, 2014. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  29. ↑ [ dead link ]
  30. ↑ "Rocko – IGNANT". DatPiff.com. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  31. ↑ "Rocko – IGNANT". HNHH. October 16, 2014. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  32. ↑ "Rocko – IGNANT – A1 / Street Katz". LiveMixtapes.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  33. ↑ "FOOD Mixtape by Rocko". Datpiff.com. Archived from the original on May 10, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2020.
  34. ↑ "Rocko – FOOD". HNHH. November 27, 2014. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  35. ↑ "Rocko – FOOD – A1 / Street Katz". LiveMixtapes.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  36. ↑ "Rocko – Expect The Unexpected Hosted by A1 & Street Katz". DatPiff.com. Archived from the original on March 25, 2015. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  37. ↑ "Rocko – Expect The Unexpected". HNHH. February 20, 2015. Archived from the original on October 25, 2017. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  38. ↑ "Rocko – Expect The Unexpected – A1 / Street Katz". LiveMixtapes.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  39. ↑ "Rocko – Real Spill Hosted by DJ Drama". DatPiff.com. Archived from the original on July 4, 2015. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  40. ↑ "Rocko – Real Spill". HNHH. July 2, 2015. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  41. ↑ "Rocko – Real Spill – A1 / Street Katz". LiveMixtapes.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  42. ↑ "Rick Ross rape lyric apology not accepted". 3news.co.nz. April 5, 2013. Archived from the original on December 24, 2013. Retrieved April 12, 2013.
  43. ↑ "RICK ROSS REEBOK GIVES RAPPER THE BOOT". Tmz.com. April 11, 2013. Retrieved April 11, 2013.
  44. ↑ "Rocko replaces Rick Ross rap". 3news.co.nz. April 12, 2013. Archived from the original on January 2, 2014. Retrieved April 12, 2013.
  45. ↑ Mojica, Nick (December 13, 2017). "Future and Rocko Settle $10 Million Lawsuit Out of Court – XXL". Xxlmag.com. Retrieved April 14, 2020.
  46. ↑ "Rock Signs Onto Love and Hip Hop Atlanta Season 2". Celebnmusic247.com. Archived from the original on October 8, 2012. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.