Rocko (rapper)

Rodney Ramone Hill, Jr.[1] (born December 28, 1979), better known by his stage name Rocko, is an American rapper, record executive, and actor.

Rocko
Birth nameRodney Ramone Hill, Jr.
Also known asRocko da Don
Born (1979-12-28) December 28, 1979
OriginAtlanta, Georgia, United States
GenresHip hop
Occupation(s)
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
  • actor
  • record executive
  • real estate developer
Years active1999–present
Labels
Associated acts
WebsiteIsland website

Rocko released his first studio album, Self Made, on March 18, 2008.[2] The album peaked at number 21 on the US Billboard 200, number six on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and number four on Top Rap Albums.[3] It spawned the single "Umma Do Me", which peaked at number 66 on the US Billboard Hot 100.[4]

In 2010, Hill founded the A1 Recordings record label and signed fellow Atlanta artist Future, who would come to achieve worldwide success.[5] His 2013 single "U.O.E.N.O." featuring Future and Rick Ross peaked at number 20 on the Hot 100.

Musical career

1999–2008: Career beginnings and Self Made

Rocko started out as a ghostwriter and producer somewhere around 1999. In 2002, he established his own label Rocky Road Records and began working with artists like rapper and singer, AL Young Dro , Zodiak DaDon and Dem Franchize Boyz.[1] He released several mixtapes before being signed by L.A. Reid to Def Jam Records in October 2006.[6]

He released his first 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 contributions came from guest artists Lloyd, Dre, Kevin Cossom as well as Monica. The album spawned the single "Umma Do Me", his first single had managed to get on the Billboard Hot 100.[4]

2010-present: Mixtape circuit

His second studio album One of One was originally meant to be released on Def Jam. However, this never happened, as he parted ways with Def Jam, looking for better label situations. He subsequently formed his own label, A-1 Recordings.[7] 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 album.[8][9]

On February 9, 2011, Rocko released his mixtape Rocko Dinero.[10][11] On November 24, 2011 he released the mixtape Gift of Gab, the mixtape spawned Rocko's single "Squares Out Your Circle" with his A1 artist Future.[12][13]

On October 25, 2012, Rocko released the mixtape Wordplay.[14][15]

On January 26, 2013, it was announced that Rocko was considering joining his old business partner L.A. Reid's label Epic which is also home to his friend and artist Future, but intimating he was not quite sure.[16] On February 16, 2013 he released Gift of Gab 2; the mixtape is known for the controversial single "U.O.E.N.O." featuring Future & Rick Ross.[17][18][19] The song made a "Hot Shot Debut" on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart at #44 and has peaked at #14. "U.O.E.N.O." also peaked at #20 on the Hot 100, becoming his first top 40 hit. Also On February 16, 2013 it was announced that Rocko inked in a distribution deal with E1 Music for his label A1, and that his believed mixtape Seeing Is Believing will now be his forthcoming second studio album and it will not be entitled One of One.[20] On March 25, 2013 Rocko hinted of a possible collaboration album between him and Future.[21] Rocko's next upcoming mixtapes to promote Seeing Is Believing, is Wordplay 2 and #IGNANT.[22][23]

On February 7, 2014, Rocko released his mixtape Lingo 4 Dummys.[24] 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 A-1 Recordings.[25][26] On October 15, 2014, Rocko released his mixtape IGNANT.[27][28][29] On November 27, 2014, Rocko released his mixtape FOOD.[30][31][32]

On February 20, 2015, Rocko released his mixtape Expect the Unexpected.[33][34][35] On July 2, 2015, Rocko released his mixtape Real Spill.[36][37][38]

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.[39] He was dropped by Reebok on April 11, 2013.[40] Rocko later dropped the Rick Ross verse in order to get radio play.[41]

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.[42] Neither artist has announced the settlement.

Other ventures

A1 Recordings
A1 Recordings
Founded2003
FounderRocko (CEO)
StatusActive
Distributor(s)
GenreVarious
Country of originUnited States
LocationAtlanta, Georgia

A1 Recordings, formerly known as Rocky Road Records, is an Atlanta, Georgia-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
  • Rocko
Former artist
Releases
List of albums, with selected chart positions
Year Artist Album Peak chart positions
U.S. U.S. R&B U.S. Rap
2008 Rocko Self Made 21 6 4
2012 Future Pluto
  • Released: April 17, 2012
  • Label: A1, Freebandz, Epic
  • Format: CD, download
 8 2 2
2014 Future Honest
  • Released: April 22, 2014
  • Label: A1, Freebandz, Epic
  • Format: CD, download
 2 1 1
2015 Future DS2
  • Released: July 17, 2015
  • Label: A1, Freebandz, Epic
  • Format: CD, download
 1 1 1
2016 Future Evol
  • February 6, 2016
  • Label: A1, Freebandz, Epic
  • Format: CD, download
 1 1 1
2017 Future Future
  • Released: February 17, 2017
  • Label: A1, Freebandz, Epic
  • Format: CD, download
 1 1 1
2017 Future Hndrxx
  • Released: February 24, 2017
  • Label: A1, Freebandz, Epic
  • Format: CD, download
 1 1 1

Personal life

Hill has four sons. His first son, Ramone Malik Hill (born November 3, 1995), is from a previous relationship. Ramone is known by his nickname "Uno". Hill and R&B singer Monica have two children together: Rodney Ramone Hill III (born May 21, 2005) "Lil' Rocko", and Romelo Montez Hill (born January 8, 2008). The two officially parted on March 11, 2010. Rocko s in a long-term relationship. In 2014 the couple welcomed a baby boy by the name of Roman Hill.

Discography
Main article: Rocko discography

Filmography

Films
  • 2015: The Spot - (as Lehgo)

Television

References
  1. "Rocko - Music Videos, Songs, News, Photos and Lyrics". MTV.com. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  2. "Self-Made: Rocko". at Amazon.com. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  3. "Self-Made - Rocko". Billboard.com. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  4. "Rocko Album & Song Chart History". Billboard.com. March 15, 2008. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  5. "Brothers Turned Adversaries: The History of Future & Rocko". Djbooth.net. Retrieved April 14, 2020.
  6. "Show & Prove: Rocko". XXLMag.com. February 29, 2008. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  7. "Rocko Parts Ways With Def Jam; Launches A1 Recordings - Exclusive Hip Hop News, Interviews, Rumors, Rap & Music Videos". Allhiphop.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  8. "Rocko - Wild Life Hosted by Scream". DatPiff.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  9. "Rocko - Wild Life - DJ Scream". LiveMixtapes.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  10. "Rocko - Rocko Dinero Hosted by The Empire". DatPiff.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  11. "Rocko - Rocko Dinero - The Empire". LiveMixtapes.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  12. "Rocko - Gift Of Gab Hosted by DJ Scream". DatPiff.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  13. "Rocko - Gift Of Gab - DJ Scream". LiveMixtapes.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  14. "Rocko - Wordplay". DatPiff.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  15. "Rocko - Wordplay - A1FBG / Freebandz, DJ Plugg". LiveMixtapes.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  16. "Rocko Considering Epic Reunion With L.A. Reid". Bet.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  17. "Rocko - Gift Of Gab 2 Hosted by Don Cannon". DatPiff.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  18. "Rocko - Gift Of Gab 2 - DJ Don Cannon". LiveMixtapes.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  19. "Rick Ross comes under fire for line on Rocko's "U.E.N.O." with Future". March 27, 2013. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  20. "Rapper Rocko Inks New Distribution Deal With eOne, Readies Seeing Is Believing - Rappersroom". Rappersroom.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  21. "Rocko Announces Joint Album With Future". Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  23. "Rocko - Lingo 4 Dummys - A1FBG / Freebandz". LiveMixtapes.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  24. "Welcome orangemixtapes.com - BlueHost.com". Orangemixtapes.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  25. "Rocko - Hustle Feat. Nas (Prod. By Fatboi)". Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  27. "Rocko - IGNANT". DatPiff.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  28. "Rocko - IGNANT". Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  29. "Rocko - IGNANT - A1 / Street Katz". LiveMixtapes.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  30. "FOOD Mixtape by Rocko". Datpiff.com. Retrieved April 14, 2020.
  31. "Rocko - FOOD". Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  32. "Rocko - FOOD - A1 / Street Katz". LiveMixtapes.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  33. "Rocko - Expect The Unexpected Hosted by A1 & Street Katz". DatPiff.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  34. "Rocko - Expect The Unexpected". Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  35. "Rocko - Expect The Unexpected - A1 / Street Katz". LiveMixtapes.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  36. "Rocko - Real Spill Hosted by DJ Drama". DatPiff.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  37. "Rocko - Real Spill". Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  38. "Rocko - Real Spill - A1 / Street Katz". LiveMixtapes.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
  39. "Rick Ross rape lyric apology not accepted". 3news.co.nz. April 5, 2013.
  40. "RICK ROSS REEBOK GIVES RAPPER THE BOOT". Tmz.com. Retrieved April 11, 2013.
  41. "Rocko replaces Rick Ross rap". 3news.co.nz. April 12, 2013.
  42. Mojica, Nick. "Future and Rocko Settle $10 Million Lawsuit Out of Court - XXL". Xxlmag.com. Retrieved April 14, 2020.
  43. "Page Not Found - Celebnmusic247". Celebnmusic247.com. Retrieved October 25, 2017. Cite uses generic title (help)
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