Rocko (rapper)

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

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] His 2013 single "U.O.E.N.O." featuring Future and Rick Ross peaked at number 20 on the Hot 100.

Music career

Music Beginnings

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 (from Birmingham), 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.^[5]

2007-09: Self Made

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: Seeing is Believing

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.^[6] 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.^[7][8]

On February 9, 2011, Rocko released his mixtape Rocko Dinero.^[9][10] 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.^[11][12]

On October 25, 2012, Rocko released the mixtape Wordplay.^[13][14]

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.^[15] 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.^[16][17][18] 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.^[19] On March 25, 2013 Rocko hinted of a possible collaboration album between him and Future.^[20] Rocko's next upcoming mixtapes to promote Seeing Is Believing, is Wordplay 2 and #IGNANT.^[21][22]

On February 7, 2014, Rocko released his mixtape Lingo 4 Dummys.^[23] On May 29, 2014, Rocko released a 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.^[24][25] On October 15, 2014, Rocko released his mixtape IGNANT.^[26][27][28] On November 27, 2014, Rocko released his mixtape FOOD.^[29][30][31]

On February 20, 2015, Rocko released his mixtape Expect the Unexpected.^[32][33][34] On July 2, 2015, Rocko released his mixtape Real Spill.^[35][36][37]

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.^[38] He was dropped by Reebok on April 11, 2013.^[39] Rocko later dropped the Rick Ross verse in order to get radio play.^[40]

Other ventures

A1 Recordings

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 will be distributed by E1 Music.

Current artist

• Rocko
• Future

Releases

Personal life

Family

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" and he is the spitting image of his father. Hill and R&B singer Monica have two children together: Rodney Ramone Hill III (born May 21, 2005), aka "Lil' Rocko", and Romelo Montez Hill (born January 8, 2008). In October 2009, it was announced that Monica & Hill separated surrounding rumors that Hill cheated on Monica. The two officially parted on March 11, 2010. Rocko is now in a new relationship and in 2014 the couple welcomed a new baby boy.

Legal issues

In January 2009, Rocko was sentenced to 48 hours jail for an altercation with a woman back in 2007.^[41]

Discography

• Self Made (2008)

Filmography

Films

• 2015: The Spot - (as Lehgo)

Television

• 2009: Monica: Still Standing - (Guest stars as Himself)
• 2013: Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta (Season 2) - (Stars as Himself)^[42]
• 2013: T.I. and Tiny: The Family Hustle - (Guest stars as Himself)

References

External links

• Rocko at the Island website