Interview with Def Jam Recording Artist
Rocko. His first single "Umma Do Me" is his current
hot track from his upcoming album Self-Made.
You've been in the music industry for awhile. What are some
of the things that you have done?
Rocko-I started my label
in 2002. I developed Young Dro into the artist he is right
now. I worked with Franchise and helped them get signed
them with Jermaine. I worked with a few people. I can't
remember every body off the bat.
How did you go about getting your record deal with Def Jam?
Rocko-Def Jam, they
came to me. I did all the foot work and had a strong following
in Atlanta. They were excited about me and when they heard
the single and the mix tapes DJ's gravitated to the record
and it spread around Georgia and Alabama and went from there.
Which single was it that the DJ's picked up.
Rocko-"Umma do
me," that one.
What's it like working with Jermaine Dupri?
Rocko-JD is a cool guy.
He is a cool laid back fella. I've known him since '99.
We been knowing each other. It helps to the working relationship
when you are familiar with the person.
Do you write for other artists?
Rocko-I do but I can't
disclose who at this present time.
Do you do production work or do you primarily work with
other producers?
Rocko-I produce myself
and work with other producers.
What can you tell me about your upcoming album?
Rocko-The title is "Self
Made." It's scheduled for a mid-March release. Shooting
for March 11th. Give or take a week or two.
Right now you are in the middle of promo work?
Rocko-Yeah, ground work,
and leg work, dot all the I's.
Have you shot your music video yet?
Rocko-Yeah, we shot
the video 2 days ago.
What was it like shooting your first music video?
Rocko-Cool. It was
an experience I'll always remember. I shot videos before
but just with me as the artist, this was the first one.
It's an incredible feeling. I worked with Jesse Turrerro.
A lot of people came out and supported the video.
Were you ever in a group or were you always a solo artist?
Rocko-I just recently
became a artist. I'm the CEO of my company Rock N Roll.
What made you decide to be an artist?
Rocko-At first it
was more cash motivated, but then once I got into it and
started writing I fell in love with the art and making
things rhyme and putting them in song and the finished
product. I fell in love with that part of it.
You are engaged to R&B singer Monica. What is it like
being part of a celebrity couple?
Rocko-I'd rather just
talk about my music. I mean I'll answer anything you want
as long as it's not too personal.
I read in Sister 2 Sister Magazine
that you are into real estate. Can you elaborate on your
business ventures?
Rocko-It's kinda down
now. I haven't been doing too much lately but I have a
few properties and everything.
What rap artists influenced you coming up?
Rocko-Younger it was
local rappers and as I got older I started listening to
West Coast gangsta music-N.W.A., Ice T, MC Eight, then
I started listening to up North rappers Jay-Z, Biggie,
Pac, Ghetto Boys, U.G.K., 8-Ball, MJG.
How would you describe your music?
Rocko-Swag music.
My music reflects without seeing me I pick that up. I
have swag. People see me and think "this guy has
swag." People peep the type of character I am just
by the way I enunciate my syllables.
What are your long term goals as an artist?
Rocko-As an artist
I plan on doing a few records. The main thing is I'm a
behind the scenes kinda fella. I want to develop my brand
Rock and Roll and get in and do my units and then develop
artists at the same time. I look at the way Master P and
the way Baby and Jay Z and their movements and follow
their blue print route. I try to take their approach.
Do you utilize Youtube and Myspace to promote your music?
Rocko-Yeah, that is
something I'm really just getting into. I'm a computer
literate guy, I just didn't understand the importance
of Youtube and Myspace. But as an artist, its reaching
out to the people. It's an industry standard right now.
I'm taking advantage of them by shooting 10 you tube videos
off my mix tape Swag Season that just came out Monday.
I got new Myspace promotions. I'm just taking advantage
of it.
How did you come up with your name Rocko?
Rocko-My name is Rock.
They been calling me Rock since I was a kid. A couple
of my homies would be like "Rock-O" and that
stuck with me. From there everyone on the street was calling
me Rock. I said with this rap I'm going to do something
different. Rock-O. That stuck with me. I like the way
it rings. It pops to me. Rocko. It rings.
Where did you grow up at Atlanta
Rocko-Southwest side
of Atlanta.
Growing up were you inspired by the Atlanta music scene
of the 90's with TLC and Outkast and everyone?
I would say it was the 90s. Yeah it was the 90s.
Rocko-I always loved
music. I always loved music, but saying I want to pursue
it and make money off it, I didn't decide that till like
2000.
Are you doing any touring now?
Rocko-I'm on the road
like crazy. I'm doing paid shows like crazy. I'm pretty
sure the label has a promo tour or something their setting
up. I don't know when it's gonna start.
What songs do you perform during your live show?
Rocko-I perform the
single and whatever I'm feeling at the time. I have a
song I perform called "This Morning." I perform
that song. I record during the week. My shows are usually
Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Monday through
Wednesday I'm in the studio recording daily. For "Self
Made," I'm gonna pick from 100 songs or so and choose
12 songs. It's gonna be a big thing.
Are you looking forward to the Christmas holiday?
Rocko-Of course. I'm
looking forward to that. It's all about the kids, my nieces,
my nephews, my kids.
Related Links-http://www.myspace.com/rockodadon
"Umma
Do Me" Stream
Rocko-interview
copyright Dorrie Williams-Wheeler, and Thabiz.com 2007
Visit Dorrie on the web at www.sparkledoll.com
or add her as a friend at MYSPACE.
Rocko-interview
may not be reprinted, copied or distribute without permission.
You may link to this interview.Interview copyright Dorrie
Williams-Wheeler, thabiz.com November 2007.
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