Rocko (rapper)

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 ,and Dem Franchize Boyz.[1] He released several mixtapes before being signed by L.A. Reid to 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.[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 vocal contributions from guest artists Lloyd, Dre, Kevin Cossom as well as Monica. The album spawned 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.[4]

His second studio album One of One was originally meant to be released on Def Jam Recordings, however, he ultimately parted ways with the label in search for a better situation. He subsequently rebranded his own label to be known as A1 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] 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" with his A1 artist Future.[12][13]

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.[14][15]

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.[16] Despite Rocko remaining independent, Future would continue to release his projects with Epic and remain A1's only noteworthy signee.[17]

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.[18][19][20] 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 inked in a distribution deal with E1 Music for his label A1, and that his 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.[21] Rocko would then release the mixtape Wordplay 2 the same year.[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, he released his mixtape Real Spill. Future would part ways with Rocko's A1 Recordings label in 2017.[36][37][38]

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]

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.

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

• Rocko

Former artist

• Future

Releases

• 2015: The Spot (as Lehgo)

• 2009: Monica: Still Standing (guest stars as himself)
• 2013: Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta season 2 (stars as himself)[43]
• 2013: T.I. and Tiny: The Family Hustle (guest stars as himself)