PATIENTLY WA ITING
Rocko
Atlanta, GA
R
odney “Rocko Da Don” Hill is probably a new face to many but he’s been invol ved in the music business for years. learning the inner workings of recor After ding from his cousin’s studio, the Atlan ta native started his own label, Rock Records. “Initially when I started the y Road comp any, my goal was to sell 50,000 records,” says Rocko. “50,000 pendently at $10 a wop, that’s a lot records indeof money. We went in with the intentions of trying to do that and it took off from there.” Within the first year of Rocky Road Reco rds, Rocko landed a deal with Universal to Young Dro. But when things with falte release ATL rappers Hitman Sammy Sam red between Rocko and his artists, he and found himself with no artists and no deal. After struggling to find new artist major label s to rebuild his label, Rocko decided his best option was to do it himself. “I was like, none of these guys’ swag is stronger than mine,” Rocko boasts. “Then on top of that, I can write bette guys. So I woke up one morning and r than these gave myself a deal. I went in, started working with this person and that perso I am. The hottest thing in Atlanta on n and here the streets right now.” Since stepping from behind the scenes to behind the mic, Rocko has a right to be confident. His new single “Umma Do Me,” produced by Drumma Boy (Plies’ “Shawty” and USDA’s “White Girl”), is heating up the streets, clubs and radio stations throughout the A-Town. “It’s really a swag song,” Rocko elaborates. “My thing is, whatever you do, do it times ten. Be the best at it. But that’s you. Me, umma do me. Umma have the flyest whip. Umma have the freshest clothes. That may be stuff that you’re not into. I’m not dissin’ you because you’re not into that stuff. Umma do me, you do you.” In doing him, Rocko has his single added to radio rotation, increased his shows and started to receive phone calls from numerous major labels interested in signing the Southwest Atlanta resident. “I leaked the song on a Saturday and by that Wednesday the song was on the radio. Within a week’s time I went from being in the studio to the next week getting calls from every label in the industry.” As Rocko entertains offers from several labels he’s continuing his independent grind. His A Swag Season mixtape featuring Yo Gotti, Jazze Pha and Monica is on the way and he continues to develop artists under Rocky Road Records. And on the mic, Rocko is certain he has next. “I can sit here and confidently looking you in the face and tell you I got next,” Rocko says. “I’m the next out of the city.” But whether his time is now or if he continues to patiently wait, he’s going to do him. // myspace.com/rockodadon Words by Randy Roper Photo by Eric Johnson
OZONE MAG // 75