How did you get that name?
Was Hi-Tec for a minute, had to switch it up after being offered spot on Sound Bombin’ project, last minute, I was in transition to finding an alias from the sporty Hi-Tec image to some real life, fit the suit I was born in as a hustla, in my blood to make money and chase success, a figure that would display business even when I ain’t got the briefcase, an image that would make you wanna know more, and something that I do lyrically and performance wise, just that dude you wouldn’t forget but wanna get to know more of or be affiliated with – so Rocwell ‘da hustla’ was born and I leave da hustla shit out cause it ain’t nothing to brag about but just know that I gets it however I can gets it when it needs to get gotten.

What has been your biggest accomplishment?
Staying alive! My pops been in music all his life, I was born into it, and doing it, I’ve watch so many come and go. They unsure about what the fuck they should be doing in this music game. So I find ways to reinvent myself. I learn the game, the inside shit, the industry is my study tool, and independently, I find ways to creatively market my music and image. So running Renaissance Records, dropping 5 projects to date (Evolution, Orlando vs Tampa: the mixtape, Chop Shop, The Untouchables, and The Arrival) soon to drop Marvel Audio Wars, Army of 2, and Anger Management – I’m thankful for where I am today. Staying alive and still being able to mosh out into 2009.

What has been your most difficult challenge?
Consistency. Mah fuckas these days don’t know what loyalty is, what constant flowing is, what dedication to something is. That’s why you cannot make music for one particular crowd anymore. Even the fans are inconsistent. I’ve had millionaire business partners, the best rhymers in the streets on board, a banging street team, some of the hottest singers, song writers, managers, publishers, producers, dancers, money makers, people these days are so up and down its disappointing to even hear a mah fucka approach me on some business shit like, ‘yo let’s make some moves’. So I feel out everything and take my time and if it’s meant to be it’ll connect.

What makes you different?
Let me see, a dope emcee, from the south with an east coast flow, swag like mahfucka, talk about real shit in my music, real life, real experiences, can pick up the phone on some established contacts, can get lunch with about any business connect, promotions is through the roof, check online, google Rocwell, I write my own shit, organize my production credits, direct or co-direct my own videos, creative marketing is a beast, been on stage with everyone from Lil’ Wayne to Wyclef, Trina to J.T. Money,KRS1- can play my music on the east, west, north or south, take it internationally, find heads bobbin and when I step on the stage, all eyes on the 6’7′ emcee holding down Florida every where I go.

What projects are you working on?
Wrapping up my Anger Management : therapy through music – big shots to Ron Lawrence (Bad Boy), Monarch crew, Bubba Sparxxx, South Star, Haitian Fresh, Mystic, Soni, Bill Hamel, Caribbean, Biz, Blanco,and everyone who assisted with this project. Literally the dopest shit I ever created, trust me. In addition, you can find something that has never been done before when you check out Marvel Audio Wars, 16 emcee battle where Marvel comic characters meets hip hop. So fresh. And lastly, did a project with my man, Biz, and we laid some heavy, street shit for the ARMY OF 2 project we just laced. Apart from that writing my autobigraphy to drop next summer called ‘The Man In Me’, book of poetry called ‘Proof of Life’ and you’ll find some other things I cannot talk about until more time goes by. Check for me.

Where are you from originally?
Born in Sarasota, FL – don’t go there and think that shit is peachy cause of our popular beaches and coastals. The hood there, NEWTOWN, is the most dangerous shit and I’m blessed to have made it up outta there. Did some traveling growing up tryna find myself so got a taste of Cali, ATL,and now Orlando is my home where I lay.

How Long have you been making music?
Been making music since a child, been recording since 97′ (8 track cassettes) still in my closet and I encourage every artist or who’s thinking about being an artist to put in your work, stop thinking this shit happens over night. MTV and BET fucked up everything for the next generation of the emcee.

What artists inspire you?
Inspired by a few : Jay Z, Busta Rhymes, Em, Redman, Buju, Luda, Outkast, Maxwell, Wu, Slick Rick, Tribe, Das Efx, Common, KRS1 – anyone who has a story to tell that can be verified, on some business shit, really changing the game and consistent, I’ll fucks with.

How would you define your style of music?
My style is southern with an east coast influence. Southern cause of my origin, slang, ancient, mentality, way of life, thought and insight. East coast influenced due to me raising myself on east coast artists cause I liked the stories being told, the creativity, the value, the love and art, the appreciation so naturally you become what you eat and i’ve learned to put more into my music. Cats say, ‘you don’t sound like you from the south’ but then cats from up north say ‘you don’t sound like you from up top’. So I just do me.

What teams are you affiliated with?
Renaissance Records
Rapsoulution Online Magazine
Dream Vision Entertainment
and just about anyone who got shit together, I associate with and will continue to do business with.Big shouts to Pure Cash- we goes back!

Who are some artists that you have worked with? : Soni, Southstar, Haitian Fresh, Biz, Caribbean, Fidel Cash, Maddillz, Swamburger, Blanco, Hot Rod, just to name a few off top.

Who would you like to collab with?
Redman, Maxwell, Busta, Jay, Outkast, Em, Sade, Prince, Game, Buju, Bennie Man, Chris Brown, Wayne, Fantasia, Nelly, KRS1, Sizzla, T.I., Cam, Foxy, Common, whoever’s making good music I’ll jump on it with em.

Where do you see the future of music?
Music is coming around back to where it needs to be. Sad that we lost so much value and respect through these past few years. I mean Rap City, TRL, shit is shutting down, people have lost some appreciation for music so to see certain cats humble themselves, exec’s step up to the plate, monies being invested to secure things, lyrics actually being a factor and people paying attention to the songs, live performances have to actually be a show now, shit is coming around. I just hope it’s sooner than later for the hope of a benefiting future for more than less.

Where do you see yourself in 1 year?
If I do nothing more than release my solo project I’ll be satisfied with my accomplishments in the game. Can’t brag on cribs, might not top the charts but I’ve enjoyed successes on different levels and with this music. I want to explore other routes, been writing alot so books will be a new promotion for me, speaking to the youth will be a challenge for me, being more involved with the business sides of Rapsoulution and Renaissance Records will be a new focus, always gonna continue to be creative and gonna be more next year than I was this year, so look out.

Describe yourself in one word.
Rocwell – emcee, that nigga you wanna fuck with, business man, traveler, father, cool, serious, a good friend, a street wise – educated – driver and go getter, comedian if I knows you, cold if I don’t, song writer, co-producer, co-director, arranger, organizer, marketing beast, grinder who’ll you’ll find everywhere, and always putting something or someone together.

Where can we hear your stuff?
www.myspace.com/rocwell – the official Rocwell out there, FL native, east coast beast.

Any shout outs?
Everyone not listed above, I appreciate you. If I mentioned you I fucks with you and if I didn’t, I apologize. RR crew, Rapsoulution, look out, all my closest artists and associates, lets get, business contacts stop procrastinating, and personal support system and fam, I love ya.

Email: [email protected]

www.winmychevy.com

www.myspace.com/rocwell