FROM RAGS TO RICHES 16-01-2014 by Sergey Lukashov How an artist which started from the bottom, is nearly reaching

his one millionth album sale as Lil Rockie ships a million copies, RIAA certifies as platinum. Charismatic, musically gifted, and wildly ambitious, Lil Rockie has all the trappings of a crossover star. We explore the past life of Lil Rockie, how an artist starting from the gutter ended up becoming one of raps house hold names. Lil Rockie Dominic Wilson was born in 1988 in Compton, Detroit a low income crime ridden city in L.A, in a primarily a gang neighbourhood. His mother was from Barbados. Growing up without a father was a challenge as he instantly became the man of the house. In 2004, at the age of seventeen, Lil Rockie released his first full-length project, a mix tape titled Compton World. This was his stepping stone to the success which was to come his way. Lil Rockies mix tape reached the hands of Michael Smith, founder of Hip Records, who originally was on the verge of signing him to his label. With this built hype from his mix tape, he managed to get attention from major labels such as Jam Records and Bad Boy Sounds. In early 2005 he signed to Bad Boy Sounds Inc. With an $8 million deal, since then he has recorded, produced and put out 5 solo studio albums. Still only 26 years old, Dominic Wilson is making life choices that promise to take him beyond the multiplatinum sales and the Grammys. The Compton native admits he stuck a CD into any outstretched hand he saw. Compton World is the first mix tape by the American rapper Lil Rockie. It was released by Rostrum Records on October 19th, 2004. Since its release, it has been viewed over 5,130,000 times, downloaded over 970,000 times, and streamed over 670,000 times from the official host of the mix tape. To support the mix tape, Dominic Wilson embarked on his first tour, the "Under the Influence Tour". Niccy sold out at every location on the tour. He has indicated that 2Pac; The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Nas and Eminem are his top five favourite rappers. Tupac Shakur, debatably his biggest influence, has influenced not only his music, but his day to day lifestyle as well. In terms of topic matter and

practical skill, Lil Rockie has often been compared to Tupac, Eminem, Nas, and Jay-Z. Niccy also gave Lil Wayne credit for influencing his style. He has said that he also grew up listening to Rakim, Dr. Dre and Tha Dogg Pound. He also mentions rapper DMX as an influence: "DMX really got me started on music," explained Dominic Wilson in an interview with Breakfast Club Radio Station. "That first album is classic, so he had an influence on me." On December 15th, Dominic Wilson announced Street Lottery would be released before the end of 2013 and that his second album, Mastermind, will be released in early 2014. Mastermind is set to feature guest appearances from Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Earl Sweatshirt, Tyler, the Creator, Action Bronson and Jay Electronica. When speaking of the album Lil Rockie said that it is "very introspective and very personal, throwing it all out there and seeing what happens. Lil Rockie is has not only been named as the Hip-Hops Next Big Thing, he has also won a number of Grammys over these past few years. With the anticipating release of his 6th studio album, Mastermind, set to be released early this year. Watch this space. END.