By Roc$tedy lists artists like Eminem, Jay-Z, Bob Marley, Sublime and Paramore as influences. But in reality, it was his upbringing that has most influenced his music.
Kyle Crockett, aka Roc$tedy, grew up in Long Beach, which is partially known for its different cultural communities. This diversity is what Roc$tedy credits as the biggest musical influence.
“My music is based off versatility and [being] open-minded,” the 22-year old said. “I do hip-hop, electro, dubstep and pop. It just describes a lot of me and who I am.”
“Beach City,” the debut single off of his free-download album, “District 562,” is Roc$tedy’s tribute to Long Beach. Throughout the track, Crockett recounts memories of growing up in the city, along with his dreams of playing basketball while at Wilson Classical High School.
Crockett goes into a serious topic with his song, “O.D.” In the song, he goes onto tell about his previous struggles with drugs over an electric-sounding beat.
Despite only having been recording music professionally for two-and-a-half years, Crockett’s performance list is an extensive one. The venues he has performed at includes local spots such as DiPiazza’s, the Shore Ultra Lounge and the Rhythm Lounge, but he is not just limited to Long Beach. Roc$tedy has performed at venues in Hollywood such as the Key Club – as an opening act for rapper DJ Quik – Plush Lounge, Kress, Element, Premier and Vanguard.
Later this summer, Roc$tedy also plans to drop another free download album under the name of “Ad Astra,” which is a Latin phrase meaning “to the stars.” This release will be the sequel to “District 562” and the second installment of what Roc$tedy says will be a trilogy. The names of all three albums will have something to do with outer space and the universe.
And the Long Beach native’s grind and hustle doesn’t stop there. After catching wind of one of his songs, ESPN contacted Roc$tedy about airing his song “Play in L.A.” as a theme for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Along with his deal with ESPN, Roc$tedy will perform at the SXSW music festival held in Austin, Texas from today to March 18. But before he goes out to Austin, the 22 year-old will also perform at the Plush Lounge in Hollywood on March 14.
For more information about Roc$tedy and to download “District 562,” visit rocstedy.com.
