It takes a certain type of man to stand confidently alone and stand comfortably beside his peers. Ro Dolla is one of these rarities a charismatic individual and a perceptive team player. He’s very humble when asked about his affiliation with the members of his crew and some of Hip Hops best-known artists. Stating “If it wasn’t for some of my crew members guidance, who knows how far I would of come or if I would have ever chased my dream at all”.

Yet this rapper/producer also loves basking in the solo spotlight, as proven by his acclaimed breakout single You’ve Changed (from Baby Blue Soundcrew’s Private Party Collectors Edition Vol. 1). Now Ro’s positioned to let his voice be heard by the masses armed with his lyrics, music and a guiding quote by Sir Henry Royce: “Strive for perfection in everything you do. Take the best that exists and make it better”.

When it does not exist, design it. It was only a few years ago that Ro was taking (and making) complaints in the customer call center of the Ford Motor Company. I used to hear a whole bunch of complaints from people about their cars, he recalls. Then I used to call up my friends complaining that I had to get out of this and do music full time. Finally I decided to take the leap, to work hard and pursue my dream. Ro’s dream started early by listening to the sounds of Curtis Mayfield, Bob Marley, Rick James, The Jackson’s, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Al Green and Millie Jackson. His mothers gentle urging helped take his aspirations a step past wishful thinking.

Remembers Ro: My mom said: “Well, you’ve always been passionate about music, why don’t you learn an instrument?” “It wasn’t until I started practicing the piano that I became more in tuned with music. After that, I really didn’t want to leave it alone”. He studied classical piano for eight years at the New Conservatory of Music and picked up the guitar in high school. It was during these formative years that Ro also joined a budding creative alliance, known as The Circle. Uniting with Kardinal Offishall, Solitair, Saukrates, Choclair, Jully Black, Tara Chase, and others, he became a member of Canada’s most successful and renowned hip-hop collective.

“Up to this day, I still get an overwhelming response”, Ro admits. “It lets me know how much of a demand there is for my music and what I have to offer on a whole. Not only because of the songs success, but also because of how much influence it had on people’s lives. It really lets me know that there is a place for my music on this earth”.

Photo: Nathaniel Anderson
Makeup by: Xquizit Makeup
Graphic Design: Kurupt

Learn how to do well by doing good. -Educate, Empower, Unite.-MCMLXVIII