Ricardo Thomas, also known as Rick Rock, is an American record producer originally from

Montgomery, Alabama Montgomery is the capital city of the U.S. state of Alabama and the county seat of Montgomery County, Alabama, Montgomery County. Named for the Irish soldier Richard Montgomery, it stands beside the Alabama River, on the Gulf Coastal Plain, coas ...

and based in Fairfield, California.Rick Rock at Discogs
/ref> He is a founding member of the former rap group Cosmic Slop Shop and the Federation with fellow rapper Doonie Baby, and is regarded as a pioneer of the hip-hop subgenre

Hyphy The term hyphy ( ) is Oakland slang meaning "hyperactive". More specifically, it is an adjective describing the hip hop music and the culture associated with the area. The term was first coined by Oakland rapper Keak da Sneak. History The hy ...

Late 1990s

Rick Rock began to make a name for himself in 1996 when well known Vallejo Producer Mike Mosley invited him to come to the studio to meet E-40. E-40 had originally planned on using a beat produced by Mike Mosley, however due to Mosley's tardiness, Rick Rock used that time as an opportunity to showcase his talents. He went on to produce two tracks featured on E-40's ''

Tha Hall of Game ''Tha Hall of Game'' is the third studio album by American rapper E-40, released October 27, 1996, on Jive and Sick Wid It Records. The album features production by Ant Banks, Mike Mosley, Rick Rock, Studio Ton and Tone Capone. It peaked at num ...

'' including the song "Record Haters" a diss track directed to NYC rapper AZ and basketball player Rasheed Wallace. E-40 then introduced Rick Rock to 2pac where he and Mike Mosley co-produced two additional tracks "Tradin War Stories" and "Ain't Hard to Find" from the album ''

All Eyez on Me ''All Eyez on Me'' is the fourth studio album by American rapper 2Pac and the last to be released during his lifetime. Released on February 13, 1996, by Death Row and Interscope Records, the album features guest appearances from Dr. Dre, Snoop ...

''. Around that time Rick Rock also contributed heavily to fellow bay area artist Spice 1's '' Immortalized'' album.

Early 2000s

Rick Rock's popularity grew in the early 2000s after Jay-Z released the hit single "

Change the Game "Change the Game" is the second single from rapper Jay-Z from his 2000 album '' The Dynasty: Roc La Familia''. It features guest raps by Memphis Bleek and Beanie Sigel, production from Rick Rock and backing vocals by Static Major. Upon release ...

". From there, Rick Rock went on to produce "

Can't Deny It "Can't Deny It" is the debut single by American rapper Fabolous from his debut studio album ''Ghetto Fabolous''. It features Nate Dogg and uncredited backing vocals by Lil' Mo. The song was produced by Rick Rock. Its chorus contains similar lyrics ...

" for Fabolous, and "I Don't Do Much" by

Beanie Sigel Dwight Equan Grant (born March 6, 1974), better known by his stage name Beanie Sigel, is an American rapper from South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He first became known for his association with Jay-Z and Roc-A-Fella Records, releasing his debut ...

. In 2002 Rick Rock reunited with Vallejo producer Mike Mosely and produced the songs "Godzilla" featuring E-40 and Pizzo and "The Sickness" by Federation. Both songs were featured on Mike Mosely's compilation album ''Major Work The Soundtrack''. In Spring of 2002, Rick Rock produced "Automatic" featuring Fabolous, which became the lead single for E-40's album '' Grit & Grind''. In 2003 Rick Rock gained more commercial success working with New York-based artists, producing hits "

Make It Clap "Make It Clap" is the first single released from Busta Rhymes's sixth studio album, '' It Ain't Safe No More...'', released on the following month, which is November 26, 2002. The remix version was released on January 13, 2003 as the official si ...

" for Busta Rhymes "

If I Could Go "If I Could Go!" is the first single released from American rapper Angie Martinez's second studio album, ''Animal House'' (2002). The track features rapper Sacario and singer Lil Mo and was produced by Rick Rock; Sacario co-wrote the song. It ...

" for Angie Martinez and "

Breathe, Stretch, Shake "Breathe, Stretch, Shake" is the second single released from Mase's third album, '' Welcome Back''. It was released on September 14, 2004, produced by Rick Rock and featured P. Diddy on the chorus. "Breathe, Stretch, Shake" was slightly more succes ...

" for Mase. Following his commercial success, Rick Rock became a sought after producer on the West Coast producing underground tracks like

Keak Da Sneak Charles Kente Williams (né Bowens; born October 21, 1977), better known by his stage name Keak da Sneak, is an American rapper from Oakland, California, known for his scratchy, gruff voice and for coining the term '' hyphy'' in 1994. Early li ...

's "T-Shirt, Blue Jeans, & Nike's", "Back it Up" by Ras Kass, "Whip Appeal" by Bambino Brown and producing over half of the songs featured on B-Legit's fourth album ''

Hard 2 B-Legit ''Hard 2 B-Legit'' is the fourth album by B-Legit. It was released on September 24, 2002 by Koch Records and was produced by B-Legit, E-A-Ski, Rick Rock and Studio Ton. The album peaked at #111 on the ''Billboard'' 200, #17 on the Top R&B/Hip-Ho ...

''. In 2003 Rick Rock founded his own label Southwest Federation and signed the Federation featuring fellow Cosmic Slop Shop alumn, Doonie Baby and additional rappers San Diego Native Battle Locco and Harlem native El Dorado Red. El Dorado Red is the only rapper other than the Federation to release an album on Rick Rock's label with the release of ''East Side Rydah Vol. 1''.

Discography

Studio albums

Albums with Rick Rock production

*1996: ''

'' by

Tupac Shakur Tupac Amaru Shakur ( ; born Lesane Parish Crooks, June 16, 1971 – September 13, 1996), also known as 2Pac and Makaveli, was an American rapper. He is widely considered one of the most influential rappers of all time. Shakur is among the b ...

*1996: ''

'' by E-40 *1996: '' Seasoned Veteran'' by Richie Rich *1997: '' Unpredictable'' by Mystikal *1998: ''

The Element of Surprise ''The Element of Surprise'' is the fourth studio album by American rapper E-40, released August 11, 1998, on Jive and Sick Wid It Records. The album features production by Ant Banks, Bosko, Mike Mosley, Rick Rock, Sam Bostic, Studio Ton & Tone C ...

'' by E-40 *1998: ''

Fearless Fearless or The Fearless may refer to: Psychology * Lack of fear * Courage or bravery Film, television and audio Film * ''Fearless'' (1978 film), an Italian film directed by Stelvio Massi * ''Fearless'' (1993 film), an American drama directed ...

'' by

Marvaless Marva Jean Cooks II (born August 28, 1975), better known by her stage name Marvaless, is an American rapper from Sacramento, California. Career In 1992, a year after finishing high school, Cooks got together with C-Bo to record her debut albu ...

*1999: '' Immortalized'' by Spice 1 *2000: '' The Dynasty: Roc La Familia'' by Jay-Z *2000: '' Loyalty and Betrayal'' by E-40 *2000: ''

Restless Restless may refer to: *Psychomotor agitation, restlessness experienced as a result of certain medications or conditions Music * Restless Records Albums * ''Restless'' (Sara Evans album) and its title track, 2003 * ''Restless'' (Murray He ...

'' by Xzibit *2001: '' The Reason'' by

*2001: ''

Supernova A supernova is a powerful and luminous explosion of a star. It has the plural form supernovae or supernovas, and is abbreviated SN or SNe. This transient astronomical event occurs during the last evolutionary stages of a massive star or whe ...

'' by Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes *2001: ''

Ghetto Fabolous ''Ghetto Fabolous'' is the debut studio album by American rapper Fabolous. The album was released on September 11, 2001 through Desert Storm Records and Elektra Records. The production on the album was handled by DJ Clue, The Neptunes, Rockwilde ...

'' by Fabolous *2001: '' Thug Lord: The New Testament'' by Yukmouth *2002: '' Blood Brothers'' by Kastro & E.D.I. of Outlawz *2002: '' Ghetto Heisman'' by WC *2002: '' If I Could Go!'' by Angie Martinez feat Sacario & Lil Mo *2002: '' Grit & Grind'' by E-40 *2002: ''

Animal House ''National Lampoon's Animal House'' is a 1978 American comedy film directed by John Landis and written by Harold Ramis, Douglas Kenney and Chris Miller. It stars John Belushi, Peter Riegert, Tim Matheson, John Vernon, Verna Bloom, Thomas Hulc ...

'' by Angie Martinez *2002: ''

'' by B-Legit *2002: '' West Coast Mafia'' by C-Bo *2002: ''

It Ain't Safe No More ''It Ain't Safe No More...'' is the sixth studio album by American rapper Busta Rhymes. The album was released on November 26, 2002, by Flipmode Records and J Records. The album went Gold on January 6, 2003 – and has sold 605,000 copies as of De ...

'' by Busta Rhymes *2002: ''

React REACT or React may refer to: Science and technology * REACT (telescope), a telescope at Fenton Hill Observatory, New Mexico, US Computing * React (JavaScript library) , a JavaScript library for building user interfaces, from Facebook ** React Nat ...

'' by Erick Sermon *2002: ''

Born to Reign ''Born to Reign'' is the third studio album released by American actor and rapper Will Smith. The album was released on Columbia Records in the United States on June 25, 2002 and was considered a drop from his previous level of success, having on ...

'' by

Will Smith Willard Carroll Smith II (born September 25, 1968), also known by his stage name The Fresh Prince, is an American actor and rapper. He began his acting career starring as a fictionalized version of himself on the NBC sitcom '' The Fresh ...

*2002: '' Man vs. Machine'' by Xzibit *2003: '' Street Dreams'' by Fabolous *2004: '' Tical 0: The Prequel'' by

Method Man Clifford Smith, Jr. (born March 2, 1971), better known by his stage name Method Man, is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer, and actor. He is known as a member of the East Coast hip hop collective Wu-Tang Clan. He is also half o ...

*2004: '' Welcome Back'' by Mase *2005: '' Block Movement'' by B-Legit *2005: '' Cash on Delivery'' by Ray Cash *2005: '' Institutionalized'' by Ras Kass *2006: ''

Everready (The Religion) ''Everready (The Religion)'' is the fifth studio album by rapper Tech N9ne. The album was released in 2006 as a "Collector's Edition" CD that contains a second CD featuring 14 songs from Tech N9ne as well as other Strange Music artists. "Jellysic ...

'' by Tech N9ne *2006: ''

Tha Blue Carpet Treatment ''Tha Blue Carpet Treatment'' is the eighth studio album by West Coast hip hop recording artist Snoop Dogg. It was released on November 21, 2006, by Doggystyle Records and Geffen Records. It is also the final album to have Nate Dogg featured on i ...

'' by

Snoop Dogg Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. (born October 20, 1971), known professionally as Snoop Dogg (previously Snoop Doggy Dogg and briefly Snoop Lion), is an American rapper. His fame dates back to 1992 when he featured on Dr. Dre's debut solo single, " ...

*2006: ''

My Ghetto Report Card ''My Ghetto Report Card'' is the ninth studio album by American rapper E-40. It was released on March 14, 2006, by BME Recordings, Sick Wid It Records and Warner Bros. Records. ''My Ghetto Report Card'' was supported by two singles: "Tell Me Wh ...

'' by E-40 *2007: '' Ultimate Victory'' by

Chamillionaire Hakeem Temidayo Seriki (born November 28, 1979), better known by his stage name Chamillionaire (), is an American rapper. He was the founder and an original member of The Color Changin' Click from 2001 until the group split in 2005. He began his ...

*2007: '' T.H.U.G.S.'' by Bone Thugs-n-Harmony *2008: ''

Ego Trippin' ''Ego Trippin' '' is the ninth studio album by American rapper Snoop Dogg. It was released on March 11, 2008 by Doggystyle Records, Interscope Records and Geffen Records.

'' by

*2008: '' T.O.S: Terminate on Sight by G-Unit *2009: '' Custom Cars & Cycles'' by Triple C's *2009: ''

Before I Self Destruct ''Before I Self Destruct'' is the fourth studio album by American rapper 50 Cent, released November 9, 2009 on Shady Records, Aftermath Entertainment, G-Unit Records, Interscope Records and Universal Music Group. The album is his final solo re ...

'' by

50 Cent Curtis James Jackson III (born July 6, 1975), known professionally as 50 Cent, is an American rapper, actor, and businessman. Born in the South Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, Jackson began pursuing a musical career in 2000, when he produced ...

*2010: '' Revenue Retrievin': Night Shift'' by E-40 *2011: ''

Doggumentary ''Doggumentary'' is the eleventh studio album by American West Coast hip hop recording artist Snoop Dogg. It was released on March 29, 2011 on the Priority Records record label. The album was produced by Battlecat, The Cataracs, Gorillaz, David ...

'' by

*2012: '' The Block Brochure: Welcome to the Soil 1'' by E-40 *2012: '' The Block Brochure: Welcome to the Soil 2'' by E-40 *2012: '' The Block Brochure: Welcome to the Soil 3'' by E-40 *2012: ''

Napalm Napalm is an incendiary mixture of a gelling agent and a volatile petrochemical (usually gasoline (petrol) or diesel fuel). The name is a portmanteau of two of the constituents of the original thickening and gelling agents: coprecipitated alu ...

'' by Xzibit *2012: '' History: Function Music by E-40 &

Too $hort Todd Anthony Shaw (born April 28, 1966), better known by the stage name Too Short (stylized as Too $hort), is an American rapper and record producer. He became famous in the West Coast hip hop scene in the late 1980s, with lyrics often based on ...

*2012: '' History: Mob Music by E-40 &

*2013: '' Demonstration'' by Tinie Tempah *2014: '' Sharp On All 4 Corners: Corner 1'' by E-40 *2014: '' Sharp On All 4 Corners: Corner 2'' by E-40 *2015: '' Mudface'' by Redman *2016: '' The D-Boy Diary: Book 1'' by E-40 *2016: '' The D-Boy Diary: Book 2'' by E-40 *2017: ''

Neva Left ''Neva Left'' is the fifteenth studio album by American rapper Snoop Dogg. It was released on May 19, 2017, for digital download and July 7, 2017, for purchase on CD, by Doggystyle Records and Empire Distribution. Snoop Dogg also enlisted a va ...

'' by

*2017: ''Trillionaire Thoughts'' by Droop-E *2019: ''Rick Rock Beats'' by Rick Rock *2019: '' Madden 20'' by

*2019: '' I Wanna Thank Me'' by

*2019: ''Black Man In America'' by Redman *2020: ''Summer of Sam'' by Serial Killers *2020: '' Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God'' by Busta Rhymes *2021: ''Blue Castle'' by Battle Locco

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rock, Rick Living people Record producers from California Year of birth missing (living people) Musicians from Alabama Place of birth missing (living people) People from Fairfield, California Musicians from the San Francisco Bay Area