ROOK

User Bio

ROOK, a St. Louis, MO native, began rapping at the age of twelve. Born Jerrell Thomas, Rook paves his way through the music industry through continuous growth and self-metamorphosis. Captivated by such wordsmiths as Eminem, Jay-Z, and Nas, he began to join in on neighborhood ciphers. Gaining the respect of his peers, his thirst for musical knowledge encouraged him to start writing his lyrics at the age of fourteen. I could rap but I felt writing the words down would help me be the best says the young lyricist. It was at this age that the young rapper would become an eye-opening figure in his University City residence.

Tha Bizness, the fourth solo mixtape from Rook, is a digital manifestation of the artist himself. The mixtape is a mixture of thought-provoking subject matter and precise story telling. He has a unique voice that stands out over the track, says DJ Beatz, one third of the hit-making Geffen Records producing team Da Beatstaz (Chain Hang Low, King Kong, Smile, Chingys 26s , etc.). Im a real lyrical artist. People knew I could rap but I had to prove that I could write great records. At this point, Ive shown thats not an issue, says Rook. Tha Bizness makes twelve mixtapes, solo and group combined, and is the prelude to an as of yet untitled first album which is being produced mainly by two-time St. Louis Producer of the Year, Laudie. The first single, Back For Da Tip, has received national airplay through various radio and online stations. Its music video features a cameo by Geffen Records recording artist Jibbs, who will also be featured on Rooks debut album. Other features include Major Moves Music Group artist V I.

Rook is the nephew of legendary historical figure Robert McFerrin Sr., the first African-American to sign a contract with the New York Metropolitan Opera, as well as the voice of Sidney Poitiers character Porgy in the 1959 film Porgy and Bess. This also makes him the younger cousin of Bobby McFerrin, the Grammy Award-winning singer-turned-conductor. It should come as no surprise that the introspective writer would strive to make his own lane.

TALENT Far exceeding the traditional expectations of an artist his age, Rook reads music, writes lyrics, and is able to arrange songs. The immeasurable talent has written for and produced fellow artists ranging from rap, r&b/soul, to pop. Following in the footsteps of such artists as Jay-Z and Lil Wayne, he no longer requires the aid of a pen to complete works of art, completing songs in one take. In my opinion, I feel he should do most if not all in freestyle. If I had a camera, Beasta Music A&R Ty said excitedly as he had DJ Beatz on speaker phone. With his father Richard Thomas, who grew up in the music industry, being the CEO of St. Louis based Major Moves Music Group, Rook makes his home as Vice President and artist of the independent label. The label plans to venture into film, clothing, television, and athletics among other areas.

While Rook is occupied in the office being Tha Bizness, he never loses sight of the music. My music if nothing else is driven by my emotions. Everybody where Im from has a dream to get and rap is my grind right now. People feel me because they know how much of me I put in my lyrics. I do this for more than myself, and real listeners understand. I want to affect and connect with as many people as I can. He will begin doing this in late 2008, joining the T.I. King of the South Tour. Branding myself is important. Major Moves is in talks with 16 time platinum award producer Eddie Galen. Eddie has shown interest in Rooks ability and would like to produce some of Rooks new material. Mr. Galen has worked with the likes of Miley Cyrus and many other award winning artists. People should see Rook and Major Moves and say, Ill stand by and vouch for this 100%. All indications show that he is on his way to being a future Hip Hop legend.