When R.O. moved to Charlotte, NC who would of thought he would be amongst the state’s most elite M.C.’s? But this realization did not happen overnight.

R.O. was raised in Poughkeepsie, NY; a small city upstate of have and have not’s. His parents often played Motown records; some of the same records his father would cover with his R&B group in his younger days. “I just remember those songs would pull me in emotionally. “ “Whatever I was feeling at the time I could listen to a song that represents that.”

R.O. discovered hip hop in the late 90’s listening to artists like 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G. He became infatuated with the culture and music leading to his first written rap. “Man I’d be lying if I said my first verse was dope at all,” he said laughing. “At that point I was still trying to figure out a lot about myself and life period.” “I think that an artists understanding of who they are is really influential in their music.”

By his late teens R.O. had close to 100 songs recorded, battled several peers in school and even formed a rap group P.S.T. Unfortunately in 2005 his close friend and frequent collaborator Anthony S.I. Reynolds passed away. “Me and S.I. had the same passion for making music.” “We would push each other in the studio; him passing inspired me to keep the dream alive.” R.O. continued making music. His song “Get It Rockin” earned him a spot on a show at Vassar College for the Hurricane Katrina fund raiser.

Despite the progress he was making R.O.’s personal life wasn’t going in the same direction. Within six months while working two jobs & attending college his house burned down along with several other unfortunate events. With the frustration of those setbacks and a lack of opportunity; R.O. was ready for change. He moved to Charlotte, NC in 2007; the same year he met his onetime manager Dreamz. Dreamz introduced R.O. to Shamus; a local rapper, producer and video director. Over the next few years R.O.’s artistry & skill flourished while doing several shows and mixtapes in Charlotte. “My growth as a man defiantly reflected in my lyrics and overall sound in my music.” “Being away from Poughkeepsie gave me a chance to see life from another view.”

R.O. shot his first official video for the song “Letting Go” in downtown Charlotte; currently at 2,000 views on youtube. The song details his life in Poughkeepsie as well his journey to Charlotte. “The response has been powerful for me.” “I’m grateful that people can relate and feel inspired from my music.” R.O. often refers to himself as Poughkeepsie and Charlotte’s best kept secret. But with the overwhelming response to his sincere and original music that won’t be the case for long.