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{{short description|American hip hop duo}}
{{redirect|R. City|the shopping mall|R City Mall}}
{{for|the shopping mall|R City Mall}}
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians -->
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Rock City
| name = Rock City
| image =
| image =
| caption =
| caption =
| alias = {{flatlist|
| alias = {{flatlist|
* 2Ekwip
* R. City
* R. City
* Planet VI
* Planet VI
}}
}}
| background = group_or_band
| origin = [[Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands]]
| origin = [[Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands]]
| genre = {{flatlist|
| genre = {{flatlist|
Line 17: Line 18:
* [[reggae fusion]]
* [[reggae fusion]]
}}
}}
⚫
| years_active = 2000&ndash;present
| occupation = {{flatlist|
| occupation = {{flatlist|
* Record producers
* Record producers
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* songwriters
* songwriters
}}
}}
⚫
| years_active = 2003–present
| label = {{flatlist|
| label = {{flatlist|
* Rebelution
* Rebelution
* [[Kemosabe Records|Kemosabe]]
* [[Kemosabe Records|Kemosabe]]
* [[RCA Records|RCA]] {{small|(current)}}
* [[RCA Records|RCA]]
* [[Konvict Muzik|Konvict]]
* [[Kon Live Distribution|Kon Live]]
* [[KonLive Distribution|KonLive]]
* [[Geffen Records|Geffen]] {{small|(former)}}
* [[Geffen Records|Geffen]]
* [[Interscope Records|Interscope]]
}}
}}
⚫
| website =
| associated_acts = {{flatlist|
⚫
| current_members = * Theron "Uptown AP" Thomas
* [[Adam Levine]]
⚫
* Timothy "A.I." Thomas
* [[Akon]]
* [[B.o.B]]
* [[Kardinal Offishall]]
* [[Verse Simmonds]]
* [[Usher (entertainer)|Usher]]
}}
}}
⚫
| website =
| current_members = {{flatlist|
⚫
* Theron "Uptown AP" Thomas
⚫
* Timothy "A.I." Thomas
}}}}


'''Rock City''', is an American musical duo formed in 2003, from [[Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands|Saint Thomas]], [[U.S. Virgin Islands]]. The duo, composed of brothers '''Theron''' and '''Timothy Thomas''', who use the [[stage name]]s, '''A.I.''' and '''Uptown AP''' respectively, and they also are a [[songwriting]] and [[Record producer|record production]] team. The duo have also released music under the namesakes '''R. City''' and '''Planet VI'''. Their debut album, ''[[What Dreams Are Made Of]]'', was released in 2015. They are known for their smash worldwide hit "Locked Away" featuring Adam Levine.
'''Rock City''' (also known as '''R. City'''; and formerly '''Planet VI''') is an American [[Hip hop music|hip hop]] duo formed by two brothers '''Theron "Uptown AP" Thomas''' and '''Timothy "A.I." Thomas''' in 2003. Primarily known as a [[songwriting]] and [[record production]] team, the duo amassed numerous credits for prominent music industry acts prior to signing with [[Kemosabe Records]], an imprint of [[RCA Records]] in 2014 as recording artists. The following year, their single "[[Locked Away]]" (featuring [[Adam Levine]]), peaked at number six on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] and preceded the release of their debut studio album, ''[[What Dreams Are Made Of]]'' (2015).


In 2007, the duo signed with [[Geffen Records]] and American singer [[Akon]]'s [[KonLive Distribution]]. During their time there they released a series of [[mixtape]]s with the primary title, ''PTFAO'' (''Put the F*ckin' Album Out'')—a reference to the fact that their then-debut album ''Wake the Neighbors'', had not been given a release date. In 2011, the duo were released from their contract with KonLive and subsequently founded Rebelution Records. In 2014, they signed a record deal with [[RCA Records]] and [[Dr. Luke]]'s [[Kemosabe Records]].
Prior, the duo signed with [[Akon]]'s [[KonLive Distribution]], an imprint of [[Geffen Records]] in 2007, having received their first commercial songwriting credit for the singer. Due to the long-term delay of their scheduled debut album for the label, ''Wake the Neighbors'', they released the mixtape series ''PTFAO'' (''Put the F*ckin' Album Out''). Their 2008 debut single, "[[Losin' It (Rock City song)|Losin' It]]" failed to chart. The duo parted ways with KonLive in 2011 and continued their songwriting work. Since signing to Kemosabe, they often collaborate with label boss [[Dr. Luke]] to jointly co-write songs of which he produced.


The Thomas brothers have written and produced for several prominent artists, including Jamaican singer [[Sean Kingston]] ("[[Take You There (Sean Kingston song)|Take You There]]"), American singer [[Miley Cyrus]] ("[[We Can't Stop]]"), Trinidadian rapper [[Nicki Minaj]] ("[[Only (Nicki Minaj song)|Only]]") and Barbadian popstar [[Rihanna]] ("[[Pour It Up]]"). The duo has also contributed to numerous [[Grammy]]-nominated albums including Rihanna's ''[[Unapologetic]]'' (which won [[Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporary Album|Best Urban Contemporary Album]]), Jennifer Hudson's [[Jennifer Hudson (album)|self-titled album]] (which won [[Grammy Award for Best R&B Album|Best R&B Album]]), and [[Ariana Grande]]'s [[My Everything (Ariana Grande album)|''My Everything'']] (which was nominated for [[Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album|Best Pop Vocal Album]]).
While releasing solo material, R. City wrote and produced for various artists including [[Sean Kingston]] ("[[Take You There (Sean Kingston song)|Take You There]]"), [[Miley Cyrus]] ("[[We Can't Stop]]"), [[Nicki Minaj]] ("[[Only (Nicki Minaj song)|Only]]") and [[Rihanna]] ("[[Pour It Up]]"). The duo has also contributed to several [[Grammy Award]]-nominated albums, including Rihanna's ''[[Unapologetic]]'' (which won [[Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporary Album|Best Urban Contemporary Album]]), Jennifer Hudson's [[Jennifer Hudson (album)|self-titled album]] (which won [[Grammy Award for Best R&B Album|Best R&B Album]]), and [[Ariana Grande]]'s ''[[My Everything (Ariana Grande album)|My Everything]]'' (which was nominated for [[Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album|Best Pop Vocal Album]]). Theron won the [[Grammy Award for Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical|Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical]] at the [[66th Annual Grammy Awards]] for his credits throughout 2023.


==History==
==History==

===Early life and education===
===Early life and education===
⚫
Theron and Timothy Thomas are natives of Saint Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands. They grew up in the Oswald Harris Court Projects<ref name="Vibe02">{{cite magazine | last=Checkoway| first=Laura| title =On Resorts and Islands with R. City| magazine = [[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]| date =October 2008 | url =https://books.google.com/books?id=9CYEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22rock+city%22+%22Oswald+Harris+Court+Projects%22&pg=PA76| access-date =28 June 2015}}</ref> and graduated from [[Charlotte Amalie High School]].<ref name="ASCAP">{{cite news | title =Twitter Q&A with Planet VI (aka Rock City)| publisher = [[American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers]]| date =8 May 2013 | url =http://www.ascap.com/playback/2013/05/features/twitter-q-and-a-with-planet-vi-aka-rock-city.aspx| access-date =28 June 2015}}</ref>{{failed verification|reason=ref does not mention school|date=July 2023}} As children, the brothers were backup dancers for a local all-girl rap group. They frequently practiced various genres of music and received support from their parents.<ref name="Source">{{cite news | last=Smith| first=Dustin| title =R. City Returning Home for Reichhold Performance | publisher = St. Thomas Source| date =4 February 2009 | url =http://stthomassource.com/content/news/local-news/2009/02/04/r-city-returning-home-reichhold-performance| access-date =28 June 2015}}</ref> In 2000, the two left the Virgin Islands to pursue their music career in [[Miami]].<ref name="HP"/> They initially performed under the name 2Ekwip.<ref name="Source2">{{cite news | title =Register to Vote Yet? Deadline is Sunday | publisher = St. Thomas Source| date =30 September 2004 | url =http://stthomassource.com/content/news/local-news/2004/09/30/register-vote-yet-deadline-sunday| access-date =29 June 2015}}</ref> They had limited success on the Miami nightlife scene. During this time, Theron worked for [[Kroger]] and Timothy for [[Party City]] while in [[Atlanta, Georgia|Atlanta]].<ref name="HP"/><ref name="VIDN">{{cite news| last =McCarthy| first =John| title =V.I. rap duo inspires St. Croix young men| newspaper =Virgin Island Daily News| date =12 February 2015| url =http://virginislandsdailynews.com/news/v-i-rap-duo-inspires-st-croix-young-men-1.1831803| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20151014202826/http://virginislandsdailynews.com/news/v-i-rap-duo-inspires-st-croix-young-men-1.1831803| url-status =dead| archive-date =14 October 2015| access-date =29 June 2015}}</ref> They moved back to St. Thomas in 2005.

⚫
Theron and Timothy Thomas are natives of Saint Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands. They grew up in the Oswald Harris Court Projects<ref name="Vibe02">{{cite news | last=Checkoway| first=Laura| title =On Resorts and Islands with R. City| newspaper =| location = | pages = | language = | publisher = ''[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]''| date =October 2008 | url =https://books.google.com/books?id=9CYEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA76&lpg=PA76&dq=%22rock+city%22+%22Oswald+Harris+Court+Projects%22&source=bl&ots=D5MCBcaze3&sig=Mzq9pFIdsq9vhUwKvfC5Hrcmscs&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Zt2RVbi4HMfRtQWuiLWYCA&ved=0CCwQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=%22rock%20city%22%20%22Oswald%20Harris%20Court%20Projects%22&f=false| accessdate =28 June 2015}}</ref> and graduated from [[Charlotte Amalie High School]].<ref name="ASCAP">{{cite news | last=| first=| title =Twitter Q&A with Planet VI (aka Rock City)| newspaper =| location = | pages = | language = | publisher = [[American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers]]| date =8 May 2013 | url =http://www.ascap.com/playback/2013/05/features/twitter-q-and-a-with-planet-vi-aka-rock-city.aspx| accessdate =28 June 2015}}</ref> As children, the brothers were backup dancers for a local all-girl rap group. They frequently practiced various genres of music and received support from their parents.<ref name="Source">{{cite news | last=Smith| first=Dustin| title =R. City Returning Home for Reichhold Performance | newspaper =| location = | pages = | language = | publisher = St. Thomas Source| date =4 February 2009 | url =http://stthomassource.com/content/news/local-news/2009/02/04/r-city-returning-home-reichhold-performance| accessdate =28 June 2015}}</ref> In 2000, the two left the Virgin Islands to pursue their music career in [[Miami]].<ref name="HP"/> They initially performed under the name 2Ekwip.<ref name="Source2">{{cite news | last=| first=| title =Register to Vote Yet? Deadline is Sunday | newspaper =| location = | pages = | language = | publisher = St. Thomas Source| date =30 September 2004 | url =http://stthomassource.com/content/news/local-news/2004/09/30/register-vote-yet-deadline-sunday| accessdate =29 June 2015}}</ref> They had limited success on the Miami nightlife scene. During this time, Theron worked for [[Kroger]] and Timothy for [[Party City]].<ref name="HP"/><ref name="VIDN">{{cite news | last=McCarthy| first=John| title =V.I. rap duo inspires St. Croix young men | newspaper =Virgin Island Daily News| location = | pages = | language = | publisher =| date =12 February 2015| url =http://virginislandsdailynews.com/news/v-i-rap-duo-inspires-st-croix-young-men-1.1831803| accessdate =29 June 2015}}</ref> They moved back to St. Thomas in 2005.


===Career beginnings and record deal (2006&ndash;09)===
===Career beginnings and record deal (2006&ndash;09)===
In 2006, the duo sold their first song, "The Rain," which appeared on American singer-songwriter [[Akon]]'s triple platinum-selling album ''[[Konvicted]]''.<ref name="HP">{{cite news | last=Tukes| first=Timothy| title =Exclusive Interview: Rock City on the 57th #GRAMMYs, Growing Up Poor and #WhatDreamsAreMadeOf| newspaper =| location = | pages = | language = | publisher = ''[[The Huffington Post]]''| date =10 February 2015 | url =http://www.huffingtonpost.com/timothy-tukes/exclusive-interview-rock-city-on-the-57th-grammys_b_6649806.html| accessdate =28 June 2015}}</ref> By October 2007, Rock City had written songs for acts like [[Usher (singer)|Usher]], [[Sean Kingston]], [[Ashlee Simpson]], [[Nicole Scherzinger]], and [[Mary J. Blige]].<ref name="Bill01">{{cite news | last=Mitchell| first=Gail| title =The Akon Empire| newspaper =| location = | pages = | language = | publisher = ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''| date =6 October 2007 | url =https://books.google.com/books?id=lQ4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA23&lpg=PA23&dq=%22rock+city%22+%22benny+d%22&source=bl&ots=hUVlj_h9qI&sig=jWEezeu2-y05bRvbBaJEH-WJQ4w&hl=en&sa=X&ei=-CKSVeO6FdPcoATN3IaYDA&ved=0CEsQ6AEwCDgK#v=onepage&q=%22rock%20city%22%20%22benny%20d%22&f=false| accessdate =28 June 2015}}</ref> Early songs that saw chart success included [[Take You There (Sean Kingston song)|"Take You There"]] by Sean Kingston (number 7 on the [[Billboard Hot 100]]), [[When I Grow Up (The Pussycat Dolls song)|"When I Grow Up"]] by [[The Pussycat Dolls]] (number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100), and [[Replay (Iyaz song)|"Replay"]] by [[Iyaz]] (number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100).<ref name="Complex">{{cite news | last=Cantor| first=Paul| title =10 Industry Songwriters You Should Know| newspaper =| location = | pages = | language = | publisher = ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]''| date =11 July 2014 | url =http://www.complex.com/music/2014/07/10-industry-songwriters-you-should-know/planet-vi| accessdate =27 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="TYT">{{cite web |url=http://acharts.us/song/29208 |title=Sean Kingston - Take You There|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=www.acharts.us|publisher=ACharts|accessdate=27 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="Grow">{{cite news|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1044966/katy-perry-scores-1000th-no-1-hit-of-rock-era|title=Katy Perry Scores 1,000th No. 1 Hit Of Rock Era|last=Cohen|first=Jonathan|date=26 June 2008|work=Billboard|accessdate=27 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="Replay">{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/303959/Iyaz/chart?f=379|title=Iyaz - Chart History|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=www.billboard.com|publisher=[[Billboard (magazine)|''Billboard'']]|accessdate=27 June 2015}}</ref> Rock City signed a [[recording contract]] with [[Geffen Records]] and Akon's [[KonLive Distribution]], in 2007. During this time, Theron was known by the stage name "Da Spokesman" and Timothy was known as "Don't Talk Much." They were set to release their debut album, ''Wake the Neighbors'', some time in 2008,<ref name="Vibe01">{{cite news | last=Platon| first=Adelle| title =Miley Cyrus Asked For A ‘Black’ Sound For Single, Says Songwriters Rock City | newspaper =| location = | pages = | language = | publisher = ''[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]''| date =12 June 2013 | url =http://www.vibe.com/2013/06/miley-cyrus-asked-black-sound-single-says-songwriters-rock-city/| accessdate =29 June 2015}}</ref>
In 2006, the duo sold their first song, "The Rain," which appeared on American singer-songwriter [[Akon]]'s triple platinum-selling album ''[[Konvicted]]''.<ref name="HP">{{cite news | last=Tukes| first=Timothy| title =Exclusive Interview: Rock City on the 57th #GRAMMYs, Growing Up Poor and #WhatDreamsAreMadeOf| work = [[The Huffington Post]]| date =10 February 2015 | url =http://www.huffingtonpost.com/timothy-tukes/exclusive-interview-rock-city-on-the-57th-grammys_b_6649806.html| access-date =28 June 2015}}</ref> By October 2007, R. City had written songs for performers including [[Usher (singer)|Usher]], [[Sean Kingston]], [[Ashlee Simpson]], [[Nicole Scherzinger]], and [[Mary J. Blige]].<ref name="Bill01">{{cite magazine | last=Mitchell| first=Gail| title =The Akon Empire| magazine = [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]| date =6 October 2007 | url =https://books.google.com/books?id=lQ4EAAAAMBAJ&q=%22rock+city%22+%22benny+d%22&pg=PA23| access-date =28 June 2015}}</ref> Early songs that saw chart success included [[Take You There (Sean Kingston song)|"Take You There"]] by Sean Kingston (number seven on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]), [[When I Grow Up (The Pussycat Dolls song)|"When I Grow Up"]] by [[The Pussycat Dolls]] (number nine on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100), and [[Replay (Iyaz song)|"Replay"]] by [[Iyaz]] (number two on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100).<ref name="Complex">{{cite magazine | last=Cantor| first=Paul| title =10 Industry Songwriters You Should Know| magazine = [[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]| date =11 July 2014 | url =http://www.complex.com/music/2014/07/10-industry-songwriters-you-should-know/planet-vi| access-date =27 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="TYT">{{cite web |url=http://acharts.us/song/29208 |title=Sean Kingston - Take You There|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=www.acharts.us|publisher=ACharts|access-date=27 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="Grow">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1044966/katy-perry-scores-1000th-no-1-hit-of-rock-era|title=Katy Perry Scores 1,000th No. 1 Hit Of Rock Era|last=Cohen|first=Jonathan|date=26 June 2008|magazine=Billboard|access-date=27 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="Replay">{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/303959/Iyaz/chart?f=379|title=Iyaz - Chart History|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=www.billboard.com|publisher=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=27 June 2015}}</ref> R. City signed a [[recording contract]] with [[Geffen Records]] and Akon's [[KonLive Distribution]] in 2007. During this time, Theron was known by the stage name "Da Spokesman" and Timothy was known as "Don't Talk Much." They were set to release their debut album, ''Wake the Neighbors'', some time in 2008.<ref name="Vibe01">{{cite magazine | last=Platon| first=Adelle| title =Miley Cyrus Asked For A 'Black' Sound For Single, Says Songwriters Rock City | magazine = [[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]| date =12 June 2013 | url =http://www.vibe.com/2013/06/miley-cyrus-asked-black-sound-single-says-songwriters-rock-city/| access-date =29 June 2015}}</ref>


=== Label issues and Planet VI era (2008&ndash;13)===
=== Label issues, Wake the Neighbors and Planet VI era (2008&ndash;13)===
Rock City amassed 15 [[self-released]] mixtapes between 2008 and 2012, and many of them contained the acronym "''PTFAO''" (or ''Put the F*ckin' Album Out'') in reference to the fact that the label had not given them a release date for their album. In 2011, the duo parted ways with KonLive and founded their own label imprint called Rebelution Records. They intended to release their debut album, ''Free At Last'', on their own label.<ref name="Baller">{{cite news | last=Casteel| first=Jay| title =R. City Leaves Akon’s Konvict Muzik After Two Year ‘PTFAO’ Campaign | newspaper =| location = | pages = | language = | publisher = Baller Status| date =13 May 2011 | url =http://www.ballerstatus.com/2011/05/13/r-city-leaves-akons-konvict-muzik-after-two-year-ptfao-campaign/| accessdate =29 June 2015}}</ref> but the release date was later pushed back to 2009.<ref name="RO">{{cite news | last=Godfrey| first=Gavin Phillip| title =Rock City Talks Akon, Obama and Their Debut Album| newspaper =| location = | pages = | language = | publisher =Rolling Out| date =13 November 2008 | url =http://rollingout.com/music/rock-city-talks-akon-obama-and-their-debut-album/| accessdate =29 June 2015}}</ref> Despite the tumult with their record labels, Rock City continued writing songs for other artists during this period. They penned Rihanna's ''[[Man Down (song)|Man Down]]'' and [[Justin Bieber]]'s "Run Away Love."<ref name="HP2">{{cite news | last=Winn-Afeku| first=Bessie A.| title =Rock City: A Creative Movement and a Clarion Sound| newspaper =| location = | pages = | language = | publisher = ''[[The Huffington Post]]''| date =19 July 2011 | url =http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bessie-a-winnafeku/rock-city-a-creative-movm_b_903671.html| accessdate =29 June 2015}}</ref> In 2013, the duo wrote numerous Billboard Hot 100 songs, including Miley Cyrus' "[[We Can't Stop]]", Rihanna's "[[Pour It Up]]", and [[Ciara]]'s "[[I'm Out]]."<ref name="Vibe01"/><ref name="Vinny">{{cite news | last=Biggaveli| first=Vinny| title =Interview With Grammy Award Winning Rock City| newspaper =| location = | pages = | language = | publisher = Vinny Biggaveli| date =4 February 2015 | url =http://vinnybiggaveli.com/2015/02/04/interview-with-grammy-award-winning-rock-city/| accessdate =29 June 2015}}</ref> "Pour It Up" appeared on Rihanna's album, ''Unapologetic'', which won Best Urban Contemporary Album at the [[2014 Grammy Awards]].
R. City created 15 [[self-released]] mixtapes between 2008 and 2012, many of which contained the acronym "''PTFAO''" (or ''Put the F*ckin' Album Out'') in reference to the fact that the label had not given them a release date for their album. In 2011, the duo parted ways with KonLive and founded their own label imprint, Rebelution Records. They intended to release their debut album, ''Free At Last'', on their own label,<ref name="Baller">{{cite news | last=Casteel| first=Jay| title =R. City Leaves Akon's Konvict Muzik After Two Year 'PTFAO' Campaign | publisher = Baller Status| date =13 May 2011 | url =http://www.ballerstatus.com/2011/05/13/r-city-leaves-akons-konvict-muzik-after-two-year-ptfao-campaign/| access-date =29 June 2015}}</ref> but the release date was later pushed back to 2009.<ref name="RO">{{cite news | last=Godfrey| first=Gavin Phillip| title =Rock City Talks Akon, Obama and Their Debut Album| publisher =Rolling Out| date =13 November 2008 | url =http://rollingout.com/music/rock-city-talks-akon-obama-and-their-debut-album/| access-date =29 June 2015}}</ref> Despite the tumult with their record labels, Rock City continued writing songs for other artists during this period. They penned Rihanna's "[[Man Down (song)|Man Down]]" and [[Justin Bieber]]'s "Run Away Love."<ref name="HP2">{{cite news | last=Winn-Afeku| first=Bessie A.| title =Rock City: A Creative Movement and a Clarion Sound| work = [[The Huffington Post]]| date =19 July 2011 | url =http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bessie-a-winnafeku/rock-city-a-creative-movm_b_903671.html| access-date =29 June 2015}}</ref> In 2013, the duo wrote numerous ''Billboard'' Hot 100 songs, including Miley Cyrus' "[[We Can't Stop]]", Rihanna's "[[Pour It Up]]", and [[Ciara]]'s "[[I'm Out]]."<ref name="Vibe01"/><ref name="Vinny">{{cite news| last =Biggaveli| first =Vinny| title =Interview With Grammy Award Winning Rock City| publisher =Vinny Biggaveli| date =4 February 2015| url =http://vinnybiggaveli.com/2015/02/04/interview-with-grammy-award-winning-rock-city/| access-date =29 June 2015| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20150707025719/http://vinnybiggaveli.com/2015/02/04/interview-with-grammy-award-winning-rock-city/| archive-date =7 July 2015}}</ref> "Pour It Up" appeared on Rihanna's album ''Unapologetic'', which won Best Urban Contemporary Album at the [[2014 Grammy Awards]].
<ref name="Hamada">{{cite news | last=| first=| title =Rihanna teams up with Rock City, Mike WiLL Made It on new single ‘Pour it Up’| newspaper =| location = | pages = | language = | publisher = Hamada Mania| date =29 November 2012 | url =http://hamadamania.com/2012/11/29/rihanna-teams-up-with-rock-city-mike-will-made-it-on-new-single-pour-it-up/| accessdate =29 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="RWin">{{cite news | last=| first=| title =Grammy Awards 2014: List of winners in full | newspaper =[[The Independent]]| location = | pages = | language = | publisher =| date =27 January 2014| url =http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/grammy-awards-2014-list-of-winners-in-full-9086683.html| accessdate =29 June 2015}}</ref> The following year, Rock City contributed to three separate albums that received Grammy nominations—Miley Cyrus' ''[[Bangerz]]'', Ariana Grande's ''My Everything'' (both of which were nominated in the Best Pop Vocal Album category) and [[Iggy Azalea]]'s ''[[The New Classic]]'' (which was nominated for [[Grammy Award for Best Rap Album|Best Rap Album]]).<ref name="HP"/><ref name="Bill02">{{cite news | last=Lynch| first=Joe| title =Grammys 2015: And the Nominees Are…| newspaper =| location = | pages = | language = | publisher = ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''| date =5 December 2014 | url =http://www.billboard.com/articles/6363565/grammys-2015-nominations-57th-annual| accessdate =29 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="Bill03">{{cite news | last=Donahue| first=Ann| title =Jennifer Hudson: The Triple Threat| newspaper =| location = | pages = | language = | publisher = ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''| date =24 September 2008 | url =http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043990/jennifer-hudson-the-triple-threat| accessdate =29 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="JWin">{{cite news|title=Jennifer Hudson wins at marathon Grammys show|author=DeRogatis, Jim|work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|url=http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/1420258,grammys-jennifer-hudson-winners-020809.article|date=8 February 2009|accessdate=29 June 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="Hamada">{{cite news | title =Rihanna teams up with Rock City, Mike WiLL Made It on new single 'Pour it Up'| publisher = Hamada Mania| date =29 November 2012 | url =http://hamadamania.com/2012/11/29/rihanna-teams-up-with-rock-city-mike-will-made-it-on-new-single-pour-it-up/| access-date =29 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="RWin">{{cite news | title =Grammy Awards 2014: List of winners in full | newspaper =[[The Independent]]| date =27 January 2014| url =https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/grammy-awards-2014-list-of-winners-in-full-9086683.html| access-date =29 June 2015}}</ref> The following year, Rock City contributed to three separate albums that received Grammy nominations — Miley Cyrus' ''[[Bangerz]]'', Ariana Grande's ''My Everything'' (both were nominated in the Best Pop Vocal Album category) and [[Iggy Azalea]]'s ''[[The New Classic]]'' (nominated for [[Grammy Award for Best Rap Album|Best Rap Album]]).<ref name="HP"/><ref name="Bill02">{{cite magazine | last=Lynch| first=Joe| title =Grammys 2015: And the Nominees Are…| magazine = [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]| date =5 December 2014 | url =http://www.billboard.com/articles/6363565/grammys-2015-nominations-57th-annual| access-date =29 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="Bill03">{{cite magazine | last=Donahue| first=Ann| title =Jennifer Hudson: The Triple Threat| magazine = [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]| date =24 September 2008 | url =http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043990/jennifer-hudson-the-triple-threat| access-date =29 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="JWin">{{cite news|title=Jennifer Hudson wins at marathon Grammys show|author=DeRogatis, Jim|work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|url=http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/1420258,grammys-jennifer-hudson-winners-020809.article|date=8 February 2009|access-date=29 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101208091739/http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/1420258,grammys-jennifer-hudson-winners-020809.article|archive-date=2010-12-08|url-status=dead}}</ref>


=== ''What Dreams Are Made Of'' (2014&ndash;present)===
=== ''What Dreams Are Made Of'' (2014&ndash;present)===
In 2014, the duo signed with [[RCA Records]] and [[Dr. Luke]]'s [[Kemosabe Records]].<ref>http://urbannetworkdigital.com/rock-city-a-dollar-and-a-dream-fulfilled/</ref> Their debut studio album, ''[[What Dreams Are Made Of]]'', contains themes of struggle relating to the brothers' often difficult upbringing in Saint Thomas. In 2015, they released singles titled "I'm That..." featuring [[2 Chainz]]<ref name="HP"/> and "Locked Away" featuring [[Adam Levine]].<ref name="Locked">{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/locked-away-feat.-adam-levine/id1009559990|title=Locked Away (feat. Adam Levine) - Single|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=www.itunes.apple.com|publisher=[[iTunes]]|accessdate=30 June 2015}}</ref>
In 2014, the duo signed with [[RCA Records]] and [[Dr. Luke]]'s [[Kemosabe Records]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://urbannetworkdigital.com/rock-city-a-dollar-and-a-dream-fulfilled/|title=Rock City – A Dollar and a Dream Fulfilled - Urban Network Digital|access-date=2016-02-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926095058/http://urbannetworkdigital.com/rock-city-a-dollar-and-a-dream-fulfilled/|archive-date=2015-09-26|url-status=dead}}</ref> Their debut studio album, ''[[What Dreams Are Made Of]]'', contains themes of struggle relating to the brothers' often difficult upbringing in Saint Thomas. In 2015, they released singles titled "I'm That..." featuring [[2 Chainz]]<ref name="HP"/> and "Locked Away" featuring [[Adam Levine]].<ref name="Locked">{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/locked-away-feat.-adam-levine/id1009559990|title=Locked Away (feat. Adam Levine) - Single|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=www.itunes.apple.com|date=29 June 2015 |publisher=[[iTunes]]|access-date=30 June 2015}}</ref>

Theron Thomas won the [[Grammy Award for Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical]] at the [[66th Annual Grammy Awards]] for his work on songs by [[Lil Durk]], [[Tyla (South African singer)|Tyla]], [[Chloe Bailey]], [[Ciara]] and [[Chris Brown]], [[Cordae]], [[Big Boss Vette]], and [[Jungkook]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2024 GRAMMY Nominations: See The Full Nominees List {{!}} GRAMMY.com |url=https://www.grammy.com/news/2024-grammys-nominations-full-winners-nominees-list |access-date=2023-11-12 |website=www.grammy.com}}</ref>


==Discography==
==Discography==
{{main|Rock City discography}}
{{Main|R. City discography}}


The discography of Rock City contains numerous singles, mixtapes, and one album. The group has released one compilation album exclusively in Japan (''Songs That We Wrote'') and has also released numerous mixtapes and singles.
The discography of Rock City contains numerous singles, mixtapes, and one album. Rock City is primarily known for their songwriting and production having written or produced songs like "[[Pour It Up]]" by [[Rihanna]], "[[Mandown]]" by [[Rihanna]] [[Replay (Iyaz song)|"Replay"]] by [[Iyaz]], "[[Bow Down/I Been On]]" by [[Beyonce]], and "[[We Can't Stop]]" by [[Miley Cyrus]].<ref name="HP"/><ref name="Complex"/><ref name="Vibe01"/> Many albums that Rock City has contributed to have won or been nominated for [[Grammy Awards]]. For instance, the duo wrote [[If This Isn't Love (Jennifer Hudson song)|"If This Isn't Love"]] on [[Jennifer Hudson]]'s Grammy Award-winning [[Jennifer Hudson (album)|self-titled album]].<ref name="Bill03">{{cite news | last=Donahue| first=Ann| title =Jennifer Hudson: The Triple Threat| newspaper =| location = | pages = | language = | publisher = ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''| date =24 September 2008 | url =http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043990/jennifer-hudson-the-triple-threat| accessdate =29 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="JWin">{{cite news|title=Jennifer Hudson wins at marathon Grammys show|author=DeRogatis, Jim|work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|url=http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/1420258,grammys-jennifer-hudson-winners-020809.article|date=8 February 2009|accessdate=29 June 2015}}</ref> The group has released one album in Japan (''Songs That We Wrote'') and have also released numerous mixtapes and singles, including most recently, "I'm That..." (featuring [[2 Chainz]])<ref name="HP"/> and "[[Locked Away]]" (featuring [[Adam Levine]]).<ref name="Locked">{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/locked-away-feat.-adam-levine/id1009559990|title=Locked Away (feat. Adam Levine) - Single|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=www.itunes.apple.com|publisher=[[iTunes]]|accessdate=30 June 2015}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:United States Virgin Islands culture]]
[[Category:United States Virgin Islands culture]]
[[Category:American rhythm and blues musical groups]]
[[Category:American contemporary R&B musical groups]]
[[Category:Sibling musical duos]]
[[Category:Sibling musical duos]]
[[Category:Family musical groups]]
[[Category:Family musical groups]]
[[Category:American musical duos]]
[[Category:American musical duos]]
[[Category:Alternative hip hop groups]]
[[Category:Alternative hip-hop groups]]
[[Category:American hip hop groups]]
[[Category:American hip-hop groups]]
[[Category:Record production teams]]
[[Category:Record production duos]]
[[Category:Songwriting teams]]
[[Category:American songwriting teams]]
[[Category:Hip hop duos]]
[[Category:American hip-hop duos]]
[[Category:American pop music groups]]
[[Category:American pop music groups]]
[[Category:American hip hop singers]]
[[Category:American hip-hop singers]]
[[Category:Reggae fusion artists]]
[[Category:Reggae fusion groups]]
[[Category:21st-century American musicians]]
[[Category:21st-century American musicians]]
[[Category:People from Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands]]
[[Category:People from Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands]]
[[Category:United States Virgin Islands musicians]]
[[Category:United States Virgin Islands musicians]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 2003]]
[[Category:2003 establishments in the United States Virgin Islands]]

Latest revision as of 10:31, 13 December 2024

For the shopping mall, see R City Mall.
Rock City
Also known as
  • 2Ekwip
  • R. City
  • Planet VI
OriginSaint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Genres
Occupations
  • Record producers
  • rappers
  • singers
  • songwriters
Years active2003–present
Labels
Members
  • Theron "Uptown AP" Thomas
  • Timothy "A.I." Thomas

Rock City (also known as R. City; and formerly Planet VI) is an American hip hop duo formed by two brothers Theron "Uptown AP" Thomas and Timothy "A.I." Thomas in 2003. Primarily known as a songwriting and record production team, the duo amassed numerous credits for prominent music industry acts prior to signing with Kemosabe Records, an imprint of RCA Records in 2014 as recording artists. The following year, their single "Locked Away" (featuring Adam Levine), peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and preceded the release of their debut studio album, What Dreams Are Made Of (2015).

Prior, the duo signed with Akon's KonLive Distribution, an imprint of Geffen Records in 2007, having received their first commercial songwriting credit for the singer. Due to the long-term delay of their scheduled debut album for the label, Wake the Neighbors, they released the mixtape series PTFAO (Put the F*ckin' Album Out). Their 2008 debut single, "Losin' It" failed to chart. The duo parted ways with KonLive in 2011 and continued their songwriting work. Since signing to Kemosabe, they often collaborate with label boss Dr. Luke to jointly co-write songs of which he produced.

While releasing solo material, R. City wrote and produced for various artists including Sean Kingston ("Take You There"), Miley Cyrus ("We Can't Stop"), Nicki Minaj ("Only") and Rihanna ("Pour It Up"). The duo has also contributed to several Grammy Award-nominated albums, including Rihanna's Unapologetic (which won Best Urban Contemporary Album), Jennifer Hudson's self-titled album (which won Best R&B Album), and Ariana Grande's My Everything (which was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album). Theron won the Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for his credits throughout 2023.

History

[edit]

Early life and education

[edit]

Theron and Timothy Thomas are natives of Saint Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands. They grew up in the Oswald Harris Court Projects[1] and graduated from Charlotte Amalie High School.[2][failed verification] As children, the brothers were backup dancers for a local all-girl rap group. They frequently practiced various genres of music and received support from their parents.[3] In 2000, the two left the Virgin Islands to pursue their music career in Miami.[4] They initially performed under the name 2Ekwip.[5] They had limited success on the Miami nightlife scene. During this time, Theron worked for Kroger and Timothy for Party City while in Atlanta.[4][6] They moved back to St. Thomas in 2005.

Career beginnings and record deal (2006–09)

[edit]

In 2006, the duo sold their first song, "The Rain," which appeared on American singer-songwriter Akon's triple platinum-selling album Konvicted.[4] By October 2007, R. City had written songs for performers including Usher, Sean Kingston, Ashlee Simpson, Nicole Scherzinger, and Mary J. Blige.[7] Early songs that saw chart success included "Take You There" by Sean Kingston (number seven on the Billboard Hot 100), "When I Grow Up" by The Pussycat Dolls (number nine on the Billboard Hot 100), and "Replay" by Iyaz (number two on the Billboard Hot 100).[8][9][10][11] R. City signed a recording contract with Geffen Records and Akon's KonLive Distribution in 2007. During this time, Theron was known by the stage name "Da Spokesman" and Timothy was known as "Don't Talk Much." They were set to release their debut album, Wake the Neighbors, some time in 2008.[12]

Label issues, Wake the Neighbors and Planet VI era (2008–13)

[edit]

R. City created 15 self-released mixtapes between 2008 and 2012, many of which contained the acronym "PTFAO" (or Put the F*ckin' Album Out) in reference to the fact that the label had not given them a release date for their album. In 2011, the duo parted ways with KonLive and founded their own label imprint, Rebelution Records. They intended to release their debut album, Free At Last, on their own label,[13] but the release date was later pushed back to 2009.[14] Despite the tumult with their record labels, Rock City continued writing songs for other artists during this period. They penned Rihanna's "Man Down" and Justin Bieber's "Run Away Love."[15] In 2013, the duo wrote numerous Billboard Hot 100 songs, including Miley Cyrus' "We Can't Stop", Rihanna's "Pour It Up", and Ciara's "I'm Out."[12][16] "Pour It Up" appeared on Rihanna's album Unapologetic, which won Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 2014 Grammy Awards. [17][18] The following year, Rock City contributed to three separate albums that received Grammy nominations — Miley Cyrus' Bangerz, Ariana Grande's My Everything (both were nominated in the Best Pop Vocal Album category) and Iggy Azalea's The New Classic (nominated for Best Rap Album).[4][19][20][21]

What Dreams Are Made Of (2014–present)

[edit]

In 2014, the duo signed with RCA Records and Dr. Luke's Kemosabe Records.[22] Their debut studio album, What Dreams Are Made Of, contains themes of struggle relating to the brothers' often difficult upbringing in Saint Thomas. In 2015, they released singles titled "I'm That..." featuring 2 Chainz[4] and "Locked Away" featuring Adam Levine.[23]

Theron Thomas won the Grammy Award for Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for his work on songs by Lil Durk, Tyla, Chloe Bailey, Ciara and Chris Brown, Cordae, Big Boss Vette, and Jungkook.[24]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: R. City discography

The discography of Rock City contains numerous singles, mixtapes, and one album. The group has released one compilation album exclusively in Japan (Songs That We Wrote) and has also released numerous mixtapes and singles.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Checkoway, Laura (October 2008). "On Resorts and Islands with R. City". Vibe. Retrieved 28 June 2015.
  2. ^ "Twitter Q&A with Planet VI (aka Rock City)". American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. 8 May 2013. Retrieved 28 June 2015.
  3. ^ Smith, Dustin (4 February 2009). "R. City Returning Home for Reichhold Performance". St. Thomas Source. Retrieved 28 June 2015.
  4. ^ a b c d e Tukes, Timothy (10 February 2015). "Exclusive Interview: Rock City on the 57th #GRAMMYs, Growing Up Poor and #WhatDreamsAreMadeOf". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 28 June 2015.
  5. ^ "Register to Vote Yet? Deadline is Sunday". St. Thomas Source. 30 September 2004. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
  6. ^ McCarthy, John (12 February 2015). "V.I. rap duo inspires St. Croix young men". Virgin Island Daily News. Archived from the original on 14 October 2015. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
  7. ^ Mitchell, Gail (6 October 2007). "The Akon Empire". Billboard. Retrieved 28 June 2015.
  8. ^ Cantor, Paul (11 July 2014). "10 Industry Songwriters You Should Know". Complex. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  9. ^ "Sean Kingston - Take You There". www.acharts.us. ACharts. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  10. ^ Cohen, Jonathan (26 June 2008). "Katy Perry Scores 1,000th No. 1 Hit Of Rock Era". Billboard. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  11. ^ "Iyaz - Chart History". www.billboard.com. Billboard. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  12. ^ a b Platon, Adelle (12 June 2013). "Miley Cyrus Asked For A 'Black' Sound For Single, Says Songwriters Rock City". Vibe. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
  13. ^ Casteel, Jay (13 May 2011). "R. City Leaves Akon's Konvict Muzik After Two Year 'PTFAO' Campaign". Baller Status. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
  14. ^ Godfrey, Gavin Phillip (13 November 2008). "Rock City Talks Akon, Obama and Their Debut Album". Rolling Out. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
  15. ^ Winn-Afeku, Bessie A. (19 July 2011). "Rock City: A Creative Movement and a Clarion Sound". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
  16. ^ Biggaveli, Vinny (4 February 2015). "Interview With Grammy Award Winning Rock City". Vinny Biggaveli. Archived from the original on 7 July 2015. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
  17. ^ "Rihanna teams up with Rock City, Mike WiLL Made It on new single 'Pour it Up'". Hamada Mania. 29 November 2012. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
  18. ^ "Grammy Awards 2014: List of winners in full". The Independent. 27 January 2014. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
  19. ^ Lynch, Joe (5 December 2014). "Grammys 2015: And the Nominees Are…". Billboard. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
  20. ^ Donahue, Ann (24 September 2008). "Jennifer Hudson: The Triple Threat". Billboard. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
  21. ^ DeRogatis, Jim (8 February 2009). "Jennifer Hudson wins at marathon Grammys show". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on 2010-12-08. Retrieved 29 June 2015.
  22. ^ "Rock City – A Dollar and a Dream Fulfilled - Urban Network Digital". Archived from the original on 2015-09-26. Retrieved 2016-02-22.
  23. ^ "Locked Away (feat. Adam Levine) - Single". www.itunes.apple.com. iTunes. 29 June 2015. Retrieved 30 June 2015.
  24. ^ "2024 GRAMMY Nominations: See The Full Nominees List | GRAMMY.com". www.grammy.com. Retrieved 2023-11-12.
[edit]
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