He still loves praise and worship. He has always loved and followed after the presence of God. His transition to Hip-Hop was really led by God's direction and call on his life to reach his generation through the sound of their culture.
C.A.I: How did EMI come to hear of his talent? Was it at that same Christmas event?
Mrs ROCC: EMI heard of him, because my husband was writing and submitting songs for other artists, and the President heard IroCc on a CD that had other music on it for other artists and liked what he heard. It was out of the blue. We never sought a deal for him; they called us. God told us early on to prepare ourselves for a QUICK WORK and that is what the past 7 years have been.
C.A.I: You had some of the industries finest working with you including TobyMac, GRITS, Todd Collins and Canton Jones. Many critics thought these influences were the basis of IroCc’s success and that there was not much substance to this new comer….The fact that IroCc has stood the test of time, even as an independent artist, what message do you think this sends your critics?
Mrs ROCC: Well the job of the label is to partner their artist with producers and writers that will compliment the style and feel of the artist. Canton Jones wasn’t the CANTON we know now. IroCc's record was his intro on a national platform. We have been friends with Canton for years and once a door opened for IroCc we wanted to be a blessing to people we knew that were up and coming. As for Toby, Grits etc; they were on the same label and/ or affiliated in some manner and the best available so why not get the best.
I don’t understand people wanting to criticize for doing what is standardly done in the music industry - collaboration with the best. IroCc's music even before he became a prolific writer has always been his story from his heart. The 1st album was more or less dictated to the writers from IroCc's heart, his experiences and his feelings. There was nothing concocted or contrived. It was a day in the life of IroCc as each project has been since then. How much more substance is required?
The Family That Works Together...
C.A.I: I hear what you are saying and IroCc's achievements to-date have spoken for itself......As a family that faces challenges like any other, how do you manage to keep close, and work so well together?
Mrs ROCC: It is now, because he is older, and very aware, and definite about his own vision and call. So he makes us work hard now!! He sees himself as a MULTIMEDIA artist (music, tv, film, radio). We understand that this isn’t about 1 person; we are all called to this. Yes IroCc is the one on stage but this ministry/ business is sustained by the family. IroCc isn’t our only kid, and none of the other ones let us forget it. We all participate, struggle, rejoice together . We the ROCCs -- WE ALL WE GOT!!! (family motto).
C.A.I: Would you say that now there are more clashes of ideas?
Mrs ROCC: Not clashes of ideas, because there is no confusion. Its just now his creative flow has awakened and he is walking in and carrying his mantle. So GOD is constantly unfolding his vision to him more and more. So its more about keeping up with all that GOD has placed on the inside of him.
The Industry
C.A.I: I think your family is truly an inspiration to many. Such a family team effort is not common in today’s society ...... A lot of people feel that there is a great deal of corruption in the gospel music industry. We have seen a lot of ministers in compromising situations lately. How do you keep on the right path and avoid making the wrong deals and associations?
Mrs ROCC: I think its more common than we are allowed to see. we are daily humbled by the platform that God has challenged us with. Man ought always pray! That’s what this takes; the minute you disconnect from communication with your source; you will be open for so much mess. God didn’t allow us to come forth in ministry until He knew that our focus was on HIM. If your vertical relationship isn’t in line; what you see and hear horizontally will throw you off. But if your focus is your walk and relationship with Christ; regardless of what you see; you still believe God.
We understand that we have to allow God to direct us, guide us and protect us and the only way that happens is by seeking Him in any and everything. Once you ask, you have to be willing to roll with the answer given. We have learned that ALL MONEY AINT GOOD MONEY.
C.A.I: What do you believe prayers have saved you from in the past?
Mrs ROCC: We had a deal once that seemed PERFECT and seemed like it would make sense and be good for IroCc. But then we heard God say; after we had moved forward and signed paperwork. God said to us; if you want this deal I will grace you through; but this is not my BEST for you. Well we walked away; people still think we are crazy. But we are sure of what we heard GOD SAY....Prayers have saved us from allowing what we see to dictate to us what we know is TRUE. When you are faced with certain FACTS - Pray and stand on the TRUTH. |
