In 2013, the new Maybach Music signee Rockie Fresh released three mixtapes: Electric Highway, The Birthday Tape, and Fresh Veggies alongside Casey Veggies. That same year, he also shined on four tracks on the Maybach Music Group compilation album.
Since then, we haven't seen nearly the same quantity of output out of the Rockie Fresh. In 2014 he he didn't make a peep. He had a very slow 2015 as well, until the very end when he announced The Night I Went To... and began releasing tracks at a pace we haven't seen in some time. Amongst the tracks was a Hit-Boy collaboration.
While we wait patiently for The Night I Went To..., we figured it's as good of a time as any to get you up to speed on the Chicago native.
"Into The Future"
Like a lot of young MCs, many of Rockie Fresh's most popular songs are ones with big features, or tracks he was featured on. "Into The Future," however, saw the MC taking full control of the track, which also acted as the opener for his 2012 project Driving 88.
"A.C. Green"
If you follow Fresh back to just over five years ago, you'll arrive at his mixtape Otherside. (Don't worry, we were hip to him back then too.) One of the standout cuts off that release was "A.C. Green," another big opening statement from a young, talented, and hungry MC.
"No Fear"
Another Driving 88 cut, "No Fear" employs a Civil Twilight hook and emotional vibe to get Fresh's point across. He references a number of old movies, creating a clever wordplay over a very serious sounding song.
"How We Do" featuring King Louie
Alongside another Chicago up-and-comer King Louie, Rockie Fresh rocks a spacey beat for Driving 88. His verses on tracks like "How We Do" were a big part of the reason Rick Ross took notice to the rising star. An early verse from King L is cool to hear too.
"Life Long" featuring Rick Ross & Nipsey Hussle
A Boi-1da beat and a Rick Ross feature will land you your most-played video on YouTube. At 2 million+ views, Rockie Fresh has entered the ears of a moderately-sized city's worth of people with "Life Long."
"Panera Bread" featuring Rick Ross & Lunice
Atop a beastly beat created by Lunice, Rick Ross and our subject Rockie Fresh released an absolute rap banger. Fresh does his thing to impress you with his verse too, which shouts out Chicago greats like Kanye and MJ while keeping it real on the topic of comin' up.
"You A Lie" featuring Rick Ross
Once again with the Boss...
"You A Lie" uses 2 Chainz' ad-libs for familiarity, but the real x-factor is the beat. It could turn up the whackest of Monday nights with just a little volume.
Wale - "Black Grammys" featuring Meek Mill, Rockie Fresh & J. Cole
This track showcased Rockie Fresh amongst a group of more-established, young rappers. He keeps up though, proving that he's every bit as intelligent as Cole, emotional as Wale, and hard as Meek Mill.
"God Is Great"
Linking up once again with Boi-1da, Rockie Fresh put out a great song in "God Is Great." With a chillin' beat and a fire verse, the track was strong enough to close out the Self Made Vol. 3 compilation from the Maybac Music camp.
"I be that young nigga from Chicago
'Bout to heat the city up and make it feel like Cabo, yeah
Watch these niggas try and take my shine
I told these foolies, hard work and it'll come in time
For now just watch me tell my vision on your television
On MTV and 106 in some of the freshest fits
But I ain't focused on these clothes, I got some goals to hit
Finished the album then I'm working on a movie script
Kenny I got you, and these niggas say they knots is thick
My Goyard got one card that'll take your bitch
No stacks is needed, undefeated we ain't losing shit
Bitch, I got options so I'm copping if I choosing it"
"Duckin N Dodgin" w/ Casey Veggies
We're going to close this out with a throwback. Alongside Casey Veggies, Rockie Fresh delivers a 90s-revival sound with "Duckin N Dodgin." The duo have released no shortage of fire tracks together, and this one still comes correct even years after its debut.