Dolla may only be 20 but his age shouldn’t fool you. Unlike most MC’s these days, Dolla, born Roderick Anthony Burton II, began his musical journey in his early teens. Forming a group called Da Razkals Cru with friends Scrappy and Sas, a 12 year-old Dolla rapped in showcases around his Atlanta, Georgia hometown. Eventually, the group caught the attention of both Missy Elliott and P. Diddy however those two weren’t the only executives interested. By 2001, the threesome signed to Elektra Records where Dolla met then unknown singer, Akon, who was producing for the label.
"I’ve known Akon and his brother, Bu, since I was 12 and we’ve stayed cool," says Dolla.
Living back and forth between Los Angeles and Atlanta, the MC modeled for Diddy’s clothing line, Sean John, and his image garnered a towering billboard. Unfortunately, Elektra came to an end several years later and Da Razkals Cru was released from their contract in 2003. Dissolving the group and going their separate ways, Dolla returned to Atlanta and focused on a solo career.
"I was disappointed but all that made me do was work harder," says Dolla. "It was a stepping stone."
Continuing to pen lyrics, the teen shopped his ghostwriting skills to signed and unsigned artists alike. While making the rounds, Dolla ran into former Elektra acquaintance, Akon. The Senegalese singer was now a multi-platinum artist looking to expand his own Konvict Muzik roster. Meanwhile, Dolla linked with his current manager to form their own production company, The Gang Entertainment and before long signed a joint venture with Akon’s production company, Konvict Muzik. Soon after, once the joint venture was official, Dolla was finally signed as a Jive artist. After a year of working on the album, Akon was instrumental in pulling together Dolla’s newest hit, "Who The Heck Is That?" featuring chart champion, T-Pain and newcomer, Tay Dizm. Now as "Who The Heck Is That?" climbs the charts, Dolla can look back on his struggle with a bit of vindication.
Born in Chicago, Illinois as a twin, Dolla’s sibling died at birth. Still, as the only boy amongst two sisters, the light-eyed MC admits to being spoiled. "We’d clean the house every Sunday but my only job was to take out the trash," says Dolla.
In 1991, the Burton family moved to Los Angeles, California for greener pastures. Instead, they suffered mounting struggles. As a five year-old Dolla sat on his parent’s bed with his elder sister, Divinity, their father took his own life.
Moving the family to Atlanta, GA his mother tried her best to regroup. But again, financial burdens began to take a toll on the family and Dolla found himself at ten years of age trying to help support his family, even if it meant breaking the law.
"It was a part of me growing up in a single parent home and supporting my momma," says Dolla. "She told me I was the man of the house but it’s not something that I glorify."
Still, Dolla’s dream wasn’t deferred. The pre-teen began writing raps during his elementary school classes to break the monotony. Drawing on his mother’s love of classic soul singers like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, Dolla followed his heart and chased a career in music.
As he matured, life delivered yet another hardship. His sister was sentenced to several years in prison for an altercation with the police in 2006. Drawing on his strong sense of family, Dolla along with his mother, took over the responsibilities of caring for his niece and nephew.
With all of these hardships under his belt, Dolla is wrapping up his debut solo album Dolla & A Dream via The Gang/Konvict Muzik/Jive Records. The LP is a collection of both jubilant and heart-wrenching music. "Who The Heck Is That?" the lead single is a DJ Montay production that comically details Southern nightlife. On "Loudmouth," Dolla chastises cowards for gossiping over a sinister organ that’s reminiscent of a ride through the trap. "I’m Fucked Up" shows Dolla’s sensual drunken side while the beat’s horns bop and the MC whispers his lyrics. Another song, "Be Alright," chronicles a young girl growing up in the ghetto and dating older men to her detriment. "Ghetto Prayer" describes the young MC’s difficult struggle through life over pianos and a strong wailing chorus. With both sobering messages and light-hearted lyrics in his pocket, Dolla is ready to spark a little change.
"My music is universal," says the 20 year-old. "I can do street music or pop music. But whatever I do, I attempt to make meaningful songs with substance.”
November 25, 1987 a young prince was born. Happy Birthday young Dolla, you have touched me in such an immense way. I pray so much for your soul and spirit and that wherever you are the ancestors are watching over you. May you be blessed, I will never forget you and your beautiful essence. As typical as it may sound, you truly do have a special place in my heart - a place you will never leave for the rest of my days. All of my love to you~~~~
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! SO SAD YOU COULDNT BE HERE TO CELEBRATE WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS, BUT WHEREVER YOU ARE, YOUR FANS WILL NEVER FORGET TO "MAKE A TOAST" FOR YOU ON YOUR SPECIAL DAY.
SHOWIN LOVE TO MY BOI BDAY I KNOW ITS 2 DAYS LATE BUT I KNOW YOU ARE SMILIN DOWN AND THE BLESSED YEARS YOU WERE HERE WERE GOLDEN FOR YOU AND YOUR FANS AND FAMILY R.I.P. CUZ I KNOW ITS LOVELY UP THERE WHERE YOU AT SEE YOU WHEN I GET THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
R.I.P Love; & Happy Birthdayy; Do Iht Biqq Uhp There; Weather Your Down Here Or Not; Your' Alway'sz Shininq. :( We All Love & Miss You; Fukk His Hater'sz.
HEYYY BUCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCKY BUCCC ! WASS UPP BRO ? HOPE U HAD A HAPPY THANKS GIVING ! AND I KNOW U HAD A GREAT BIRTHDAY UP THERE POPING BOTTLES AND STUFF ; =* I KNOW YUH DOING GREAT RODDY ; AND I KNOW U LOOKING DOWN ON ME ;AND IM GLAD ; III MISSS YOUUUU RODDY ; AND I KNOW THE WORLD DOES TOO LMAO ; WELLL RODDY IM ACTUALLY N THE PROCESS OF PERMIN MY HAIR LMAOO ; SOO I GUESS IMMMA LET U GET BACK TO RESTING ; AND TALK TOU LATA ;=) L0OVEEEE U RODDDY ; TTYL............MWWWAHHHSSSS
It's been awhile hav'nt 4got about u just been crammed w/ other yet u were NEVER off my mine...letting u know ur still in my heart..cont. 2 r.i.p. roddy
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