“Just a young ni**a from Homewood who started thinkin’ forward” raps the young MC in his closing track “So Long”. The line summarizes a lot of things about Rockie. No more than two years ago he was an unknown artist from Chicago. Now he is at the forefront of a crop of new young artists emerging from the Chi and Driving 88 is a project that has the possibility to push his stock even higher. The first sound that reaches your eardrums is Doc Brown, saying “if my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 88 miles per hour, you’re gonna see some serious shit.” Well it seems that Rockie has hit his stride and finally hit that breaking point. While Driving 88 is without a doubt a statement of where Rockie is now, it is as much an examination of his past.

The track “Twenties” meshes future and past seamlessly. “When I was just a youngin’ I had dreams of riding twenties” he rhymes, following this statement by saying “out here tryna get it while we living in our twenties.” Dreams seem to have become reality for the young MC. And while Rockie fully acknowledges the extent of his success, he remains modest. This is what makes the album really special because it’s easy to lose yourself in the hype, instead Rockie comes across as grateful, a nod to fans and a great example of his humbleness.

With a Delorean on the cover and a title referencing Back To The Future, Rockie has set the stage for a cohesive project with a very specific theme. The theme of success and achievement are strung throughout and drawn together by his choice of production. The low-fi synth is employed heavily throughout, reenforcing the project’s themes. It sounds are a progression from The Otherside but without the dark edge. In the end Rockie has crafted a gem with Driving 88. He remains modest, not smug, even though he knows that he is the shit. He shuns conflict, rather thanking all of his haters and doubters for providing him with motivation. Rockie is moving swiftly towards the future and after a release like this one, be ready for him to shut shit down in 2012.

Grab Driving 88 here

Rockie Fresh: “Twenties” (Produced by The Gift)

Rockie Fresh: “Where I Wanna Be” Featuring Phil Ade (Produced by Blended Babies)

Rockie Fresh: “So Long” (Produced by Key Wane)