Presented by Fresh Picks
Rocky Banks at 512 Rooftop
Born in Columbus, Texas on February 19, 1994, Rakeem Ishmael Mahammad Williams, better known by his stage name Rocky Banks, is an alternative Hip-Hop music artist raised in Southwest Houston. Rocky's music career began early on in high school when he discovered his talent of poetry writing. In 2012, Banks began turning his poetry into music whilst collaborating with other promising local acts such as Dice Soho. During the first half of 2015 and shortly after deciding to withdraw from Prairie View A&M University, Banks released his first joint project with Houston artist Kwasei LaFlare titled Banko La'Flare EP. Banks began to gain recognition following the release of his first solo album, "In Other News I Don't Do Drugs Anymore," which first introduced the artist's personal hardships and his acceptance of drug addiction. Proceeding the release of this project, Banks received cosigns from The Fader, Hip-Hop DX, Los Angles Leakers, & Revolt TV. , Banks continues to spread positive messages to the youth and puts emphasis on the power of physical, mental and spiritual growth through intricate word plays, gravitating context and fiery production.The Combination of these cosigns and set of skills have landed him on the radar to becoming one of HIp Hop's newest rising stars
Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.