From soulful pop vibes through classic boom bap, old school dance and electro-funk, Puerto Rico-based rapper ROCKY lets story and sentiment pave the way, with sharp raps, heartfelt bars, and catchy hooks and grooves.
From the evocative depths of Love & Heartbreak we’re introduced to a timeless set up and a distinct, genuine dynamic. Then for tracks like Dancing Under The Rain, suddenly a retro floor-filler vibe brings out a whole new style and flow. ROCKY’s tempo accelerates, the lyrics gather momentum and passion, and the track again lets story and mood take precedence – a refreshingly unpredictable creative alternative to much of modern hip hop.
Having grown up in Jersey City, Juan Marcos Nieves – known to the scene as ROCKY – notes an eclectic background, immersed in music since just twelve years old. His passions for dancing and rapping alike led him towards an artistic identity that’s unquestionable, and as such, his original music reaches tens of thousands of listeners every month. Now a martial arts expert, fitness trainer, rapper, producer and songwriter, ROCKY’s repertoire speaks volumes on behalf of both his journey in life and his focus and evolution in music.
Elsewhere ROCKY has released a multitude of longer projects, not least of all 2025’s album Urban Vibe Echoes. As an introduction, the stunning track Intertwined Paths is beautifully captivating, emotionally loaded, and musically humble. A simple soundscape lets poignant and impassioned bars hold tightly to your attention, as ROCKY relays a story of deep personal value, in a way that feels authentic, faultlessly rhythmic, and thoughtful.
That same project also gifted us the mighty If You Talk About Me, ROCKY’s debut after working 25 years in an executive role. It’s an upbeat old-school rap anthem that’s nostalgic and uplifting from the outset, and the clarity and charm, the groove and the performance, the lyrical substance, the call-and-response, all makes for a timeless and catchy rap gem, with an incredible, unmistakable riff melody at the forefront.
Then in stark contrast, Rise of Technology presents a somewhat dramatized electro-boom-bap set-up, and a story that’s topically rooted, boldly relatable, clever, and unsettling – elevating the natural versatility of this album, and also further securing the diversity and limitless ability and reach of the ROCKY voice in both topic and tone.
Finally, colourful riffs and summertime vibes showcase the celebratory side of ROCKY the performance artist, as Thank God It’s Friday delivers a soulful RnB hook and a simple sense of energising gratitude for the freedom of the weekend. It’s a genre-fluid take on the Friday night party song format, loaded with smooth riffs as ever, and built around a personal but relatable story of constantly seeking to escape the daily grind.
Whatever the style or substance of the writing, ROCKY makes sure to relate to his audience with honesty and character. His flow is seamless, his hooks and production varied but always memorable, and his music is heartfelt when necessary, but also naturally fun and uplifting in between.
Find ROCKY on Soundcloud, YouTube, TikTok.
