In 1983 the first rap release on Def Jam Records was T La Rocks' classic "its yours". The infectious beat was produced by a then unknown Rick Rubin. The very stripped down music free production style set the stage for subsequent records like LL Cool J "I Need A Beat" and MC Shans' "Marly Scratch". "It's Yours" also featured the turntable wizardry of a young Jazzy Jay.
T La Rock has always been known for his lyrical prowess. He is the brother of Special K of the legendary Treacherous 3 and grew up in a home where education was valued. He always relied on his extended vocabulary when writing rhymes, which set him apart from the endless list of artists that were putting out records in the 80's. Ultra Magnetic MCs, the artist formally known as The Fresh Prince, Steady B and even Rakim were all influenced by T La Rocks style.
T La Rock followed "It's Yours" with his first release on Sleeping Bag/ Fresh Records, "Breakdown". In the same vane as "It's Yours", "Breakdown" was a bare beat with some hand claps and some scratching from Dj Louie Lou. It appeared on the same piece of vinyl as "He's Incredible", which is the song the label expected to be the hit.
T La Rock went on to release his first full-length album, "Lyrical King" on Sleeping Bag/ Fresh Records, which featurted a young Greg nice on the beat boxing duties. This of course, was years before Nice And Smooth joined the fray of acts on Sleeping Bag Records.
T La Rock has put out a long list of records since, not the least of which are "Scratch Monopoly", "You Got The Time", "Back To Burn", "Bass Machine" and "Nitro". "Nitro", which only appeared on a Sleeping Bag compilation, influenced a young LL Cool J to do a song of the same title.
T La Rock has had a lengthy career and has worked with some of the best producers in the history of recorded rap, among them are Kurtis Mantronik, Todd Terry and Rick Rubin.
In 1994 he suffered a traumatic brain injury while breaking up an altercation. After an extended stay in professional care, T La Rock is at the height of his form.
OTC wishes T La Rock, The Lyrical King a happy bornday! Salute!