Dolla may only be 21 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 …
Video Rating: 5 / 5
