released November 27, 2012

This is basically my debut album. It's the most ambitious and important project I've ever worked on. 20 great songs. 20 great artists. This kind of unity is unparalleled. Thus, "From: Da Hood To: Da Streets" is history for what it represents. I'm grateful for all the big features who represented by lacing my songs with perfect, addictive verses. I couldn't have asked for better guest spots from some of the best artists Detroit has to offer.

From living legends like Big Herk and Miz Korona (who played Vanessa in the movie "8 Mile") to young stars on the rise like Payroll (of Doughboyz Cashout) and Lady Te (winner of 2011's Wild Out Wednesday national competition on BET's 106 & Park) to emerging artists with large followings like Stretch Money (an artist I looked to for inspiration as he, much like Big Herk and others, helped set the bar for making a classic debut) and Jon Dough (who has huge hits like "Loud Pack").

The other featured rappers and singers are all people from my city who work extremely hard. I didn't go grab 10 of my closest friends to rap or sing just anything. I wanted only the hardest-working people that I respect for their grind, passion, and lyrical abilities to join me on this journey From: Da Hood To: Da Streets. Together, we cover just about every subject there is to cover regarding going from nothing to something.

I didn't set out to have all these features. It just kind of happened. But, I did set out to showcase my talents alongside of some of the most talented artists around. So, I love it when a plan comes together because it's not easy to fit every featured artist into a situation (song, topic, etc.) where they feel comfortable enough to give their all (i.e. Miz Korona's verse on "It's So Cold" is the best verse I've ever heard her spit). I know how DJ Khaled must feel trying to piece together a big puzzle. In the end, I stayed true to myself and the other artists were able to do the same. And even though we may have just met in the past year, you wouldn't be able to tell when you listen to the chemistry and how we fed off each other’s energy.

This album could not have been made without my producers (Mag-nito Muzik a.k.a. Adwerdz, who provided production for 10 songs; Meech, 5; Sade Davis, 2; QuickTunes, 1; The Anarkist, 1; and I, D-ROCK, pulled double-duty on 1 song as well). Without these producers, I wouldn't have been able to tell the stories I've told on this album. Without them, my story doesn't exist, and neither does this album.

From: Da Hood To: Da Streets tells a story. I'm a perfectionist so I paid close attention to detail with this album and its sequence. You'll notice that the album is split into different sections that transition well from one to the next.

Section 1:
The story starts with my introduction "Yup (U Know It)" (my biggest hit thus far). This is track 1 simply because it made perfect sense. It was essentially my introduction to those who didn't know who I was (whether people in the hood/streets, fellow artists at open mics, or fans of music in general online). So, from there, I tell you stories of what I want from this life in the "Spotlight" beyond fortune and fame with more of the same in the "Spotlight (Remix)." And I'm human, so I love "Bad Bitches" as much as the next man so I reveal what really makes the world go 'round. Until I'm at where I want to be at, catch me "Vibin" in the crib, in the hood, in the whip, in the club. No matter where I'm at, just know I'm plotting as well.

Section 2:
From there, I speak on where I come from on "Being Broke" to where I'm trying to go on "Se7en" (from 7 Mile to 7 figures a.k.a. millions; and how there's 7 ways to get that winning ticket). Then, I explain how I plan to get it which is to grind "25/8" and make the haters mad when they see me going hard "This Summer" -- Not to mention, I have big dreams while "Whippin" through the city under all these big lights. And I feel like I'm one song away because I be getting love in the hood like "Air Jordans Or Air Force 1's." Swag saying you love it, and "Yup (U Know It)," again.

Section 3:
But, then the mood changes when you realize that sometimes it "Aint No Love" in the heart of the city because "It's So Cold" in the D, still. Dead bodies over dead presidents. So, it's not easy but one way or another, we gotta "Make It Out" the ghetto in one piece before we go "Crazy."

Section 4:
This is the point when I just want to reset and refresh. Therefore, I have to cater to the women so I can relieve some stress and try my best to bring a nice lady in a nice dress "Back To My Crib." I'm a Detroit player like Miguel Cabrera so "U Already Know" I gotta represent. And while I need a "Good Girl" to keep me sane, I'm still insanely attracted to these "Bad Bitches" (excuse my French ménage à trois).

There are plenty more stories within these songs. This summary is barely scratching the surface, but hopefully you'll notice this album is about more than my palms itching and more than nice cars, nice clothes, and nice women. Yet and still, we all like nice things so I can only be real. I can only be me.

I want to thank all my family, friends, and fans for showing so much support for me and for this project. I took my time (1-2 years) with this project to do something that has never been done before and will never be done again. That's why I say I just made history with the release of From: Da Hood To: Da Streets. This album has something for everybody. Strong singles; real rap; thought-provoking cuts you can relate to; club bangers you can bounce to; and songs for the ladies to dance and sing to.

I can honestly say I'm proud of this project. I worked extremely hard to put all of this music together. I don’t believe in filler lines, filler bars, filler choruses, or filler songs so there is no filler when it comes to my music. I make the kind of music that you feel because it’s real. No filter. And I feel like I've done something really big for my city, and so I hope it pans out. I plan on shooting videos for at least 10 songs from this album and eventually putting together a DVD with all my music videos.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel. Follow me on Twitter. Check me out on Facebook. See me on Instagram. Google "drock313rd" -- and I’m there; wherever you are. Thank God for the life I live. To my fans: Thank you for the life I love. I value your support. You are appreciated.