Black Rob facts for kids

Robert Ross (born June 8, 1968 – died April 17, 2021), known as Black Rob, was an American rapper. He was famous for his music and for being signed to Bad Boy Records. His most well-known song was "Whoa!" released in 1999. This song reached number 43 on the Billboard Hot 100 music chart.

Music Career

Early Life and Start in Music

Robert Ross grew up in East Harlem, a neighborhood in New York City. He started rapping when he was about 11 or 12 years old. He found inspiration from artists like Spoonie Gee, Doug E. Fresh, and Slick Rick. When he was 22, he joined his first rap group called the Schizophrenics. However, they did not release any albums. At first, he used the stage name "Bacardi Rob."

Joining Bad Boy Records

Black Rob began working with the Bad Boy music label around 1996. He appeared on a remix for the group 112. After that, he was featured on many Bad Boy songs. These included remixes for Total and Faith Evans. He also appeared on songs by Mase, Puff Daddy & the Bad Boy Family, and The Notorious B.I.G.. He also made guest appearances on albums by other artists like Cru and Ol’ Dirty Bastard. These guest spots helped him become more known in the music world.

His Hit Song "Whoa!"

In his early career, Black Rob led a street rap group he called "Alumni." His first album, Life Story, came out in 1999. It sold very well, reaching over platinum sales. In early 2000, he released his biggest hit song, "Whoa!" The song was produced by Buckwild. "Whoa!" became his most successful song. It reached number 43 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also made it into the top 10 on the R&B/Hip-Hop and Rap charts. This was Black Rob's only solo song to reach the Hot 100. A part of Black Rob's song "By A Stranger" was also featured in the video game Grand Theft Auto III.

Later Albums and Projects

After "Whoa!", Black Rob continued to appear on music by P. Diddy and G. Dep. His second album, The Black Rob Report, was released in 2005. It did not sell as well as his first album. In 2005, Jemal Mosley from Off The Block Entertainment started managing Black Rob's career. In 2010, he left Bad Boy Records. He then signed with an independent label called Duck Down Records. In 2011, he released Game Tested, Streets Approved. This album reached number 44 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Black Rob also started his own independent music label, Box in One, with Jemal Mosley.

In 2013, Black Rob joined a reality TV show called Come Back Kings. He was on the show with other artists like Ed Lover and Mr. Cheeks. In 2014, he was featured on a song called "Take 'Em Off Da Map" on Diamond D's album. In 2015, Black Rob released his fourth album, Genuine Article. He produced this album with Jemal Mosley. It featured other rappers like Sean Price and Tek.

Later Life and Passing

In his later years, Black Rob faced some serious health challenges. People created a special online fundraiser to help him get medical care. He passed away on April 17, 2021, at the age of 52.

Discography

Studio albums

• Life Story (2000)
• The Black Rob Report (2005)
• Game Tested, Streets Approved (2011)
• Genuine Article (2015)

See also

In Spanish: Black Rob para niños