Album Notes

Maybe it's his laid back style, quiet-but-deadly demeanor, or maybe it's his Hollywood-ready good looks; but don't mistake
Franklin C. Croom IV aka Rudy as just another handsome face.
Rudy is a natural-born rapper and lyricist, who flawlessly blends fresh innovative rhymes with his hypnotic-slow voice. His confident swagger, his uncanny charm, and most importantly, his humility makes him the next real Hip Hop Artist and Entertainer to ascend from the Midwest.

The Fort Wayne, Indiana native began writing rhymes and rapping in 2002 at neighborhood block parties and social events. Those earlier events led Rudy to take his gift more serious and he started polishing his craft. Those earlier performances fueled his rep as a fierce MC and landed him many solo acts in area nightclubs, venues, and elite social gatherings.

Merely a year later, in 2003 Lemari Media Group CEO, Derrick Floyd signed Rudy to a project/demo deal in conjunction with SloFlo Management CEO's Franklin and Charlene Croom (which are Rudy's parents). On July 13th, 2003 Rudy released his self-titled debut EP to rave reviews. Fans fell in love with his creative and unique rhyme style mixed with blazing production Lemari producer Charlie D.
Critically Acclaimed in only a few months of his release, his staccato sound landed him the headlining performance during the half-show of The Ohio Nike Basketball Game, December 5th 2003 at Dominican college in Columbus, Ohio. He also stole the show at the Come 2 Go Club February 28th, 2004 that brought over 500 fans to the event.

In May 2004 Rudy was introduced to Indy's own UrbanLink Music Group and has begun working on his new full-length debut LP, "For The Love Of..." With this new project Rudy is a little different. He's older. Wiser. More perceptive. And more aware of what he wants to do and what he needs to do. "This time around, I know it's okay to dream and have fun. But I also learned that after cloud nine clears; I better have my business in mind. At a certain point in life, you have to get focused," he says.

A year after the release of his debut release Rudy's more focused, more serious, and more determined that reach his goals. "There's millions of kids that want to do what I do, he says. I feel that it would be an honor to make my passion of rhyming into a profession."