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As the duo The Cool Kids, Chuck Inglish and Sir Michael Rocks (formerly Mikey Rocks) ushered in a fresh new sound in 2007 rooted in traditional boom-bap matched with high fashion swag, joining similar acts such as past collaborators Pac Div. Representing the Midwest by way of Detroit and Chicago respectively, Inglish and Rocks have recently called an end to their union as The Cool Kids but still have a strong working partnership (and new joint projects as well).

Now a notable soloist as part of the Chicago-based One Off Music Group label, Sir Michael Rocks is aiming to establish himself as his own man.

Who: Sir Michael Rocks hails from the Greater Chicago area, getting his start via Myspace back in the mid-2000s. His time with the Cool Kids lasted from 2007 to this month, but Rocks has been busy. Releasing five solo mixtapes in that time span, the smooth-voiced MC has also worked with rappers Boldy James, Chip Tha Ripper, Mac Miller and producers Cardo, Hit-Boy and DJ duo Flosstradamus.

Credentials: Sir Michael Rocks’ specialty is pairing his smooth, hazy delivery over thumping head nod inspiring tracks. Tracks like the sunny “GED” and the speedy, double-time bars of “Now You Do” represent the growth of Rocks as a solo MC. He even holds it down on posse cuts as well, like the hypnotic “Great” featuring Casey Veggies and Mac Miller.

Fun Facts: As part of The Cool Kids, Rocks and Inglish were once signed to DJ A-Trak’s (aka Kanye West’s DJ) label Fool’s Gold for a spell.  Currently signed to Chicago label One Off Music Group, Rocks is still deeply affiliated with Curren$y‘s Jet Life Recordings but not as an official signee as previously reported. With collaborations recorded alongside Pac Div, Rockie Fresh and Jeremih in the can, expect to see the Coogi sweater-rocking Rocks on more joints in the coming months.

For our latest Certified Fresh feature, Hip-Hop Wired chopped it up with Sir Michael Rocks about his solo endeavors, working on establishing his sound with One Off, and what else he has in store for 2013 and beyond.

Photo: Sir Michael Rocks

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