About Me
While Hip Hop culture gained popularity throughout the U.S. and other countries during the 1980s, Hip Hop artists witnessed a thrive in mainstream success; having singles enter the dance charts, the Billboard top ten and winning raps first Grammy giving Hip Hop access to a larger and more diverse audience. The music of rap artists Kurtis Blow, LL Cool J, Run DMC, and Public Enemy bombarded radios and televisions and were featured in films, influencing its fans to adopt all the elements of Hip Hop culture from breaking to scratching (Djing). Being an adolescent during the end of the Old School Hip Hop era and through the Golden Age era, D-Rock was inspired to become a Dj, and with his immense talent, confidence, perseverance, and support from family and friends he has achieved great success in a career many do not excel in.Born Derrick Malbrough in San Diego, California in December of 1979, D-Rock was the first born of two children, and by the tender age of eight he began djing with the use of other peoples equipment. With the help of his uncle, Kool T, a well known Dj in San Diego and major influence of D-Rock and his other influences; Kut Father (local Dj, had Hip Hop show on Z90.3 Saturday nights when D-Rock was a kid), Jam Master J, Dj Yella, Rodney O and Joe Cooley, Dj Jazzy Jeff, and Cut Creator, D-Rock became the kid known to rock the crowd. By the age of 13 D-Rock received his first turntables, one a gift from his chief supporter, his mother and the other he managed to purchase with his own money. With his new equipment at hand D-Rock was able to begin a mobile djing business which permitted him to perform at school dances, weddings, and concerts.At an age where his friends were preparing for their driving tests and celebrating the fact that they were only two years away from partying in that 18+ club, D-Rock was given the opportunity to dj in local 18+ and 21+ clubs at the age of 16, gaining him popularity in the greater San Diego region, which drove him to create his first mix tape that he handed out in his neighborhood and throughout San Diego at the age of 17. Although D-Rock had great success as a young Dj, he had bigger dreams of working at a radio station in his home town, and from the ages of 13 to 21 D-Rock, while djing around the city of San Diego applied to local radio shows only to be turned down over and over again, but he did not let their rejection break his spirit, with his perseverance and drive he did not stop pursuing his goals.
By the age of 23 D-Rocks hard work and charisma won him an opportunity he could not say no to. He was offered a job in Alabama and to his surprise not as a Dj, but as an On Air Personality. Even though this was not his dream job, D-Rock accepted the offer hoping he would find more success in Radio in Alabama. So in the spring of 2002 he packed his bags and waved farewell to San Diego and welcomed Mobile, Alabama as his new home. Soon after arriving in Alabama, D-Rocks mixing talents were discovered by his Program Director and before long he found himself working in a major club circuit throughout Atlanta, Georgia and the Southeast region during the uproar of the music phenomenon, Crunk. From 2002-2004 D-Rock had a lucrative career in the South, but due to illness in his family he returned to San Diego, only to find out he had a position waiting for him, his dream job, working at a radio station in his home town.Upon arriving in San Diego, D-Rock began working as an over night jock and a mix show Dj on Saturday nights, following in the footsteps of his local influence Kut Father. On June 7th 2005 D-Rock was given an opportunity that opened many doors for him; he made a guest appearance on BETs Rap City. This appearance on the internationally watched television show gave him a boost in his career by introducing him to the millions of people who tune in to watch Rap City everyday and this exposure led him to get other appearances on other radio stations, in various clubs, and industry conventions. Today D-Rock currently works in his hometown and is embarking on another aspect of the radio business. He is now the Morning Show Producer and still continues to do his show on Saturday nights.
With great talent, hard work, a great support system and a desire to follow his dreams, D-Rock was able to attain great success, but his journey is not yet over. His determination has unquestionably paid off and has earned him the title of San Diegos own local celebrity, whose name will soon be recognized in households everywhere.
