oyal Black Entertainment was established in the summer of 2006 by Robert "B. Rock" Johnson. Formally known as Nightmare Entertainment, Royal Black Entertainment is an independent recording label based in Richmond, VA. "It all started about 8 years ago", says Johnson. "I remember when I used to sit in my room and write for hours at a time. My mom literally had to force me to go outside. No matter where I went, everyone knew me as "The dude who rapped".
At the same time", Johnson says, "I was never given a chance to be heard due to the fact I was young, inexperienced, and had low self-esteem." After about four years of non-stop writing and rapping, B. Rock eventually gained more respect. Becoming comfortable in his abilities as an artist made for a more established performer and all in all, a knack for great music. "In a sense, for lack of better words, I was the jack of all trades when it came to making good music". From writing, to performing, to producing; you name it, he does it.
"Even now, I'm considered a "Genius" when it comes to writing, composing and producing music...Hence the title "The Birth Of The Game". For those who still don't understand, the title "The Birth Of The Game" derived from the idea of bringing meaning and life back to the [rap] game. "Everyone has the title of being "King", so I thought outside of the box a little. I mean honestly, how many "Kings" can you fit into one place? The industry needs something different and new while at the same time understandable. I plan on being that something.
In regards to how I came up with the label, it's always been my dream. Considering I live in a state that's still a virgin when it comes to entertainment, I wanted to make a difference. Sure, there are a few artist in the industry now from VA, but for the most part, we are still unknown. When you think about it, how many great rappers have come out of this state? How many legit record companies have you ever heard about in this state? We are dead when it comes to things of that nature...that's where I come into play."
Going back to what I stated previously, VA is still a virgin when it comes to entertainment.We don't have any Capitol Records or Bad Boy Entertainment. No one is running around throwing out record contracts or having auditions for a chance to be on a rap reality series. With that said, due to this fact, I plan on taking the state by storm by providing it all. Competition is deadly, I admit, but I have a stronger will than most." Not only is he giving unknown artist a chance to be heard, he's also giving back to his roots by providing something that's much needed...HOPE!
Five years from now, expect to see a fancy building with Royal Black Entertainment across it, smack in the middle of VA. As of now, Rock's taking it one step at a time. "Like the motto says, "Music Is Our Motive". We don't discriminate against race, gender or genre. We are an equal opportunity employer. The name in itself has no great signifigance. Anyone and anybody is welcomed here. The way I see it is simple: I'm running the show now and nothing or no one is going to stop me!"
