#FMSpotlight: Alley Rocket – ‘Apollo Boy’ (Listen)

Listen: Alley Rocket – Apollo Boy

Alley Rocket undoubtedly skyrocketed last year, and he intends to keep at it that way in 2021. 

The New Jersey-based musician’s career trajectory came about because of the fresh approach he brings to space-ridden hip-hop, R&B, and trap beats. Not only does he glide effortlessly on the soundscapes with a smooth auto-croon, but he also showcases a strong suit of versatility while delivering direct rhymes. 

His overall straight-to-the-point messages carry stories about living in the moment, his life experiences, turning his dreams into reality, staying money-oriented, and what’s going on in the world. Also, he speaks about staying attentive and even drops warning bars toward individuals who talk down on his name. 

“My sound is unapologetic, authentic,” he declares. “It brings together struggle, pain, and everything I had to endure. It makes people want to turn up, show rage. My message would be not to let your environment and surroundings determine your success.”

In the words of Alley Rocket, he’s “a growing man from Newark who didn’t have many chances but made a way by staying in his lane, and made way for others through music.” His name stems from his love for astrology, aliens, and space at a young age. Because of this, Alley Rocket’s friends would call him “Rocket.” He put “Alley” in front of it because that’s what the girls called him. 

Hip-hop called to him in ninth grade. During a trip to his classmate’s studio, Alley Rocket got behind the microphone for the first time. After he went back to school, Alley Rocket received good feedback from his peers. From there, the star knew that music is what he’s meant to do. Before hopping in the booth, Alley Rocket likes to have his engineer and the beat ready. After that, it’s time to get in the zone. He’s inspired by music icons like Andre 3000, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Drake, and Jay Z. 

His advice to upcoming rappers is to seize the moment. The emcee states, 

“Believe in yourself because no one will believe in your vision until you see it. Don’t listen to negative opinions from people who haven’t accomplished half of what you have. Stay down until you come up. Know that if you’re working hard, you are farther than from where you started—no matter where you are.”

Not too long ago, Alley Rocket debuted his first-ever album, Apollo Boy. But this was far from your average joe type of musical compilation. In fact, Apollo Boy is an innovative hip-hop project filled with upfront commentary about growing up in Newark, his charm, working against the grain, staying on his P’s and Q’s, getting to the bag, care-free moments, and self-elevation. 

Sonically, Apollo Boy stays rooted in a galaxy-inspired tone. But, at the same time, the musical styling blends with R&B, hip-hop, and trap. From a cadence standpoint, he crossovers between fast spitting and transparent auto-croon. 

Recently, Alley Rocket also partnered with Sloppy Vinyl, a community of creators, artists, influencers, songwriters, producers, and directors. About the experience thus far, he said, “It’s been very interesting to work with them, a pleasure nonetheless.” 

Circling back to Apollo Boy, Alley Rocket states that the creative process came as a total shock. “The company I was with (shout out to them) wanted me to drop a tape, and everything that was going on with them drove the story behind the tape. It’s all about taking risks,” he adds. Ironically, the message behind Apollo Boy is in the same category. 

“Of course, you don’t know about risks until you have to be willing to put yourself out there. And I’m willing to be myself out there. Hopefully, my talent inspires others as well as captivate.” 

One track that he resonates with off of Apollo Boy is the outro because those events happened while he was curating the tape. In terms of car tunes, Alley Rocket recommends that individuals listen to “Paralysis” or “Red Dead.” 

Some standout tracks on the album are “Directors Cut,” “Doctor Evil,” and “Paralysis.” The highlight of this project is “Tasteless Dreams.” However, make sure to take a peek at the skits because they spell a significant word. 

“Directors Cut” is a warm, playful R&B offering that finds Alley Rocket counting his blessings. He also speaks on prior ordeals he faced, along with rhymes about his work ethic. 

“Every day someone dying/I thank God I’m alive cause I rose through the mist,” he delivers. 

Elsewhere he brings attention to what’s happening in the world. Alley Rocket spits, “We trapped in the system where cycles repeat/Feel like circles ’round you, like a night at the ring.”

“Doctor Evil” is a lucid trap offering with a heavy base, kick-snares, hi-hats. Lyrically, he leaves warning bars for his haters and speaks about chasing a check. Also, Alley Rocket unveils that he’ll continue working hard, no matter what obstacle comes ahead.  

He raps, “I didn’t have love, and they doubted me/People speak down on me/I been so broke it’s like shattering/My hope is runnin’ low battery/Hustle or salary.”

Lastly, “Paralysis” is piano-led, space trap offering that sees Alley Rocket talking about his ways with women and staying loyal to his day ones.

“I never switch sides don’t forget it/We come from a place where they’ll shoot you for sliding murders,” he raps. 

Listen to Apollo Boy by Alley Rocket below: 

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