On this day, exactly 19 years ago, in November 26, 2002, Royce Da 5’9″ dropped his major debut album “Rock City (Version 2.0)” featuring guest appearances from Eminem, Pusha T, Pharrell, Twista, DJ Premier and more. The album is an updated version of “Rock City” which Royce released independently at the end of 2001.
First week sales for the album is unknown but “Rock City” reached No. 7 on US Billboard Independent Albums chart and No. 29 on US Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
Royce’s first ever solo effort received generally positive reviews from critics, praising Royce’s lyrical delivery.
The first single of the album “Boom” reached No. 48 on US Billboard Hot Rap Songs charts. The disk also has a Side B song, titled “Soldier’s Story.” “Boom” was later sampled on the track “Crash”, performed by Schoolboy Q in 2019.
The second single “You Can’t Touch Me,” which also has Side B with a song titled “D-Elite”, reached No. 66 on US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart.
The third and final single is the album title track “Rock City,” featuring Eminem’s vocals on the chorus and scratches. The song charted at No. 99 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Track chart. Music video of the song features cameo from Big Proof.
You can revisit the album below: