by: Erin Evangela Gannie

The No.1 Draft Pick a.k.a. Ricko has been in the rap game for almost a decade.  He made his way from underground to getting airplay and developing quite a following on the World Wide Web, hence the name Ricko Worldwide. 

He drew his influences from Outcast and DMX, listening to their albums gave him the motivation to step into the game and pursue a serious rap career.  In 2007 Ricko released the “Trademark” album and three mixtapes.  He has worked with major artist like Trina, Gotti, Lil Boosie, Plies, Ace Hood, and many more.  Ricko’s biggest single has been as of today is “Bring Another Bottle”. 

Ricko says, “Bring Another Bottle definitely gets the party started”. He was also featured on The Raw Report with Rick Ross, Rich Boy and other others.  Although Ricko has worked with several major artists, he says “I would like to work with any artist that has been able to turn nothing into something and make money”. 

When Ricko is not making music, promoting his music, or being interviewed, he trades places and gives the interviews.  He is the co-host of Mixtape-TV with DJ Steen and DJ Shadow.  The show is broadcasted in Alabama and in Atlanta.  On Mixtape-TV Ricko gets to interview mainstream rap artist. 
In between his music and co-hosting a television show Ricko founded a community outreach program called Project Sincere.  This is a program that mentors and tutors youth.

Ricko is also CEO and President of Musik Mogul Incorporated, in which he founded.  He is signed to his own label as well as Christian rapper named Odyssey.  Ricko says “music is my steeping stone”.  He plans to Musik Mogul beyond the music and go into other ventures like fashion, fragrance, etc.  “I consider myself an up and coming music mogul.”

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