Derico Prout (born December 18, 1981 in Waldorf, Maryland), better known as Rico, is an American rapper from what is known to many as the DMV (DC, Maryland and Virginia)

With the rap world sinking along with the state of the United States economy music fans are starting to spend only on mainstream artist, often searching for a catchy hook or a “banging beat” in order to give songs critical praise. True to his roots Rico has remained committed to putting out what he wants and feels instead of “dumbing” down his style to fit in or sale records.

With the loss of his mom at the tender age of 13 Rico held a lot of pain and emotion in, until 2 years later when he started to secretly write rhymes. As he started to form a greater love for music Jay-z came out with his classic Reasonable Doubt, which is where Rico developed an obsession with double entendres and stories. Being a competitive person Rico soon found himself battling other MC’s from Indian Head to Bowie Md. Knowing that he couldn’t go to these ciphers and battles by himself Rico soon hooked up with two younger guys (Myzta, Jewelz) in his neighborhood to form the group Empire. Feeling the need to get the group heard Rico then linked up with Owner of Blaqrhythm Recordings Simeon Russell to get the Empire track “Do What You Do” included on a mixtape/ street album the label would be releasing in the next month. As Rico became more serious about the game it seemed that fellow group mates had other issues that needed their attention so he then inked a deal with Blaqrhythm as a solo artist.

Since signing to the label Rico has accomplished many things including being featured on a label compilation album “Blaqrhythm presents Blaq Music”, dropping two solo albums “A Day in the Life” and “ I AM HIM” (over 2000 units), released two videos “Child to Man” and “Don’t You Know”, performed on the BET Rap it Up tour, appeared on many mixtapes such as DJ Torkaveli’s Metro Rap Radio series and has collaborated with artist such as Relentlezz Dre, Sli Mental, Magnum Dollars and Dee Woodz.

With such a diverse display, Rico is poised to wake up hip hop fans and more importantly hopes to change the current feeling of rap music, crossing it back over in a more insightful, meaningful and passionate direction.