Roc Stea'D

The Detroit hip-pop duo of Brittany and Jessica named themselves Roc Stea'D because of the strong consistency they give to their city, their fans, and the music industry. But first, they gave that reliability to each other when dealing with a potential disaster before a live performance.

“We had a really big show, and one of our members decided that day that she didn't want to be in the group. We thought it would sound really bad,” Brittany remembers. “But the crowd loved us as a duo, and we've been Roc Stea'D ever since.”

Brittany and Jessica have clicked since high school, when they met at a church event that Brittany was performing at. They joined a girl group, but the other singers slowly left the group for various reasons. After the fiasco stated above, they linked with Live The Music Group producer Brandon Fletcher through a mutual friend and began to work with the label. As Roc Stea'D, the duo developed an “opposites attract” approach to music: Jessica sings vulnerable, hearty lyrics while Brittany raps more explosive material. The result is music that relates to a larger amount of people, and represents the ins and outs of their Detroit stomping grounds.

“Roc Stea'D makes music for everybody to love,” Jessica says. “We have a very versatile sound with one singer and one rapper, and there's always a different perspective from us. Even when we write together, you can hear that. But we're not two people trying to be Ms. America; we're just like you.”

The duo organically built its fan base in Detroit, winning over supporters with their amicable personalities, energetic live performances and their self-coined “hip-pop”—a deft mix of substantial, relatable lyrics with a poppy, accessible sound. They eventually got rotation on Detroit radio, toured nationwide with Bad Boy Records emcee Yung Joc, and opened up for superstars like Ciara and Ginuwine back home. Despite not having an official release, their live performances won fans with their contagious energy, electrifying dance moves and elaborate stage productions. Their city clout culminated in March 2009, when Live The Music Group packed Detroit's storied Majestic Theater with 1,500 concertgoers and themselves as the headliners, despite superstar emcee T.I. performing in the area that same night.

“It was amazing to see that support,” Brittany remembers. “People appreciate what we're working hard for. People really feel us. To see people knowing and singing your songs to CDs you had given them was a beautiful, humbling experience.”

Now, with their debut album in the works and major labels calling, Roc Stea'D is ready to take over the music industry with their distinctive sound, look and energy, with Detroit as the backdrop.

“Living up to a legacy of the likes of Motown is difficult, but it's a standard we're proud to be a part of: somewhere music really started,” Brittany says, before remembering a nugget of wisdom Yung Joc provided on tour. “If it's worth it, you'll work.”

With each other's support, the sky's the limit.