Rocsi: Front And Center

 

 

Chosen from a pool of over 5,000 applicants in BET’s nationwide search, Rocsi stood out for the producers from the start. Her bubbly personality, confidence and zest was sure to keep 106 & Park interesting. Replacing the immensely popular 106 & Park host Free was no easy task, but this beautiful Latina – who is just the second ever non-Black host on BET – is creating her very own fan base along with her co-host and partner in crime, Terrence J.

 

Raised in New Orleans, Rocsi has garnered nationwide appeal on the TV screen. We nabbed some time from her busy schedule to discuss her success on BET, charity work, her thoughts on being a role model and those pesky rumors that just won’t go away. 

 

AllHipHop.com: You modeled for AllHipHop Week fashion show a while back.

 

Rocsi: Yeah, I did. I modeled the Adidas line. It was a lot of fun. Actually the whole AllHipHop Week was a lot of fun. I had a great time.

 

AllHipHop.com: Is that something you want to get into, modeling?

 

Rocsi: I’ve always liked it but I’m short [laughs]. I’m 5’2 so I don’t think I will ever do catwalk for real, but I’ve always been interested in modeling and I’ve always thought it would be a lot of fun. I like taking pictures; actually I tell everyone that one day they will see me in the Victoria’s Secret catalog even though I don’t have the body for it [laughs].

 

AllHipHop.com: So let’s get the rumors over and done with. There were rumors that you and 50 Cent had a disagreement recently…

 

Rocsi: I think people assumed that because of the show when Terrence and I picked sides in the album battle; he picked 50 and I picked Kanye. People kind of read too much into it, but I love 50’s music actually. He’s my favorite work out music; I work out to 50’s music all the time.

 

AllHipHop.com: 50 expressed anger at BET because he was not told that Jay-Z would be a guest [on the 50 vs. Kanye face-off], and had he known he would have brought a guest also. Do you think he had a right to feel that?

 

Rocsi: No. I think it’s not true. I think it didn’t matter. Kanye did what he did and 50 could have brought out anybody. I don’t know what the show totally entailed as far as what they were told they could do and what not to do, but I don’t think there were any restrictions on who they could have brought out; if 50 wanted to bring out Robin Thicke he could have done that, but let’s be honest it’s kind of hard to top Jay-Z so that’s probably why 50 felt that way. I didn’t even know Jay was there, it was a surprise for me too. 50 may not have known he could bring someone. but then again if you don’t know then ask!

 

AllHipHop.com: Have you heard of a woman called Adrienne Curry?

 

Rocsi: No…

 

AllHipHop.com: She’s this women who’s been on quite a few reality shows including [winning the first season of] America’s Next Top Model.

 

Rocsi: Oh, is she the person who’s been talking about boycotting BET?

 

AllHipHop.com: Yep. She wrote a blog where she said that channels like BET help segregate race/ cultures and therefore helps aid racism… what do you say to that?

 

Rocsi: I’d say that I am a female Latin on an all Black network so how can she even say that? How can she even assume that? She doesn’t even make sense… I cannot speak for the network as far as what the network stands for, but speaking for myself and for 106 and Park; we stand behind Hip-Hop and Hip-Hop embraces all cultures.

 

If there was any type of segregation or racism linked to BET, would we be in talks with other countries? We’re in shown in Japan, we have all types of colors, cultures and races that come to 106 and Park every single day. The network is actually looking to expand to other markets; like London and South Africa, and like I said we’re already in Japan. The comments she made are just mad to me, she probably tried out for a job at BET and didn’t get it.

 

AllHipHop.com: You’re obviously a very attractive woman. Have any of your guests on the couch ever tried to step to you?

 

Rocsi: I mean… Terrence and I most of the time are friends with everyone who comes to the show, and I did radio for seven years before I did 106 and Park so usually everyone who comes, I’ve already met them before through radio. So they’ve come across me and they know me so it’s not like, “Hey let’s hook up”. It’s more like “Where you and Terrence hanging out tonight, we’re going to hang.” No one tries to get at me or anything like that.

 

AllHipHop.com: I’ve always thought it’s harder for females than men in this industry. People are always quick to say, “Oh she’s only in it to get with a rapper”. Do you think you have it harder than say Terrence has it?

 

Rocsi: You always have those stereotypical double standards, and it’s something women just have to deal with, I guess. I mean I just don’t let anything like that get to me. I don’t entertain things like that.

 

AllHipHop.com: Were you ever worried about doing that King [Magazine] shoot, and how you may be perceived?

 

Rocsi: I was more nervous than anything, because it was my first time doing a cover and it was my first time really posing for any magazine. King kept my shoot very classy, very sexy… I loved the pictures, I mean my mom loves the pictures, so if my mom likes the pictures; I have nothing to complain about. They kept it classy, they didn’t make me do anything that I didn’t want to do, no compromising positions or anything like that so I was very, very, very happy with the pictures. I got positive feedback, and I also got some negative feedback like, “I can’t believe you did that” – but most of the negative feedback were from guys who were like my big brothers.

 

AllHipHop.com: Another reason you may have it harder than Terrence; is because how popular Free was. Has that been difficult your end to hear things like “Bring Free back”

 

Rocsi: It’s definitely some hard shoes to fill, but you know it takes time for people to get adjusted to new things. My audience is not Free’s audience. We have a new, younger audience and Free gives me nothing but advice. I love Free, she’s a beautiful person for what she stood for, I love her shoe game and she is a real woman at the end of the day, a great woman. I have nothing but respect for her.

 

AllHipHop.com: Do you and Terrence ever argue?

 

Rocsi: We argue like any other brother and sister would argue. We may argue about things like, ”I’m too dressed up and he looks casual next to me.” That’s our arguments. We never argue about anything major.

 

AllHipHop.com: You’re nothing more than friends?

 

Rocsi: No. We’re not dating. [laughs]

 

AllHipHop.com: I read rumors that you once dated Tyrese.

 

Rocsi: [laughs] Not true.

 

AllHipHop.com: Are you single?

 

Rocsi: Yes, I’m single.

 

AllHipHop.com: You come across very outspoken. Does that ever land you in trouble with the producers or the artists?

 

Rocsi: Never with the producers or the artists. I just keep it real, you know? I’m not going to sugar coat stuff, and if there’s a question that I want to ask and people want to know then we just ask. One thing me and Terrence won’t stand for is; if someone comes to 106 and Park and tries to disrespect our house or try to play us or anything like that. This is our house you know?

 

I’ll let no one walk over me. That’s one of the things that stood out for me with [BET] when I did originally try out for the job; the fact that I wouldn’t stand down and I’m not going to let anyone punk me. At the end of the day we’re all human beings. Most of the time it’s not even intentional, most of the time you just get caught up in the moment and I’m like, “Hold on for a minute, let me check you real quick”. I’ve got no problem checking anybody.

 

AllHipHop.com: What’s been the hardest interview you’ve had on the 106 and Park couch?

 

Rocsi: Hardest ever interview I’ve had was with Danger Mouse, because he doesn’t talk. So we’re trying to talk to him and he doesn’t talk. [laughs] I thought it was a practical joke and a set up, but he really doesn’t talk. That’s his thing I guess; his character. Just who he is.

 

AllHipHop.com: And your favorite interview?

 

Rocsi: My favorite interview has been… [pauses] Denzel Washington was very pleasant to have, it was fun to have Denzel. I honestly like it when 50 [Cent] is here at BET, because I always know that he’s going to be entertaining. He’s going to say what he feels and he’s one of those artists that I like interviewing, because you can ask him the real questions and he’ll answer just the way you want him to answer them.

 

AllHipHop.com: There does seem to be some kind of chemistry between you and 50 Cent…

 

Rocsi: Umm. Well 50, T.I., Busta Rhymes, Lil Wayne… I can say they are like real artists that just tell it like it is. There’s no sugar coat. You don’t have to worry about what you’re asking or saying? Those are artists that you don’t have to worry about their publicist telling you, “Don’t ask him this and don’t ask him that”. You as a journalist; if my publicist asked you not to ask me something, that makes you feel like, “What kind of interview is this?” It’s like we got little kindergarteners who you can’t ask certain things.

 

I like artists who you can ask whatever and they’re going to tell you stuff. T.I. for example speaks his mind. Keyshia Cole, man, she tells you the way it is, she’s like, “This is how it is and I don’t give a f*ck. I‘m still ghetto.” [laughs] You have to respect the realness and the way they still stay true to themselves, even in this industry.

 

AllHipHop.com: That’s all true but you didn’t exactly answer my question. Is there a special chemistry between you and 50 Cent?

 

Rocsi: No. No personal chemistry between us.

 

AllHipHop.com: When you have specials at 106 and Park, say like the recent Jay-Z outdoor interview in Brooklyn; is that more nerve racking?

 

Rocsi: No. Actually it’s more exciting, because we know it’s going to be a big show and we know more people are watching because it’s big.

 

AllHipHop.com: You’re involved in a lot of things outside of TV and radio including charities. Tell us about that.

 

Rocsi: I have a non-profit organization that helps to re-build the schools in New Orleans, because I’m from New Orleans; it’s my hometown. and it means a lot to me to see the re-building process of the city. Not only that – I help out a lot of different charity events, really whenever something involves speaking to kids and giving them advice then I’m there for them. Also I work closely with Hip-Hop Summit Action Network. So I’m involved in a lot of different things.

 

AllHipHop.com: Are there any other business ventures or projects you want to get involved with in the future?

 

Rocsi: I see acting in my future. Definitely see acting and films. My friend and I are also starting a events company, and basically it will be events for foundations and putting foundations together. Like putting on a celebrity basketball game together or bowling tournament – things of that nature. So it won’t just be parties, but parties for things that will make a difference and that have a purpose. “Partying for a purpose” is what we say.

 

AllHipHop.com: What are your thoughts on the internet? Do you search yourself? People can be pretty harsh.

 

Rocsi: I do, just to see what’s out there. I’m not going to lie. I really don’t pay it no mind though, because you get positive and you can get negative; they say all press is good press right?

 

AllHipHop.com: Does it not ever hurt when you read someone saying something negative about you say as a presenter or person?

 

Rocsi: No, because it’s usually haters. If I worry about what a hater thinks then I’ve wasted my time and my energy that I could be putting towards something else.

 

AllHipHop.com: A lot of kids look up to you and see you as a role model. Does the title “role model” put pressure on you?

 

Rocsi: I think it helps me knowing that I have young kids who watch me and may look up to me. I think it keeps me staying a positive person and helps me stay focused. I’m aware of my surroundings, and so I know how to act. It’s something Terrence and I always keep in mind when we go out. Yeah, we can do our thing but you have to change your lifestyle when you know people look up to you. It’s not a problem for me because I try to be a good person at heart anyway. It’s nothing I have to go out my way to do.

 

AllHipHop.com: Last words?

 

Rocsi: I love everybody that loves us and I love everybody that hates us. We’re here to stay.