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R. City (short for Rock City; and formerly Planet VI and 2Ekwip) is an American hip-hop recording and production duo, formed in 2003 by the brothers Theron "Uptown AP" Thomas and Timothy "A.I." Thomas. Primarily known as a songwriting and record production team, the duo amassed numerous credits for prominent music industry acts prior to signing with Kemosabe Records, an imprint of RCA Records in 2014 as recording artists. The following year, their single "Locked Away" (featuring Adam Levine), peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and preceded the release of their debut album, What Dreams Are Made Of (2015).

Key Information

Earlier, the duo signed in 2007 with Akon's Konvict Muzik and KonLive Distribution, imprints of Geffen Records and Interscope Records, having received their first commercial songwriting credit for Akon. They released the mixtape series PTFAO (Put the F*ckin' Album Out). Their 2008 debut single, "Losin' It", failed to chart. The duo parted ways with KonLive in 2011 and continued their songwriting work. Since signing to Kemosabe, they often collaborate with label boss Dr. Luke.

While releasing solo material, R. City also wrote and produced for other artists including Sean Kingston ("Take You There"), Miley Cyrus ("We Can't Stop"), Nicki Minaj ("Only") and Rihanna ("Pour It Up"). The duo contributed to two Grammy Award–winning albums: Rihanna's Unapologetic (Best Urban Contemporary Album) and Jennifer Hudson's album Jennifer Hudson (Best R&B Album). R. City helped with Ariana Grande's My Everything album which was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album. Theron won the Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for his credits throughout 2023.

History

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Early life and education

[edit]

Theron and Timothy Thomas are natives of Saint Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands.[1][2] As children, the brothers performed as dancers for a local all-girl rap group. They practiced a wide variety of music and received support from their parents.[3] In 2000, the two left the Virgin Islands to pursue their music career in Miami.[4] They initially performed under the name 2Ekwip.[5] They had limited success on the Miami nightlife scene. During this time, Theron worked for Kroger and Timothy for Party City while in Atlanta.[4][6] They moved back to St. Thomas in 2005.

Career beginnings and record deal (2006–09)

[edit]

In 2006, the duo sold their first song, "The Rain," which appeared on American singer-songwriter Akon's triple Platinum–selling album Konvicted.[4] By October 2007, R. City had written songs for performers including Chris Brown, Usher, Sean Kingston, Ashlee Simpson, Nicole Scherzinger, and Mary J. Blige.[7] Early songs that saw chart success included "Take You There" by Sean Kingston (number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100), "When I Grow Up" by the Pussycat Dolls (number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100), and "Replay" by Iyaz (number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100).[8][9][10][11] R. City signed a recording contract with Interscope Records, Geffen Records and Akon's Konvict Muzik and KonLive Distribution in 2007. During this time, Theron was known by the stage name "Da Spokesman" and Timothy was known as "Don't Talk Much." They were set to release their debut album, Wake the Neighbors, some time in 2008.[12]

Label issues, Wake the Neighbors and Planet VI era (2008–13)

[edit]

R. City created 15 self-released mixtapes between 2008 and 2012, many of which contained the acronym "PTFAO" (or Put the F*ckin' Album Out) in reference to the fact that the label had not given them a release date for their album. In 2011, the duo parted ways with KonLive and founded their own label imprint, Rebelution Records. They intended to release their debut album, Free At Last, on their own label,[13] but the release date was later pushed back to 2009.[14] Despite the tumult with their record labels, Rock City continued writing songs for other artists during this period. They penned Rihanna's "Man Down" and Justin Bieber's "Run Away Love."[15] In 2013, the duo wrote numerous Billboard Hot 100 songs, including Miley Cyrus' "We Can't Stop", Rihanna's "Pour It Up", and Ciara's "I'm Out."[12][16] "Pour It Up" appeared on Rihanna's album Unapologetic, which won Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 2014 Grammy Awards. [17][18] The following year, Rock City contributed to three separate albums that received Grammy nominations — Miley Cyrus' Bangerz, Ariana Grande's My Everything (both were nominated in the Best Pop Vocal Album category) and Iggy Azalea's The New Classic (nominated for Best Rap Album).[4][19][20][21]

What Dreams Are Made Of (2014–present)

[edit]

In 2014, the duo signed with RCA Records and Dr. Luke's Kemosabe Records.[22] Their debut studio album, What Dreams Are Made Of, contains themes of struggle relating to the brothers' often difficult upbringing in Saint Thomas. In 2015, they released singles titled "I'm That..." featuring 2 Chainz[4] and "Locked Away" featuring Adam Levine.[23]

Theron Thomas won the Grammy Award for Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for his work on songs by Lil Durk, Tyla, Chloe Bailey, Ciara and Chris Brown, Cordae, Big Boss Vette, and Jungkook.[24]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: R. City discography

The discography of R. City contains numerous singles, mixtapes, and one album. The group has released one compilation album exclusively in Japan (Songs That We Wrote) and has also released numerous mixtapes and singles.

References

[edit]
[edit]
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R. City

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R. City, also known as Rock City, is an American hip-hop, R&B, and pop songwriting and production duo formed in 2003 by brothers Theron Makiel Thomas (born March 13, 1982) and Timothy Jahmali Thomas (born January 17, 1984), who hail from Saint Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Theron performs under the stage name Uptown AP or Da Spokesperson, while Timothy uses A.I. or Mr. Makaveli. Renowned for blending influences with mainstream hip-hop and pop, the duo began their career writing and producing tracks for major artists after moving to post-high school, amassing credits including Sean Kingston's "Take You There" (2007), Rihanna's "Man Down" and (2011), Miley Cyrus's (2013), and Beyoncé's "All Night" (2016). Their songwriting has earned them multiple , including contributions to Jennifer Hudson's self-titled album (Best R&B Album, 2009) for "If This Isn't Love," Rihanna's (nominated for Best R&B Song, 2017), and Beyoncé's Lemonade (Best Urban Contemporary Album, 2017). Theron also won Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical at the (2024). As recording artists, R. City achieved mainstream breakthrough with their 2015 debut album , led by the global hit single "Locked Away" featuring , which peaked at number six on the and topped charts in several countries. The duo's work continues to influence contemporary music, with recent credits including Lizzo's "" (Record of the Year, 2023) co-written by Theron Thomas.

Background and formation

Early life in the Virgin Islands

Theron Makiel Thomas and his younger brother Timothy Jahmali Thomas were born in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, with Theron arriving on March 13, 1982, and Timothy on January 17, 1984. The brothers grew up in a single-parent household led by their mother, Jacqueline Thomas, in the Oswald Harris Court project amid economic challenges typical of the island's working-class communities. Their father, Miguel "Kiebo" Thomas, was largely absent from their daily lives but maintained a strong passion for hip-hop music, which contrasted with the dominant calypso and sounds of the islands and subtly influenced their early tastes. The Thomas family's musical inclinations extended through their extended relatives, particularly their uncles, who were active and calypso musicians, immersing the brothers in the vibrant rhythms and traditions of island culture from a young age. This environment fostered an innate connection to genres like soca, , and steel-pan drumming, which were staples of festivals and community gatherings, shaping their appreciation for melodic storytelling and rhythmic improvisation over formal training. The brothers' early exposure to these traditions blended with imported American hip-hop via radio and limited media access, sparking a hybrid interest that prioritized performance as a communal expression rather than isolated practice. As children, Theron and Timothy began performing together, initially as backup dancers for a local all-girl rap group, where they honed their stage presence through energetic routines inspired by music videos and island talent shows. These shared activities, including impromptu singing sessions and mimicking artists during family gatherings, ignited their collaborative creativity and laid the groundwork for songwriting as a means of personal and cultural narrative. By their pre-teen years, such experiences had solidified music as a central outlet for expression amid the close-knit, resource-scarce , setting a foundation for their enduring partnership without venturing into professional pursuits at that stage.

Move to the mainland and initial music pursuits

In 2000, following their high school graduation, brothers Theron and Timothy Thomas relocated from St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands to Miami, Florida, seeking greater opportunities in the music industry. They moved to , Georgia, approximately ten months later to immerse themselves in the city's burgeoning hip-hop scene, but faced financial hardships and returned briefly to St. Thomas before permanently settling in Atlanta in 2005. The duo officially formed as a musical group in 2003, initially under the name 2Ekwip, reflecting their early focus on and self-produced beats. By 2004, they rebranded to Planet VI, emphasizing their heritage while expanding into production and songwriting, though they later shortened it to Rock City—and eventually R. City—for professional purposes. With limited formal , the brothers were largely self-taught, honing their skills through experimentation with home recording equipment and blending , hip-hop, and R&B influences during their transitional years. In , R. City performed at local clubs and talent shows to build visibility and cover expenses, often winning competitions until they were barred for dominating the events. They supplemented income with day jobs—Theron at a and Timothy at a party supply retailer—while developing demos in makeshift studios. This period culminated in 2006 when they sold their first professional song, "The Rain," to for his Konvicted, earning their initial industry credit as writers and producers alongside Akon and Dwight "Skrapp" Reynolds.

Career trajectory

Early label deal and breakthroughs (2006–2009)

In 2007, after catching the attention of by writing the song "The Rain (Unfinished)" for his album , the duo known as R. City—brothers Theron "Uptown AP" Thomas and Timothy "A.I." Thomas—signed a recording contract with , , and Akon's imprints Konvict Muzik and KonLive Distribution. This deal marked their entry into major label backing, positioning them as both performers and in-demand songwriters within the urban pop landscape. The connection to Akon, a prominent figure in R&B and hip-hop at the time, provided crucial industry access and mentorship, enabling R. City to balance their own material with collaborations for established artists. Their debut single as lead artists, "," released in 2008 under , achieved limited commercial success and failed to chart significantly on major lists like the . However, R. City's songwriting prowess quickly gained traction through high-profile contributions. They co-wrote "Take You There" for Sean Kingston's self-titled debut album, which peaked at No. 7 on the in February 2008 after debuting at No. 81 the previous ; the track was later certified by the RIAA for over one million digital downloads in the U.S. Similarly, they co-wrote "When I Grow Up" with producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins for ' album , reaching No. 9 on the in July 2008 and earning gold certification from the RIAA. These hits showcased their ability to craft catchy, genre-blending hooks that resonated with pop audiences. Building on these successes, R. City expanded their production roles, contributing tracks to Sean Kingston's 2007 debut album beyond "Take You There," including co-writing elements that infused and R&B flavors into his sound. In , they co-wrote "Replay" for fellow artist , which climbed to No. 2 on the and topped charts in , , and the ; it received multi-platinum certifications, including 3× Platinum in the U.S. by the RIAA. Despite this momentum, the duo faced challenges meeting label expectations for their own debut album, tentatively titled Wake the Neighbors, which was slated for 2008 release but stalled due to internal delays and creative differences at Interscope and KonLive. This frustration led to the creation of their mixtape series PTFAO (Put the Fckin' Album Out)*, a direct expression of their pushback against the shelved project while honing their dual roles as performers and hitmakers.

Independent era and label transitions (2010–2013)

Following their initial successes under KonLive Distribution, R. City faced significant setbacks with the label, including prolonged delays in releasing their debut album under KonLive, leading to their release from the contract in May 2011. They then planned to release Free at Last independently via Rebelution Records later that year, though it remained unreleased commercially. In response, the duo launched the "PTFAO (Put The F---ing Album Out)" campaign in 2010 to pressure the label, culminating in a sit-down meeting with Akon that led to their release from the contract in May 2011. These frustrations stalled their solo project, prompting R. City to part ways with KonLive entirely and establish their own imprint, Rebelution Records, later that year to regain creative control. Embracing independence, R. City shifted focus to self-released projects under the PTFAO banner, issuing multiple mixtapes between 2008 and to maintain momentum and showcase their versatility in hip-hop, R&B, and . Notable efforts included the Wake the Neighbors collection, originally intended as their major-label debut but repurposed as an unreleased mixtape series, and recordings under their temporary moniker Planet VI, such as The American Nightmare in , which highlighted their Virgin Islands roots through raw, narrative-driven tracks. This DIY approach allowed them to experiment freely amid label limbo, releasing at least eight volumes in the PTFAO series alone to build a fanbase. As their own album remained on hold, R. City pivoted to external songwriting and production, emerging as sought-after hitmakers for major artists. In 2011, they co-wrote Rihanna's "Man Down" during a Def Jam writing camp in , crafting lyrics inspired by Bob Marley's "" to evoke a narrative of regret and confrontation; the track became a standout on her album Loud. Building on this, they contributed to Rihanna's "" in 2013, penning verses that blended trap beats with boasts of opulence for her Unapologetic project. That same year, R. City co-authored Miley Cyrus's "," originally conceived for but adapted into a party anthem that captured Cyrus's bold reinvention on , earning them credits alongside Mike WiLL Made-It. These collaborations underscored their transitional phase, prioritizing high-impact placements for others while honing their craft for future solo endeavors.

Debut album and commercial success (2014–2015)

In 2014, the production duo R. City, consisting of brothers Theron and Timothy Thomas, signed a recording deal with and Dr. Luke's imprint , marking their return to a major label after years of independent work and songwriting for other artists. This partnership provided the platform for their transition from behind-the-scenes producers to front-facing performers, with the duo handling much of the creative direction for their upcoming project. Their debut studio album, , was released on October 9, 2015, through Kemosabe and RCA, featuring 14 tracks that blended pop, , and R&B influences reflective of their roots. Key tracks included the introspective "Broadway," the upbeat "Take You Down," and collaborations such as "Make Up" with and "Don't You Worry" with ; the album was largely self-produced by R. City, with additional contributions from producers like and . The project emphasized themes of perseverance and ambition, drawing from the duo's personal journey in the music industry. Preceding the album, R. City released the lead single "I'm That..." featuring 2 Chainz in October 2014, which showcased their energetic style and served as an introduction to their label era, though it achieved modest chart success. The breakthrough came with the second single, "Locked Away" featuring Adam Levine of Maroon 5, released in June 2015; the track peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking their highest-charting single as lead artists and topping charts in several countries including Poland and the Czech Republic. By November 2023, the official music video for "Locked Away" had surpassed 1 billion views on YouTube, underscoring its enduring digital footprint. The song earned platinum certification from the RIAA in the United States for over 1 million units sold and platinum status from the BPI in the United Kingdom, while charting in 46 countries and peaking at No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart, highlighting its global crossover appeal. Commercially, debuted and peaked at No. 25 on the , driven primarily by the momentum from "Locked Away," which propelled album sales and streaming in its wake. The release solidified R. City's mainstream breakthrough, with the single's international success contributing to broader recognition of their songwriting prowess and production style.

Ongoing songwriting and recent milestones (2016–present)

Following the release of their debut album in 2015, R. City shifted their primary focus to songwriting and production for other artists, leveraging their expertise to contribute to high-profile projects across pop, R&B, and hip-hop genres. This transition allowed the duo, consisting of brothers Theron "Uptown AP" Thomas and Timothy "A.I." Thomas, to build on their earlier successes by crafting hits for established and emerging talents without pursuing new solo material. Their production work extended to contemporary urban artists, including co-writing Lil Durk's 2023 single "All My Life" featuring from the album , a reflective track that earned critical acclaim for its introspective lyrics and reached No. 2 on the Hot 100. Similarly, Theron Thomas co-wrote Tyla's "Been Thinking" from her 2023 self-titled debut album, infusing the amapiano-inflected R&B track with vibrant, genre-fusing energy that contributed to the album's global breakthrough. These collaborations underscored R. City's role in shaping modern soundscapes, often emphasizing themes of resilience and romance while incorporating influences from their Virgin Islands roots. Contributions to earlier Grammy-winning projects, such as Rihanna's 2012 album Unapologetic—which earned Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 2014 Grammys and featured their writing on tracks like ""—continued to highlight their lasting impact on award-caliber work.) No new studio albums from R. City have been released since , with the duo prioritizing behind-the-scenes production and selective features over full-length solo endeavors. This strategic emphasis has sustained their relevance, as evidenced by their involvement in multiple Grammy-nominated and winning efforts through 2023. In , Theron Thomas received the Grammy Award for Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical at the , recognizing his prolific output on songs like "All My Life," "Been Thinking," and "Seven" by Jungkook ft. . That April, both Theron and Timothy Thomas were awarded honorary degrees by the during its 60th commencement ceremonies, honoring their contributions to music and their representation of talent on the global stage. As of November 2025, R. City remains active in the industry, continuing to focus on production and songwriting collaborations without documented major tours or new solo releases. In 2025, Theron Thomas began collaborating with his 12-year-old son Amir on , releasing the EP Happy Halloween under Sumo's World in October. Their ongoing work, including recent contributions to projects by artists like and , reaffirms their status as influential architects of contemporary hits.

Musical style and artistry

Genres and influences

R. City, consisting of brothers Theron and Timothy Thomas, primarily operates within the genres of hip-hop, R&B, and pop, often infusing their work with elements such as and island rhythms to create a distinctive hybrid sound. Their music evolved from rap-heavy early efforts, characterized by aggressive flows and street-oriented , to more melodic songwriting that emphasizes singing and harmonious hooks, a shift that became prominent after their 2009 experiences with label delays. The duo's influences are deeply rooted in their upbringing in the , where they drew from traditions including artists like and , as well as the broader island soundscape that shaped their melodic sensibilities. Exposure to U.S. hip-hop icons such as , , , and The Fugees further informed their foundational style, blending conscious lyricism with rhythmic innovation. They also cite producers like and as key inspirations for their production approach, alongside the energetic vibes of and the pop-rap flair of and . Upon relocating to the mainland, R. City's sound incorporated elements of the trap scene, particularly the melodic trap style popularized by artists like , which resonated with their heritage and added urban edge to their tracks. This fusion manifests in style markers like infectious, island-derived hooks layered over trap-influenced beats, as heard in early rap singles versus later melodic hits like "," which merges reggae rhythms with pop accessibility. This hybrid approach has persisted in their recent songwriting, infusing flavors into tracks like Lizzo's "" (2022) and Latto's "" (2021).

Songwriting and production techniques

R. City, the duo consisting of brothers Theron and Timothy Thomas, employs a highly collaborative songwriting process rooted in their sibling dynamic, where they bounce ideas back and forth to refine melodies and until both are satisfied with the outcome. They typically begin sessions by initial melodies and words in the vocal booth, often starting from scratch or building over existing producer tracks, which allows for organic development of emotional narratives. This approach emphasizes crafting compelling hooks and versatile structures that transcend genres, drawing from their heritage to infuse songs with universal appeal while adapting fluidly to the artist's voice and emotional state—for instance, probing how the performer feels to ensure authenticity in the storytelling. In production, the duo self-produces the majority of their work, leveraging workstations to layer vocals extensively for rich, textured soundscapes that enhance emotional depth. They integrate island-influenced beats—such as soca rhythms—with hip-hop and pop elements, creating hybrid grooves that reflect their upbringing and add rhythmic vitality to tracks. Writing frequently stems from personal experiences, like themes of resilience and island , which ground their in genuine sentiment and make the music relatable across cultural boundaries. Their techniques have evolved from early experimentation with mixtapes in makeshift setups, such as rehearsing in a St. Thomas apartment, to sophisticated professional studio environments following their breakthrough. This progression has enabled greater precision in vocal layering and beat fusion, while maintaining a focus on hooks that prioritize over for memorable impact. Throughout, they stress with artists, tailoring productions to fit individual styles without compromising their core emphasis on heartfelt, hook-driven versatility.

Legacy and impact

Awards and honors

R. City first achieved Grammy recognition in 2009 for their songwriting contributions to Jennifer Hudson's self-titled debut album, which won Best R&B Album at the . Their work on the track "If This Isn't Love" helped secure this honor during the duo's early label phase. Building on their growing reputation as songwriters, R. City contributed to Rihanna's 2012 album Unapologetic, which earned Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards in 2014. This win aligned with their breakthroughs in the late 2000s and early 2010s, highlighting their impact on major R&B and pop projects. The duo has accumulated numerous Grammy nominations for songwriting across genres from 2014 to 2025, totaling more than 12 nods, though their debut album What Dreams Are Made Of (2015) received no Grammy nominations. Notable among these were seven nominations in 2022, including Best Melodic Rap Performance for Latto's "Big Energy," three nominations for the 2025 Grammy Awards spanning the Twisters soundtrack, Shenseea's Never Gets Late Here, and a Muni Long and Usher collaboration (none winning), and a nomination for Song of the Year for "APT." (with ROSÉ and Bruno Mars) for the 2026 Grammy Awards. In a recent milestone reflecting their ongoing influence, Theron Thomas won Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical, at the in 2024 for his 2023 contributions, including work with artists like and Chlöe. This individual accolade underscores R. City's evolution into a powerhouse in contemporary songwriting during their post-2015 independent era. Beyond music awards, R. City received honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees from the University of the Virgin Islands in May 2024, recognizing their cultural contributions as native Virgin Islanders. Their breakthrough single "Locked Away" (featuring ), released in 2015, has earned multi-platinum certifications worldwide, including platinum status by the RIAA in the United States for one million units sold or streamed.

Cultural contributions and recognition

R. City, the duo consisting of brothers Theron and Timothy Thomas from Saint Thomas in the U.S. , has consistently promoted pride in their island heritage through their lyrics and public engagements. Their music often draws directly from experiences, such as the track "The Rain," which was inspired by the devastation of in 1995, reflecting themes of resilience and community that resonate deeply with locals. In public appearances, the brothers have emphasized unapologetic representation of culture, as seen in their 2023 single "W.A.P.A.," a Caribbean-infused track celebrating island identity and slang like "wapa" for charm or flair. Their efforts culminated in a significant 2024 homecoming event at the ' 60th commencement, where they received honorary degrees for their contributions to music and culture, an occasion that drew community-wide celebration and underscored their role as hometown ambassadors. As pioneers in Caribbean-American music, R. City has paved the way for duo success from underrepresented regions by blending reggae and hip-hop with mainstream pop and trap influences, a fusion that anticipated broader industry trends toward global sounds. Their breakthrough hit "Locked Away," featuring , exemplifies this bridge, topping the Pop Songs chart in 2015 and introducing rhythms to wide audiences while addressing personal themes of trust and incarceration drawn from their father's imprisonment. This track, along with their songwriting credits on hits like Rihanna's "Man Down," has inspired aspiring songwriters from backgrounds by demonstrating pathways from local talent shows to international acclaim despite starting in on a small island. Through production work with artists like and , they have mentored emerging talents by sharing studio techniques and opportunities, further extending their influence. In 2024, Theron Thomas's Grammy win for Songwriter of the Year (Non-Classical) garnered extensive media coverage as a historic milestone for artists, marking the first time a native had claimed the honor and spotlighting the territory's creative potential on a global stage. Outlets praised the achievement as a triumph for diversity, with Governor publicly congratulating Thomas on behalf of the U.S. for elevating island representation in the music industry. This recognition, coupled with their establishment of a scholarship fund at the in honor of their late father, reinforces their legacy of fostering the next generation from their homeland.

Discography

Studio albums

R. City's debut studio album, What Dreams Are Made Of, was released on October 9, 2015, through RCA Records and Kemosabe Records. The project features 12 tracks, with the duo handling primary production duties alongside executive production from Dr. Luke, Cirkut, and others. It debuted at number 25 on the US Billboard 200, selling 16,000 equivalent album units in its first week. The album received mixed critical reception, with reviewers praising its infectious hooks and Caribbean-infused pop-reggae sound but critiquing its lack of cohesion and heavy use of Auto-Tune. AllMusic noted the record's polished production and standout collaborations, such as on the lead single "Locked Away" featuring Adam Levine, while highlighting inconsistencies in the track sequencing that diluted its overall impact. Renowned for Sound described it as a "strange beast," applauding the reggae fusion elements in the front half but finding the latter sections more tonally varied yet uneven. Despite initial commercial momentum from "," which has amassed over 1.2 billion global streams as of 2023, the album did not achieve significant long-term sales or certifications. R. City has not released a second studio album, instead shifting focus to songwriting and production for other artists, including high-profile tracks for and . In 2012, a Japanese-exclusive compilation titled Songs That We Wrote was issued via , featuring covers and versions of songs the duo had penned for others, but it is not considered a full studio effort.

Mixtapes and singles

R. City released 15 mixtapes between 2008 and 2012, primarily under the PTFAO (Put the Fucking Album Out) series and their own Rebelution imprint, with notable examples including Wake the Neighbors (2008) and the Planet VI series such as The American Dream (2011). These free digital releases, distributed via platforms like DatPiff, served as a strategy to build grassroots support amid delays from major labels like Kon Live and Geffen, often featuring raw demonstrations of their hip-hop and Caribbean fusion style alongside collaborations with artists including Akon and Swizz Beatz. The PTFAO volumes, numbering at least eight, captured the duo's frustration with shelved projects like the unreleased Wake the Neighbors album, while Rebelution-era tapes emphasized independent creativity and roots. Key non-album singles from their early career include (2008, ), their debut release that failed to chart prominently but highlighted their pop-rap versatility. Later breakthroughs featured "I'm That..." (2015, , feat. ), which peaked at number 95 on the , and the standout (2015, RCA/Kemosabe, feat. ), reaching number 6 on the Hot 100, certified platinum by the RIAA for 1 million units sold in the U.S., and accumulating over 1 billion views. Post-2015, their singles discography expanded through label-backed and independent drops, including features on tracks like "V.I O.G's" (2013, feat. Paebak) and more recent 2025 releases such as "Fete You" (feat. Deli Banger) and "Disturbia" (with Minelli), maintaining their focus on infectious, genre-blending hooks while achieving certifications like 3x platinum in for "." Total non-album singles number around 10 up to 2025, with peaks often in the top 100 globally via streaming platforms.
TitleYearPeak Chart PositionCertificationsNotes
2008--Debut single;
V.I O.G's (as featured)2013--With Paebak
I'm That... (feat. )2015US Hot 100: 95-
(feat. )2015US Hot 100: 6US: Platinum; AU: 3x PlatinumOver 1B views; RCA/
Fete You (feat. Deli Banger)2025--Independent single
Disturbia (with Minelli)2025--Feature collaboration

References

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  30. https://music.apple.com/us/album/what-dreams-are-made-of/1031371160
  31. https://www.discogs.com/master/926970-R-City-What-Dreams-Are-Made-Of
  32. https://music.apple.com/us/album/im-that-feat-2-chainz-single/928109832
  33. https://worldmusicviews.com/r-city-lovked-away-ft-adam-levine-surpasses-1-billion-views-on-youtube/
  34. http://musicchartsarchive.com/artists/r-city
  35. https://www.shazam.com/en-us/song/1667020971/been-thinking
  36. https://our.today/r-city-celebrates-virgin-island-roots-in-new-track-w-a-p-a/
  37. https://grammy.com/news/theron-thomas-songwriter-of-the-year-2024-grammys
  38. https://www.uvi.edu/news/2024/24_074_uvi_to_bestow_honorary_degrees_rock_city_aviation.html
  39. https://royaltyexchange.com/blog/theron-thomas-the-hitmaker-behind-lizzos-new-sound
  40. https://www.uvi.edu/bucs4life/issuetwo/rcity-establishes-scholarship.html
  41. http://www.nickalive.net/2025/10/grammy-award-winning-producer.html
  42. https://www.ajc.com/arts-entertainment/2025/06/this-grammy-winning-atlantans-next-act-making-music-with-son/
  43. https://www.largeup.com/2015/12/04/rock-city-soundtrack-a-virgin-islands-playlist-from-r-city/
  44. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/rock-city-a-creative-movm_b_903671
  45. https://www.caribbeanemagazine.com/single-post/theron-thomas-the-caribbean-hitmaker-shaping-global-music
  46. https://blavity.com/theron-thomas-grammy-songwriter-of-the-year-nomination-interview
  47. https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/no-one-understands-the-pressure-of-being-labelled-as-a-hit-songwriter-then-somebody-puts-you-in-a-room-with-strangers-and-theyre-like-hey-i-need-a-smash/
  48. https://grammy.com/videos/jennifer-hudson-best-rb-album-2009-grammys-win-speech
  49. https://grammy.com/awards/56th-annual-grammy-awards
  50. https://grammy.com/news/rihanna-songs-albums-discography-music-guide-career
  51. https://grammy.com/news/2024-grammys-nominees-songwriter-of-the-year
  52. https://headlineplanet.com/home/2015/10/07/r-city-adam-levines-locked-away-certified-platinum-in-the-us/
  53. https://www.ebony.com/theron-thomas-grammy-award-winning-songwriter-of-the-year-2024/
  54. https://www.284media.com/community/2024/05/10/r-city-receives-honorary-doctorates-gives-back-to-uvi/
  55. http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6714421/r-city-adam-levine-locked-away-pop-songs-chart
  56. https://www.vibe.com/features/editorial/views-from-the-studio-r-city-362480/
  57. https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/rock-citys-theron-thomas-wins-2024-songwriter-of-the-year-grammy-awards
  58. https://www.discogs.com/release/7839540-R-City-What-Dreams-Are-Made-Of
  59. https://www.billboard.com/pro/billboard-200-chart-moves-kane-brown/
  60. https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/r-city-what-dreams-are-made-of-album-review-1.2383873
  61. https://www.allmusic.com/album/what-dreams-are-made-of-mw0002875441
  62. https://renownedforsound.com/album-review-r-city-what-dreams-are-made-of/
  63. https://chartmasters.org/artist/?id=4TH4BHy0LdBi3dpBW4P2UX
  64. https://www.discogs.com/release/16788780-Rock-City-Songs-That-We-Wrote
  65. https://www.discogs.com/artist/942566-Rock-City-2
  66. https://genius.com/albums/R-city/The-american-dream
  67. https://www.certifiedmixtapez.com/Main/Details?refId=020cc086
  68. https://open.spotify.com/artist/4TH4BHy0LdBi3dpBW4P2UX
  69. https://www.discogs.com/release/15837635-Rock-City-2-Don-Cannon-PTFAO-The-Saga-Continues
  70. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWwnqIdX7q0
  71. https://www.billboard.com/artist/r-city/
  72. https://www.billboard.com/pro/hot-100-chart-moves-r-city-adam-levine-leap-with-locked-away/
  73. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1168709956489790&id=182418875118908&set=a.1168709723156480
  74. https://genius.com/artists/R-city
  75. https://music.apple.com/tr/album/disturbia/1790433128
  76. https://open.spotify.com/track/5xRlKaAz2pOWk6u97QdTFs
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