DX: How does your experience as an A&R inform your artist management side?
RV: I mean, A&R applies to everything. You can’t be a good manager unless you’re an A&R first in my eyes. You have to know when a hit is a hit. You have to know when the artist you’re signing is worth you investing all your time in. Just like I knew Jim Jonsin was and just like I knew T-Pain was. I’m real selective. I picked Jim before he had nine hit records on radio. I picked T-Pain before he was famous. It’s because what I heard, I loved. When you get those goosebumps and it justs feels right I know its going to be the shit. So definitely I think the most successful managers have to be A&Rs first or have someone in your camp that is.

DX: Makes a lot of sense, but let me ask you this: When will Rocco Valdes be able to kick back and say, "I made it."?
RV: Shit man, when I have my house next to Diddy’s on Star Island, and when I’m able to just give my whole family and friends everything they ever wanted. I want to make everyone’s dreams come true. So I have a long way to go before I kick back and say I’ve made it.