Singer and producer Kevin Rudolf earned a reputation as a go-to rock guitarist for hip-hop artists in the 2000s. His 2008 solo single “Let It Rock,” featuring Lil Wayne, became a sports arena staple. • In 2001, Rudolf released an album under the pseudonym Binocular on Madonna’s Maverick Records label. The LP showcases a softer sound than the hard rock style he’d develop later. • After meeting producer Timbaland, Rudolf landed a gig playing guitar on Lil Kim’s 2003 single “The Jump Off.” This led to collaborations with Black Eyed Peas, Justin Timberlake, and more. • Rudolf then relaunched his solo career using his given name and signed to Cash Money as their first rock artist. His 2008 single “Let It Rock,” featuring Lil Wayne, reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. • He released two albums on Cash Money: In the City in 2008 and To the Sky in 2010.