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Rap CD Is Tribute To Slain Sibling

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By JOSE PATINO GIRONA

jpatino@tampatrib.com

Published: February 11, 2009

TAMPA - John Dock struggles with the death of brother Cedric "C.J." Mills, a Jefferson High School football star who was killed outside his house nearly two years ago.

Dock said he visits his brother's grave to remember, meditate and gather inspiration.

After his brother died, Dock decided to pursue a rap music career in earnest. He said he uses his brother's death to help him to remain focused on his dream. In April, he plans to release a compact disc of his music that honors Mills.

"I'm trying to make him proud," Dock said. "I am proud of everything he did before he died."

Dock said the lyrics came easily because it was a personal story from his heart. He hopes the music will help people who have faced similar tragedies and inspire someone to come forward with information to help find his brother's killer.

Mills was shot in April 2007 outside his family's Carver City home. No one has been charged in the slaying, said Andrea Davis, a Tampa police spokeswoman.

Mills, 17, was a linebacker who aspired to play college and professional football.

Dock and Mills began rapping together as children. He said his younger brother was a talented rapper. Mills used the nickname Young Cutty Bre, Dock said.

"That was my best friend," said Dock, 20. "That's still my best friend."

Dock received help from Rory Rosario to complete the compact disc. Rosario, 20, said he used to hang out with Dock and Mills but had lost touch with them for nearly a year before Mills' death. When he heard what happened to Mills, he contacted Dock.

Rosario, who goes by the name Heat, said he produced and composed the beats for Dock's music.

"Nobody has a voice like him," said Rosario, who lives in Gibsonton. "Nobody raps like him. He is unique."

Dock, a 2007 Middleton High graduate, said the music moves and motivates him.

"It inspires me to do better," said Dock, who raps under the name Young Chucky D. Boy. "When I hear the music, I feel his presence. When you were in his presence, he just made things better."

To hear a sample of Dock's rap dedicated to his brother, visit TBO.com and type in Keyword: Rap for CJ. Reporter Jose Patino Girona can be reached at (813) 259-7659.

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