Toledo, Ohio · Hip-hop history
Sweetenlo
Toledo’s first rapper. The city’s first rap artist with a major record deal. A catalog built to outlive the moment.
The foundation
The first major rap deal out of Toledo
Timothy Perkins—known professionally as Sweetenlo and Sweetnlo—is identified by the Toledo Lucas County Public Library as Toledo’s first rapper. Toledo City Paper documents his 1990 WRAP/Ichiban album Not to Be Tooken Lightly as the first major record deal to come out of Toledo.
From opening for Dana Dane and KRS-One to recording two documented albums and influential 12-inch singles, Sweetenlo created a foundational chapter in Glass City hip-hop.
Featured release
The Original Tramp
A Sweetenlo classic—available digitally.
Hear the record across the platforms you use, and explore a catalog that moves from dance-floor funk and bass-heavy singles to uncompromising Midwest storytelling.
Recorded legacy
Two albums. One Toledo original.
Not to Be Tooken Lightly
The landmark 12-track WRAP/Ichiban album that marked Toledo’s first major record deal.
12-inch singles
“Keepin’ It Smooth” and “Back for the Payback” carried the sound into club, radio and vinyl formats.
Compton Killa
A second Ichiban album: 13 songs including “Let’s Bounce,” “Rumble in the Jeep” and the title track.
Music licensing
Bring the Sweetenlo catalog to the screen.
Licensing inquiries are welcome for film, television, documentaries, advertising, trailers, video games, podcasts, museum projects, sampling, compilations and archival releases.
Official merchandise
