Official electronic press kit · documented discography
Sweetenlo
Toledo’s first rapper. The city’s first rap artist with a major record deal. Recording artist, producer and independent hip-hop pioneer.
The story
A Toledo first—built from the ground up.
Timothy Perkins, professionally known as Sweetenlo and Sweetnlo, is identified by the Toledo Lucas County Public Library as Toledo’s first rapper. His recorded history begins before the major-label breakthrough: Discogs documents the 1989 Party Patrol 12-inch with Party Patrol on Micha Records.
Toledo City Paper reports that Sweetenlo’s 1990 WRAP/Ichiban album Not to Be Tooken Lightly became the first major record deal to come out of Toledo. A contemporary 1990 Cash Box trade report confirms his signing to WRAP/Ichiban.
The same local history records an early performance opening for Dana Dane and KRS-One, and notes Sweetenlo’s label role in the release of female MC F1rst Star’s album My Grip Is Like a Cobra.
Discogs overview
Core discography
Seven documented Sweetenlo releases.
12-inch · 33⅓ RPM · MR-63936
Micha Records
Cassette single · MR63937
Micha Records
Album · vinyl and cassette · 3 listed versions
Ichiban / Wrap
Single · 2 listed versions
Ichiban / Wrap
12-inch single · 2 listed versions
Ichiban / Wrap
Album · CD and cassette · 2 listed versions
Wrap / Powerplay
Promotional 12-inch · 12-PO 248
Wrap / Power Play
Release count, years, formats, labels and catalog information follow the Discogs Sweetenlo artist record. Discogs is a community-maintained music database; linked label and archival sources provide additional verification.
Breakthrough album · 1990
Not to Be Tooken Lightly
The 12-track album includes “Back for the Payback,” “Not to Be Tooken Lightly,” “The Original Tramp,” “Keepin It Smooth,” “I’ll Make You Dance,” “Just Rolling,” “That’s Sweetenlo” and “You Can’t Stop Hip Hop.”
Archival credits identify Sweetenlo as performer, arranger and mixer, as well as a producer on multiple tracks. Additional documented contributors include The U.S. Funk Mob, Andrew Harris, Walter Billops, Walter Guy, Keith Roberts, backing vocalist Holly Long, engineer Walter Guy, executive producer Keith Cooke and photographer Al Smith.
Second album · 1994
Compton Killa
Discogs lists CD and cassette versions on Wrap and Powerplay Records. AllMusic documents a September 27, 1994 release, Ichiban catalog number 8142 and a running time just over one hour.
The 13-song track list includes “Let’s Bounce,” “Fire Up the Fat One,” “Down for Your Hood,” “Compton Killa,” “Eazy Come,” “Rumble in the Jeep,” “Turn the Time Back,” “Never Leave Home Without It” and “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Me.”
Artwork shown: the rerelease cover for Sweetenlo’s single “The Original Tramp.” This is not the Compton Killa album cover.
Artist, producer and catalog contributor
More than the records under his own name.
Discogs currently groups Sweetenlo’s work into 4 appearances and 31 credits, reflecting a broader creative footprint than the seven core releases alone.
Toledo City Paper documents Sweetenlo’s Wrap Records connection to F1rst Star’s 1990 album My Grip Is Like a Cobra. Other archival sources credit Sweetenlo’s production, performance, arranging and mixing work.
This wider history matters for research, reissues and licensing: Sweetenlo’s story includes the records he made, the artists he supported and the infrastructure he helped build.
Music licensing
License the Sweetenlo catalog.
Licensing inquiries are welcome for film, television, documentaries, advertising, trailers, video games, podcasts, museum projects, sampling, compilations, reissues and archival releases.
Include the project title, requested recording, intended use, media, territory, term and proposed timing.
Press references
Sources behind the history.
Toledo City Paper — “Toledo Hip Hop 101” →
Toledo Lucas County Public Library — Sweetenlo identified as Toledo’s first rapper →
Cash Box, October 27, 1990 — WRAP/Ichiban signing report →
The Good Ol’Dayz — album credits and track details →
AllMusic — Compton Killa release record →
Approved short bio: Timothy Perkins, professionally known as Sweetenlo, is identified as Toledo’s first rapper and the city’s first rap artist to secure a major record deal. His documented recording history spans from the 1989 Party Patrol 12-inch through the landmark 1990 WRAP/Ichiban album Not to Be Tooken Lightly, major-label singles and the 1994 album Compton Killa. His catalog and credits preserve a foundational chapter in Toledo hip-hop.
For approved photography, music, archival materials, press information and licensing, contact the Sweetenlo estate through this website.