Choose your Rapper name carefully

'Eminem' is a reference to his real name, Marshall Mathers (the 3rd for anyone playing at home). 'M and M'. It makes sense, it's catchy, you can slur it, and you can turn the letters backwards to make it look 1337. In short, and as far as names in the music biz go, it's a clever and memorable one.

I discovered another name this morning and it's memorable for all the wrong reasons. This guy's name is Rodney Jerkins.
Yep, Rodney Jerkins. Let me say it again, 'Rodney Jerkins'.
I'm not lying either:

http://omg.yahoo.com/news/jacksons-reunite-at-bmi-urban-awards/12744

'Other BMI Urban Award winners included Soulja Boy, Polow Da Don, Rodney Jerkins and DJ Montay'

You can't tell me that Rodney Jerkins doesn't evoke images of a polite, yet rather stiff (dick joke number one) English butler. 'Would sir like some tea with his scones?'
'Yes Rodney, that would be delightful.'
'Excellent, sir. I shall have it served in the conservatory.'
'There's one more thing, Rodney.'
'Yes, sir?'
'Your full name is Rodney Jerkins, is it not?'
'Sir is correct.'
'That is a smashing name for a butler.'
'Thank you, sir.'

That's how I imagine every conversation involving anyone called Rodney to go. He has a stiff (number two) upper lip, a neatly-pressed shirt, and an impeccable, if somewhat sober taste, in suits.

At the same time, this is how I imagine the conversation went when Rodney-fucking-Jerkins parents told him his name for the first time.

'Yo dawg, I chose your name, wanna hear it?'
'Shoot'
'Rodney Jerkins'
'I fucking hate you'.

Feel free to insert more 'yo's', 'dawgs' and 'sups' in there where you feel appropriate.

Now, I'm fully aware that Rodney Jerkins is his real name, and I'm fully aware that he's a producer and not a rapper. But... really? If he changed his name when he was younger, I think everyone could understand (unless he came from an illustrious butling family). Jenkins I get - it's an old name, but Jerkins? Sure, it means 'Leather vest', but it isn't exactly hard-hitting is it? Wikipedia.org indicates that his nickname is 'Darkchild'. So at least he's on the right track, insofar as much that his badass nickname rated a mention.

Here's the clincher though. In the world of Eminems, Soulja boy (LOL, come off it man, learn to spell or get the fuck out), could it be that Rodney Jerkins has hit on the perfect marketing ploy? Could it be that by using his real name he shows that he doesn't care what people think and can use this to produce honest, quality music? Could it be that using his real and definitely giggle-inducing name has meant that he has become a standout in the industry? The latter, yes, the former, no. He produced Britney's 'I Love Rock and Roll' J.Lo's 'If You Had My Love', so I wouldn't call it honest or quality music. His name does stand out though.

Rodney Jerkins... really?