The man behind the track, Joseph Ellis, was already a pioneer in the Philadelphia hip-hop scene under the name . He was notable for being one of the first rappers to release music on his own label and for the local hit "Discombobulatorbubulator".
While Rocky V received mixed reviews, "Go For It" became a significant international success:
Following the song’s success, Ellis toured 35 cities across 13 countries, including Japan and various European nations. Joey B. Ellis - Go For It (Rocky V)
The track is often cited by fans as an underrated motivational anthem, with a music video that famously intercuts new dance choreography with classic clips from the previous four Rocky films. Musical Analysis and Themes
During the production of the Rocky V soundtrack, Atlantic Records introduced another act named " MC Breeze ." To avoid legal conflicts, Ellis adopted the stage name Joey B. Ellis —the "B" standing for his original moniker, Breeze. The man behind the track, Joseph Ellis, was
The single sold over 800,000 copies in Europe alone, leading MTV Europe to host a dedicated "Joey B. Ellis Day".
"Go For It (Heart and Fire)" remains the high-energy, early-'90s centerpiece of the Rocky V soundtrack, marking the franchise's shift toward a contemporary hip-hop aesthetic. Performed by and Tynetta Hare , the track served as a bridge between the classic Philly underdog spirit and the new jack swing era. The Artist: From MC Breeze to Joey B. Ellis The track is often cited by fans as
Tapped by Sylvester Stallone and MC Hammer's producer, Louis Burrell, Ellis became a focal point of the film’s music, contributing three self-written tracks: "Go for It," "Thought U Were the One for Me," and "All U Gotta Do Is Sing". Global Success and Impact