Rittz

Last updated
Rittz
Birth nameJonathan Matthew McCollum [1]
Also known asRittz the Rapper [2]
Born (1980-08-16) August 16, 1980 (age 43) [3]
Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Origin Gwinnett County, Georgia, U.S.
Genres Hip hop
Occupation(s)
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
Years active2007–present
Labels
Website www.rittzmusic.com

Jonathan Matthew McCollum (born August 16, 1980), better known by his stage name Rittz, is an American rapper. His debut album The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant was released on April 30, 2013, rising to number 8 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. His next two albums, Next to Nothing (2014) and Top of the Line (2016) peaked at number 3 on the same chart. His fourth album, Last Call (2017), hit number 43 on the Billboard 200. All of these were released under Tech N9ne's Strange Music label.

Contents

Rittz fulfilled his four-album contract with Strange, then formed his own record label, CNT Entertainment, through which he released Put a Crown on It in 2019. [4] The album reflects Rittz's battle to free himself from drug and alcohol addiction. [5] The album hit number 6 on Billboard's Independent Albums chart.

Career

1980–2009: Early life and career

Rittz was born in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, on August 16, 1980, and moved with his family to the suburbs of Gwinnett County, Georgia, when he was eight years old. [6] [7] His parents were intensely interested in rock and roll, ensuring that he and his siblings were exposed to musical instruments and recording studios from a young age. [7]

Around 2003, after numerous disappointments, Rittz's musical career stalled. "I won Battlegrounds on Hot 107.9, got retired and shit and felt like I was 'bout to make it. But, so many industry up and downs, with managers, contracts…" He was broke, feeling dejected, living with friends, and ready to resign from the rap game. However, in 2009 he was contacted by the rapper Yelawolf, and this led to financial support. "I had some money behind me." Rittz says, "Everything was going good and then everything fell out, at the same time, I'm getting older, thinking it's time to hang it up. This isn't gonna happen and that's when Yelawolf put me on 'Box Chevy'." [7] Rittz stated in a 2013 interview that he had supported himself by working various "nine to five" jobs, such as in the restaurant industry. Rittz also went on to say that he would commonly tell people he was a rapper, even when he was not active. [6]

2010–13: White Jesus and The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant

Rittz's career breakthrough occurred with the release of Yelawolf's 2010 EP track "Box Chevy". [8] Since then, he has frequently collaborated with Yelawolf, and the pair toured together on the 2012 Slumerican Tour. [9] Rittz is also widely known for his 2011 mixtape White Jesus. [10] In 2012 he took his favorite songs from White Jesus and added a few new songs and re-released it as White Jesus: Revival. [11]

Rittz signed to Tech N9ne's Strange Music in 2012. [12] Rittz and Tech N9ne immediately began working together, releasing the popular collaboration remix of Rittz's "Bloody Murdah" shortly after Rittz joined the label. [13] He released his solo debut, The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant on April 30, 2013. [14] On October 15, 2013, Rittz appeared with fellow rappers Wax, Rapsody, Emis Killa and Jon Connor in the first cypher at the 2013 BET Hip Hop Awards. [15]

2014–2017: Next to Nothing, Top of the Line and Last Call

In April 2014, Rittz announced via Facebook that he would release his next album Next To Nothing on September 9, 2014. [16] In an August 2015 interview with NEHipHop, Rittz announced that he would be releasing an album in May 2016, titled Top of the Line. [17] In July 2017, Rittz announced that his next album would be titled Last Call and would be released on September 29, 2017. [18]

Following the release of Last Call, Rittz had fulfilled his contractual obligations to Strange Music and decided not to renew his contract, amicably parting ways with the label. He founded his own label, CNT Entertainment. [19]

Discography

Albums

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tech N9ne</span> American rapper

Aaron Dontez Yates, better known by his stage name Tech N9ne, is an American rapper and singer. In 1999, he and business partner Travis O'Guin founded the record label Strange Music. He has sold over two million albums and has had his music featured in film, television, and video games. In 2009, he won the Left Field Woodie award at the mtvU Woodie Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Strange Music</span> US record label

Strange Music is an American independent record label specializing in hip hop music and founded by Tech N9ne and Travis O'Guin in 1999.

¡Mayday! is an American hip hop group from Miami, Florida. The group comprises rappers Bernardo "Bernz" Garcia and Ben "Wrekonize" Miller, along with producer and percussionist Andrews "NonMS" Mujica. Until 2015, the group also included keyboard player and guitarist Aaron Eckhart, drummer Terrel, and bassist Gianni Perocapi. The band was formerly signed to Tech N9ne and Travis O'Guin's Strange Music label. As of May 1, 2022, all future releases will be on their own label Mayday Music distributed by It Goes Up.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Krizz Kaliko</span> American rapper from Missouri

Samuel William Christopher Watson, better known by his stage name Krizz Kaliko, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and voice actor. He is a longtime collaborator with fellow hometown native Tech N9ne and was signed to Strange Music from its inception in 1999 up to forming his own label Ear House Inc. in 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kutt Calhoun</span> American rapper

Melvin Lewis Calhoun Jr., better known by his stage name Kutt Calhoun, is an American rapper and business executive from Kansas City, Missouri. After getting his start in the late 1990s underground rap scene of Kansas City, he subsequently signed to Strange Music when the label was founded in 1999. Calhoun released his debut album B.L.E.V.E. in 2004, and his 2007 sophomore album Feature Presentation debuted at number 60 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Calhoun's third album, Raw and Un-Kutt, made its debut at number 162 on the Billboard 200 chart in its first week of release, as well as charting at No. 19 on the Top Heatseekers chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jay Rock</span> American rapper

Johnny Reed McKinzie Jr., better known by his stage name Jay Rock, is an American rapper. Born and raised in Los Angeles, he signed with local independent label Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in 2005. He secured a major label joint venture deal with Warner Bros. Records and Asylum Records to release his 2008 debut single, "All My Life ". Failing to chart, the mergers fell through and Rock departed from both of the latter labels shortly after. He then signed with Missouri rapper Tech N9ne's label Strange Music in a joint venture deal with TDE in 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yelawolf</span> American rapper

Michael Wayne Atha, better known by his stage name Yelawolf, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer. Born in Gadsden, Alabama, and raised in Antioch, Tennessee, he embarked on his recording career in 2005, releasing four mixtapes to positive local reception. His debut extended play (EP), Trunk Muzik gained Yelawolf mainstream recognition, leading him to sign a recording contract with Interscope Records. He re-worked the EP as his first major label release, Trunk Muzik 0-60 (2010).

<i>All 6s and 7s</i> 2011 studio album by Tech N9ne

All 6's and 7's is the eleventh studio album by American rapper Tech N9ne. It was released on June 7, 2011, through Strange Music. The album was released to universal acclaim by music critics, and peaked at number four on the Billboard 200 and at number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts.

Strange Music is an American independent record label founded by Tech N9ne and Travis O'Guin in 1999, specializing in hip hop music. It is currently distributed through Fontana Distribution.

<i>Knock Madness</i> Album by Hopsin

Knock Madness is the third studio album by American rapper Hopsin. It was released on November 24, 2013, by Funk Volume and distributed by EMPIRE. Hopsin has said that the overall vibe of the album is different from his previous album Raw and that he has said all he needs to about leaving Ruthless Records. The album contains guest appearances from rappers SwizZz, Dizzy Wright, Jarren Benton, and Tech N9ne, among others. Like its predecessors, the album's production was entirely handled by Hopsin himself.

<i>Something Else</i> (Tech N9ne album) 2013 studio album by Tech N9ne

Something Else is the thirteenth studio album by American rapper Tech N9ne. It was released on July 30, 2013, by Strange Music, RBC Records and INgrooves. The album has broken up into three portions – Earth, Water & Fire. Production on the album was handled during 2012 to 2013, primarily by frequent collaborator Seven, among others such as Young Fyre, Drumma Boy, and Fredwreck. The album features guest appearances from B.o.B, Big K.R.I.T., CeeLo Green, The Doors, The Game, Kendrick Lamar, Serj Tankian, T-Pain, Trae tha Truth, and Wiz Khalifa, among others including several artists from Tech N9ne's Strange Music imprint.

<i>The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant</i> 2013 studio album by Rittz

The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant is the first studio album by the American rapper Rittz. The album was released on April 30, 2013, by Strange Music. The album has guest appearances by Big K.R.I.T., Mike Posner, Suga Free, Tech N9ne, Krizz Kaliko and Yelawolf.

<i>Strangeulation</i> 2014 studio album by Tech N9ne

Strangeulation is the fourteenth studio album by American rapper Tech N9ne, the fifth in his "Collabos" series. The album was released on May 6, 2014, by Strange Music. The album features guest appearances from the entire Strange Music roster, including its newest signing at the time — Murs, as well as some outside collaborators such as Tyler Lyon, Ryan Bradley, Mackenzie O'Guin, Kendall Morgan, John 5 and Serj Tankian.

<i>Rollin Stone</i> (album) 2012 studio album by Stevie Stone

Rollin' Stone is the second studio album by American rapper Stevie Stone. The album was released on June 12, 2012, by Strange Music. The album features guest appearances from Tech N9ne, Krizz Kaliko, Kutt Calhoun, Peetah Morgan, Yelawolf, Hopsin, SwizZz, Big Scoob, Spaide R.I.P.P.E.R., Wrekonize, Magnum PI and Bernz. The album debuted at number 78 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The discography of Rittz, an American hip hop artist, consists of seven studio albums, thirty-one singles, two mixtapes, two extended play and thirteen music videos. His music has been released on record labels Slumerican and Strange Music.

<i>Next to Nothing</i> (Rittz album) 2014 studio album by Rittz

Next to Nothing is the second studio album by American rapper Rittz. The album was released on September 9, 2014, by Strange Music. The album features guest appearances from Twista, Yelawolf, Trae tha Truth, Mike Posner, B.o.B, Shawty Fatt, and Scar.

<i>Dominion</i> (Tech N9ne album) 2017 studio album by Tech N9ne

Dominion is the eighteenth studio album by American rapper Tech N9ne, the seventh in his "Collabos" series. The album was released on April 7, 2017, by Strange Music. It features the entire Strange Music roster and it was solely produced by the label's in-house producer Seven, with the exception of "Jesus and a Pill" being co-produced by Joshua S. Barber

<i>Last Call</i> (Rittz album) 2017 studio album by Rittz

Last Call is the fourth studio album by American rapper Rittz. The album was released on September 29, 2017, by Strange Music. In the album first week it sold 49,000 copies. It is also the final album under his contract with Strange Music.

<i>Strange Reign</i> 2017 studio album by Tech N9ne

Strange Reign is the nineteenth studio album by American rapper Tech N9ne, the eighth in his "Collabos" series. The album was released on October 13, 2017, by Strange Music. It features the entire Strange Music roster and it was solely produced by the label's in-house producer Seven, with the exception of "Dangerous" and "These Hands" being co-produced with Sainte and Joshua S. Barber respectively along with "'Brand New Hunnids" being produced by Frizz.

<i>Trunk Muzik 3</i> 2019 studio album by Yelawolf

Trunk Muzik III is the fifth studio album by American rapper Yelawolf, released on March 29, 2019. It is his final album under Eminem's imprint Shady Records, and was released in conjunction with Interscope Records and Yelawolf's own label Slumerican. The album marks a return to an emphasis on the southern hip hop sound that was predominant in Yelawolf's music at the start of the decade, a contrast to the country-folk and hip hop fusions of his previous two albums. While the album is titled as the third in the Trunk Muzik series, it is, technically, the fourth, following his 2009 mixtape Trunk Muzik, its subsequent 2010 reissue Trunk Muzik 0-60, and 2013's Trunk Muzik Returns.

References

  1. ↑ "ACE Repertory". Archived from the original on 2017-02-06. Retrieved 2021-07-11.
  2. ↑ "iTunes / Trunk Muzik 0-60". Apple Inc. 2010-11-22. Retrieved 2016-07-10.
  3. ↑ "Twitter / Therealrittz: Thanks For The Birthday Wishes". Twitter.com. Retrieved 2013-06-11.
  4. ↑ "Rittz Reveals Why He's Leaving Strange Music | HipHopDX". 3 October 2017. Archived from the original on 2017-10-03. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  5. ↑ Milligan, Kaitlin. "Rittz Drops New Album PUT A CROWN ON IT". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  6. 1 2 Nguyen, Michael (2013-04-30). "Rittz Affirms "Fuck Swag" Stance; Says He Doesn't Believe In Selling Out | Rappers Talk Hip Hop Beef & Old School Hip Hop". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2013-05-05.
  7. 1 2 3 Company, The (2012-11-29). "Rittz Ponders Why He Isn't Mentioned Amongst Other White Rappers, Explains "Two Atlantas"". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2013-06-11.
  8. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Trunk Muzik 0-60 by Yelawolf". Itunes.apple.com. 2010-11-22. Retrieved 2013-05-05.
  9. ↑ Horowitz, Steven J. (2012-06-26). "Yelawolf Announces "Slumerican" Tour Dates". HipHopDX . Retrieved 2013-05-05.
  10. ↑ "Rittz - White Jesus Hosted by DJ Burn One // Free Mixtape @". Datpiff.com. Retrieved 2013-05-05.
  11. ↑ "Rittz – White Jesus: Revival (Mixtape)". 2dopeboyz. 2012-03-08. Retrieved 2013-05-05.
  12. ↑ "XXcLusive: Tech N9ne's Strange Music Signs Rittz [VIDEO] - XXL". Xxlmag.com. 2012-08-29. Retrieved 2013-05-05.
  13. ↑ "Rittz f. Tech N9ne - "Bloody Murdah [Remix]"". HipHopDX. 2013-01-10. Retrieved 2013-05-05.
  14. ↑ "iTunes - Music - The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant (Deluxe Edition) by Rittz". Itunes.apple.com. 2013-04-30. Retrieved 2013-05-05.
  15. ↑ "2013 BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher: Wax, Rapsody, Emis Killa, Rittz & Jon Connor". RapRadar. 2013-10-15. Retrieved 2013-12-20.
  16. ↑ "RITTZ - S/O to 3 LITTLE DIGS!!! THE TITLE AND RELEASE DATE..." Facebook. Retrieved 2015-08-17.
  17. ↑ "WATCH: Rittz Talks Next Album, Possible Collab Project With Yelawolf [Video". Strange Music, Inc. 2015-08-07. Retrieved 2015-08-17.
  18. ↑ " "My New Album "LAST CALL" Drops 9/29". Twitter. 2017-07-27. Retrieved 2017-07-27.
  19. ↑ " "Rittz on His Break With Strange Music and His New Label, Cli-N-Tel". Westword. 2018-11-02. Retrieved 2018-11-05.
  20. ↑ "Picture Perfect by Rittz". 9 October 2020 – via Apple Music.
  21. ↑ "Rittzmas by Rittz". 4 December 2020 – via Apple Music.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.