Jonathan McCollum, better known by his stage name Rittz, was born on August 16, 1980, in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. At the age of 8, his family moved to Gwinnett County, Georgia, where he would spend his formative years. Growing up, his parents instilled a love for rock and roll music in him and his siblings, introducing them to instruments at a young age.
Rittz had aspirations of a career in music from a young age. In 2003, he began pursuing his dreams but faced numerous setbacks and failures along the way. Despite winning Battlegrounds on Hot 107.9, he found himself on the brink of quitting the rap game altogether. It was a challenging time in his life, and he was unsure of his future in the industry.
Just when he was about to give up, Rittz received a lifeline from fellow rapper Yelawolf. Yelawolf reached out to Rittz, offering him support and encouragement to continue pursuing his passion for music. This moment marked a turning point in Rittz's career, giving him the motivation to push forward and revitalize his musical journey.
In 2012, Rittz caught the attention of Tech N9ne's record label, Strange Music, and signed with the company. This partnership opened up new opportunities for Rittz, providing him with a platform to showcase his talent to a wider audience. He released his debut album, The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant, in 2013, followed by Next to Nothing in 2014.
Outside of his music career, Rittz values his family and roots. His upbringing in a musical household played a significant role in shaping his passion for music. He continues to draw inspiration from his early experiences and uses them to fuel his creative process.
Rittz's journey in the music industry serves as a testament to resilience and perseverance. Despite facing numerous challenges, he remained steadfast in his pursuit of his dreams. His collaboration with artists like Yelawolf and Tech N9ne has cemented his place in the rap scene and solidified his reputation as a talented artist.
Rittz's story is one of determination and passion overcoming adversity. From humble beginnings in Pennsylvania to signing with a renowned record label, he has shown that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. As he continues to make music and inspire fans worldwide, Rittz remains a beacon of hope for aspiring artists everywhere.
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