On January 13, 2011, DJBooth.net featured “Full of Sh*t,” a high-energy street record by a then DJBooth newcomer named Rittz. The song carried guest feature accompaniment from already well known names in Yelawolf and Big K.R.I.T, so naturally I was curious to see how the ATL native would stack up in the minds of our very open, honest and critical site community. A whopping total of 49 DJBooth.net features later, all in just a little over two full years, and it’s clear that Rittz indeed stacked up… and then some.

Last week, while on his first full Strange Music Tour with Tech N9ne, I had the chance to chop it up with Rittz, who stands out among the thousands of artists that I work with on a weekly basis as more than just an artist. Rittz is someone I’d consider a friend. And as a friend, more than an editor, an A&R or an “online tastemaker,” I could not be happier that he has been given the time, the platform and the opportunity to share his life, his story, his music and his soul with the world. From our conversation it would appear he feels the same way.

Sadly, a great many artists make it supremely difficult for us to support them. Whether it be a bad attitude, a lack of gratitude, the opposite of a humble and appreciative response, or cornball management, it never ceases to amaze me the great many ways that bridges are burnt. With Rittz, though, it has been a great pleasure to offer our support and our co-sign. Watching Rittz grow over the past two years, blossoming into a truly original, unique and talented emcee, is quite similar to the pride that a parent feels as they watch their kin enter the world and win. Paying it forward has never felt so good.

– Brian Zisook
EIC and VP at DJBooth.net

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