Rita J, raised in the talent rich pockets of Chicago's South Side is a natural born performer. Born to entertain, Rita J is a trained dancer, equipped with acting experience, excels at writing and has fluid oratory skills, she has been focused on strengthening her performing arts abilities for most of her life. Her experiences have taught her the value of hard work, determination and perseverance. Having shared stages with notables Jean Grae, Guilty Simpson, Georgia Anne Muldrow, J-Live, C2C, Chali 2na of Jurassic 5, and Gift of Gab (Blackalicious) has prepped Rita for reaching a larger fan base and expanding her international career.
Though influenced by the soul music of her parent's generation of the 70's, Rita eventually found solace in her generation's Hip-Hop music, although she has an eclectic taste in music overall. Gaining much from growing up during the "Golden Age" era of Hip-Hop, Rita J has studied the greats who have come before her and always comes with a message in her lyrics. Influenced by the style, wordplay, and story-telling abilities of Nas, the cadence and vocabulary of Black Thought, the melodic delivery of Buckshot, the hard, edgy female perspectives of MC Lyte, and the self-knowledge of KRS-One, Rita became more appreciative and involved in the culture of Hip-Hop.
Rita J's underground yet commercial appeal has landed Rita modeling gigs, a sponsorship deal with Skullcandy, the famed headphone manufacturer, her ad ran in The Source Magazine, FADER, and NYLON Magazine. And its not just the music industry that is taking notice, Rita J is catching the eye of tastemakers in the fashion world and film industry . She appears in a Hip-Hop documentary, "What Ever Happened To Hip-Hop" alongside Nikki Giovanni, KRS-One, and Jean Grae. Rita J has guest appeared on various albums and has released two solo albums and scored everything from video game placements to independent movie soundtracks to sports soundtrack features.
Focused on uplifting and empowering the youth, community outreach, teaching, and being an active member in society inspires Rita to write about many different topics and themes and yet showcases her passion for humanity. Rita J has been performing for over ten years professionally, locally and abroad. Rita J has toured Brazil, France, Switzerland & Belgium gracing fans with her fresh style & delivery. Thankful for her opportunities and experiences Rita J continues to strive for excellence and mastery at whatever she chooses to do creatively speaking.
Demonstrating both strength and sensitivity, courage and compassion, Rita is proof that a woman can display both beauty and skill without being overtly sexual or sacrificing their integrity in the process. Rita J appears to be conquering major territory with her talent, skills and ability. With a growing fan base in the USA and overseas, Rita J is not only a voice but a face of future culture, proving that there are no limits on true creativity.