Josh Rizeberg
JOSH RIZEBERG
BIO
A futuristic performer and master of dramatic lyrical delivery can be one way to describe Josh Rizeberg, but the most appropriate description of him is probably ‘indescribable’. The hilltop Tacoma, Washington native is one of the artists who constantly seeks elevation in the realm of creativity. This is demonstrated at his live shows and with his debut album, Spoken Worlds (2008) which melded Hip-Hop, poetry and keen lyricism into an impressive and critically acclaimed release – setting the stage for his 2010 album, A Word To The Wize.
Josh Rizeberg hails from Washington State’s City of Destiny, Tacoma and has grown in its blue-collar Hip-Hop scene as one of the leaders and most respected and well-received artists since the ‘90s hay-days of Tacoma’s most notable group ever, Criminal Nation. Combining street knowledge, book knowledge and the ability to communicate in a way that the masses can understand makes Rizeberg a special artist. Not only does he communicate well, but his messages are poignant and passionate – rousing the youth and elders all at once. Amazing performances at The City of Tacoma’s Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration attest to his ability to capture the attention of Hip-Hop enthusiasts and elders alike in a way that does not bore, but rather invigorates audiences to the tune of standing ovations and return invitations.
With A Word To The Wize, Rizeberg enlists a crew of talented and award-winning artists including producer Xaviant Haze out of The Bay Area. And unlike many releases in this era, his guests are not filler for album tracks. Doug Kain, Leah Rizeberg, Ra Dub and Suntonio Bandanaz (Zulu Nation) join Rizeberg on his sophomore effort that again takes listeners on a journey outside of their mind and body and into a soul-atmosphere where the pursuit and expression of knowledge and higher thinking are the norm without alienating the streets or the classrooms of life.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION, PERFORMANCES & RESIDENCIES
Josh has been specially booked by the educational community as a performer/educator and has specifically been hired as an ‘Artist In Residence’ by the school districts of Tacoma, Lakewood and Seattle in the state of Washington.
His artistry and performing expertise has been lauded by the art community. As a poet and Hip-Hop artist, Josh’s diverse talent and creative insight spans the interest of audiences young and old and attracts a multicultural and socially diverse crowd. Officially, Josh’s work has been commissioned by The Tacoma Art Museum, The Tacoma History Museum, Tacoma Public Library and The Seattle Art Museum.
As a performer, Josh has enjoyed taking the stage at various public arenas, clubs and venues but he has been received with powerful response in the higher ed community having received rave reviews with performances at Highline Community College, Pierce Community College, Tacoma Community College, The University of Washington, The University of Washington-Tacoma and The University of Puget Sound.
Some of Josh’s most memorable moments have come as a public performer at The Broadway Performing Arts Center and most notably as the returning keynote artist at The City of Tacoma’s Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Festival held in the Tacoma Dome.
CONTACT:
cookiemonster@earcookies.com