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{{Infobox album {{Infobox album
| Name = The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant | name = The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant
| Type = studio | type = studio
| Artist = ] | artist = ]
| Cover = | cover = Rittz TLATOJV.jpg
| alt =
| Released = {{Start date|2013|4|30}}
| Recorded = 2012-2013 | released = April 30, 2013
| Genre = ] | recorded = 2012–2013
| Length = | venue =
| Label = ] | studio =
| genre = ]
| Producer = Track Bangas, Five Points Music Group, Stephan 'Lifted' Taft, M. Stacks, Kasper Brightside, Coop Take Off On Em, Snake and Bat Music, Jonah 'Matic Lee' Appleby, ], Jonathan McCollum, L. David McCollum
| Last album = | length = 59:38
| label = ]
| This album = '''''The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant''''' <br />(2013)
| producer = {{hlist|Travis O’Guin (])|Track Bangas|Coop Take Off on Em|Five Points Music Group|]|Matic Lee|]|Kasper Brightside|L. David McCollum|]|]|M. Stacks|Lifted|Bunson & Beaker Beats}}
| Next album =
| Misc = {{Singles | prev_title =
| prev_year =
|Name = The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant
| next_title = ]
|Type = studio
| single 1 = Switch Lanes | next_year = 2014
| single 1 date = April 12, 2013 | misc = {{Singles
| name = The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant
}}}}
| type = studio
| single1 = Switch Lanes
| single1date = April 12, 2013
}}
}}


'''''The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant''''' is the debut ] by American rapper ]. The album was released on April 30, 2013, by ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/life-times-jonny-valiant-deluxe/id626937421 |title=iTunes - Music - The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant (Deluxe Edition) by Rittz |publisher=Itunes.apple.com |date=2013-04-30 |accessdate=2013-05-08}}</ref> The album features ]s from ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amazon.com/Times-Valiant-Deluxe-Edition-Explicit/dp/B00CJOZKL4/ |title=The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant (Deluxe Edition) [Explicit&#93;: Rittz: MP3 Downloads |publisher=Amazon.com |date= |accessdate=2013-05-08}}</ref> '''''The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant''''' is the debut ] by American rapper ]. It was released on April 30, 2013, by ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/life-times-jonny-valiant-deluxe/id626937421 |title=The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant (Deluxe Edition) by Rittz |publisher=Itunes |date=April 30, 2013 |accessdate=May 8, 2013}}<br>- {{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Times-Valiant-Deluxe-Edition-Explicit/dp/B00CJOZKL4/ |title=The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant (Deluxe Edition) |publisher=Amazon|date= |accessdate=May 8, 2013}}</ref> The album has ]s by ], ], ], ], ] and ].


==Background== ==Background==
In August 2012, Rittz signed to ]'s ] record label.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-magazine/2012/08/tech-n9nes-strange-music-signs-rittz-video/ |title=XXcLusive: Tech N9ne's Strange Music Signs Rittz [VIDEO&#93; - XXL |publisher=Xxlmag.com |date=2012-08-29 |accessdate=2013-05-08}}</ref> In November 2012, in an interview with HipHopDX Rittz explained that he was 11 tracks into his debut album, saying "With the 11 songs that I got already, the way I work is that I get the base set. If I can get the base set of the overall sound I’m looking for - the vibe of the album - then I can sprinkle in the other types of records. Story song, insert here. Girl song, insert here. But the music; the production; the beats actually set the tone. I think I’ve gotten that. So, as long as I’ve gotten that - I was a little worried at first because I wasn’t set on the beats. But now I got it. Now it’s just time to put in the spices and make it a complete thing."<ref>{{cite web|last=Company |first=The |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22040/title.rittz-ponders-why-he-isnt-mentioned-amongst-other-white-rappers-explains-two-atlantas |title=Rittz Ponders Why He Isn't Mentioned Amongst Other White Rappers, Explains "Two Atlantas" |publisher=HipHop DX |date=2012-11-29 |accessdate=2013-05-08}}</ref> In April 2013, in an interview with HipHopDX Rittz explained why he chose ''The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant'' as the album title, saying "When Yelawolf came out with “White Jesus,” I was rapping with another group of people, and my album was going to be called Jonny Valiant Volume Zero. Jonny Valiant is like a nickname of mine...like an alias. It was something back in the day when I was coming up with aliases and shit. Mine was Rittz aka Jonny Valiant, and my real name is Jonny. So the album is real personal. This is the life of Jonny Valiant. It’s a personal look into my life. With White Jesus, it is what it is, and now let’s move on to a more mature stage and really let people in and show who the fuck I am."<ref name="hiphopdx1">{{cite web|last=Nguyen |first=Michael |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/interviews/id.2089/title.rittz-affirms-fuck-swag-stance-says-he-doesn-t-believe-in-selling-out |title=Rittz Affirms "Fuck Swag" Stance; Says He Doesn't Believe In Selling Out |publisher=HipHop DX |date=2013-04-30 |accessdate=2013-05-08}}</ref> In August 2012, Rittz signed to ]'s ] record label.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-magazine/2012/08/tech-n9nes-strange-music-signs-rittz-video/ |title=XXcLusive: Tech N9ne's Strange Music Signs Rittz |website=XXL |publisher= |date=August 29, 2012 |accessdate=May 8, 2013}}</ref> In November 2012, in an interview with '']'', Rittz explained that he was 11 songs into his first album, saying, "With the 11 songs that I got already, the way I work is that I get the base set. If I can get the base set of the overall sound I’m looking for - the vibe of the album - then I can sprinkle in the other types of records. Story song, insert here. Girl song, insert here. But the music; the production; the beats actually set the tone. I think I’ve gotten that. So, as long as I’ve gotten that - I was a little worried at first because I wasn’t set on the beats. But now I got it. Now it’s just time to put in the spices and make it a complete thing."<ref>{{cite web|last=Company |first=The |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22040/title.rittz-ponders-why-he-isnt-mentioned-amongst-other-white-rappers-explains-two-atlantas |title=Rittz Ponders Why He Isn't Mentioned Amongst Other White Rappers, Explains "Two Atlantas" |publisher= |website=HipHop DX |date=November 29, 2012 |accessdate=May 8, 2013}}</ref><ref name="hiphopdx1">{{cite web|last=Nguyen |first=Michael |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/interviews/id.2089/title.rittz-affirms-fuck-swag-stance-says-he-doesn-t-believe-in-selling-out |title=Rittz Affirms "Fuck Swag" Stance; Says He Doesn't Believe In Selling Out |publisher= |website=HipHop DX |date=April 30, 2013 |accessdate=May 8, 2013}}</ref>

He also explained how he took a different approach from his previous mixtapes, saying "It’s different because I was in a huge time crunch. I was on the Slumerican tour, and I knew I had to write the album...so it’s really hard to write on the bus. I might’ve wrote five songs on the bus. I had a deadline to get an album done on January 31, with recording and everything. I had to come back from the tour in late November and really write it all so fast. The good thing is I knew it was coming, so I got with DJ Burn One about the type of production I wanted. Once I got the backbone of the production, I can put the different spices in different tastes of flavors on top of that. But I needed that backbone. Luckily, Burn One already had those beats sitting in my e-mail to give it that sound, and then I really took the words to it. The difference from this and other projects is really being in a time crunch. I really had to just not over-critique myself and wake up every morning and say, “Look, no matter what happens today, you gotta get at least a song or two done. And you got to present it until this thing’s done.” I never had to do that before."<ref name="hiphopdx1"/>

He also explained the meaning behind one of the songs on the album titled "Fuck Swag", saying, "It was mainly the word, “swag.” It’s one of those songs where you’re angry. The beat already had the sample saying swag on it. It’s irritating. It’s like, “Swag, swag,” so I was like, “Fuck swag.” I’m just hanging around the studio and all the dudes be like, “You good, man? How you doing? I’m good, man. Swag.” They like to say swag where it’s not even necessary anymore. Having swag used to be having that swagger on the mic and you know, the little pauses and that. But it’s almost too much swag these days. Everybody is just so swagged out. It’s like, “Fuck swag and fuck you.” Nowadays, everybody tries to be so different that to stand out as an artist, being different isn’t different anymore. It’s almost too far and too many rappers looking like Lenny Kravitz. I’ll be at clubs, and I can’t tell who raps, who sings in Rock bands. It’s all just a big mess. So you ask people about mess and it’s like, “Shit, that’s my swag.” Well you know what? Fuck your swag ."<ref name="hiphopdx1"/>


==Singles== ==Singles==
The first single "Switch Lanes" featuring ] was released on April 12, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/switch-lanes-feat.-mike-posner/id635085331 |title=iTunes - Music - Switch Lanes (feat. Mike Posner) - Single by Rittz |publisher=Itunes.apple.com |date=2013-04-12 |accessdate=2013-05-08}}</ref> On April 10, 2013, the music video was released for "Like I Am".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/videos/id.12863/title.rittz-like-i-am- |title=Rittz - "Like I Am" |publisher=HipHop DX |date=2013-04-10 |accessdate=2013-05-08}}</ref> The first video for the album was released on March 28, 2013, for the song "For Real".<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPyHzb_8_vA |title=Rittz - For Real - Official Music Video |publisher= |website=YouTube |date= |accessdate=May 8, 2013}}</ref> The first single, "Switch Lanes" featuring ], was released on April 12, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/switch-lanes-feat.-mike-posner/id635085331 |title=Switch Lanes (feat. Mike Posner) - Single by Rittz |publisher=Itunes |date=April 12, 2013 |accessdate=May 8, 2013}}</ref> On April 10, 2013, the music video was released for "Like I Am".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/videos/id.12863/title.rittz-like-i-am- |title=Rittz - "Like I Am" |publisher= |website=HipHop DX |date=April 10, 2013 |accessdate=May 8, 2013}}</ref> On May 13, 2013, the music video was released for "Switch Lanes" featuring Mike Posner.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/videos/id.13148/title.rittz-f-mike-posner-switch-lanes- |title=Rittz f. Mike Posner - "Switch Lanes" |publisher= |website=HipHop DX |date=May 13, 2013 |accessdate=May 22, 2013}}</ref>


==Critical response==
==Reception==
{{Music ratings
===Critical response===
| rev1 = DJBooth
{{Album ratings
| rev1score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="djbooth">{{cite web|last=S. |first=Nathan |url=http://www.djbooth.net/index/albums/review/rittz-the-life-and-times-of-jonny-valiant |title=Rittz - The Life And Times Of Jonny Valiant |publisher=|website=DJBooth.net |date= |accessdate=May 10, 2013}}</ref>
| rev1 = HipHopDX
| rev2 = '']''
| rev1score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="hhdx">{{cite web|last=Ortiz |first=Edwin |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/album-reviews/id.2074/title.rittz-the-life-and-times-of-jonny-valiant |title=Rittz - The Life And Times Of Jonny Valiant |publisher=HipHop DX |date=2013-04-29 |accessdate=2013-05-08}}</ref>
| rev2Score = 5/10<ref name="exclaim1">{{cite web|last=Marrack |first=Peter |url=http://exclaim.ca/Reviews/HipHop/rittz-life_times_of_jonny_valiant |title=Rittz - The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant |publisher=|work=Exclaim |date=April 8, 2013 |accessdate=October 9, 2013}}</ref>
| rev3 = ]
| rev3score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="hhdx">{{cite web|last=Ortiz |first=Edwin |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/album-reviews/id.2074/title.rittz-the-life-and-times-of-jonny-valiant |title=Rittz - The Life And Times Of Jonny Valiant |publisher= |website=HipHop DX |date=April 29, 2013 |accessdate=May 8, 2013}}</ref>
| rev4 = '']''
| rev4score = {{Rating|4|5}} (XL)<ref name="xxl">{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/reviews/2013/05/album-review-rittz-the-life-and-times-of-jonny-valiant/ |title=Album Review: Rittz, The Life And Times Of Jonny Valiant |publisher= |website=Xxlmag.com |date=April 8, 2013|accessdate=May 22, 2013}}</ref>
}} }}

''The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant'' was met with generally positive reviews from ]s. Edwin Ortiz of HipHopDX gave the album four out of five stars, saying "While Rittz hasn’t yet reached his recording pinnacle, The Life And Times Of Jonny Valiant provides a thorough impression of his abilities as well as what he can strive for in the coming years. Going on nearly two decades since he first grasped the notion of becoming an emcee, it may have taken longer than expected, but Rittz is finally seeing the fruits of his labor flourish."<ref name="hhdx"/>
''The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant'' was met with generally positive reviews from ]s. Edwin Ortiz of '']'' gave the album four out of five stars, saying, "While Rittz hasn’t yet reached his recording pinnacle, ''The Life And Times Of Jonny Valiant'' provides a thorough impression of his abilities as well as what he can strive for in the coming years. Going on nearly two decades since he first grasped the notion of becoming an emcee, it may have taken longer than expected, but Rittz is finally seeing the fruits of his labor flourish."<ref name="hhdx"/> David Jeffries of '']'' gave the album a positive review, saying, "This debut effort should still satisfy those who follow Tech N9ne and the Strange Music roster, as stoner anthems, swaggering club music, and punch line-filled putdowns are the man's bread and butter."<ref>{{cite web|last=Jeffries |first=David |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-life-and-times-of-jonny-valiant-mw0002505028 |title=The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant - Rittz : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards |publisher= |website=AllMusic |date=April 30, 2013 |accessdate=May 8, 2013}}</ref> Dave William of '']'' gave the album an XL, saying, "While these struggles might seem like a bit of a downer on paper, Rittz should win over listeners with the unmistakable honesty he raps with. He’s a highly affable “underdog,” one who can rap about his misfortunes with confidence, hope and determination."<ref name="xxl"/>

Nathan S. of DJBooth gave the album four out of five stars, saying, "Hip-hop needs someone every outsider can relate to, someone who remains dedicated to being himself (and sounds damn good in the process). If Rittz can continue to do that, and Jonny Valiant suggests he can, he’ll attract more fans than any poser possibly could."<ref name="djbooth"/> Peter Marrack of '']'' gave the album five out of ten, saying, "One of the few uplifting moments on Rittz's new album occurs when he's shouting out his homies in Toronto — Droppin' Knowledge booked Rittz for a spot date in late 2011, which contributed to the Atlanta, GA rapper's early buzz. The rest of the album is morose, a diatribe against commercial rap bloated with personal confessions."<ref name="exclaim1"/>

==Commercial performance==
In its first week of release the album entered the ] at number 25 and sold 14,000 copies in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|last=Paine |first=Jake |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.23857/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-5-5-2013 |title=Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 5/5/2013 |publisher= |website=HipHop DX |date= |accessdate=May 8, 2013}}</ref> In its second week the album sold 3,200 copies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.23951/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-5-12-2013|title=Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 5/12/2013|publisher= |website=HipHopDX |accessdate=May 14, 2013}}</ref> In its third week, the album sold 2,300 copies bringing its total sales to 19,000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.24048/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-5-19-2013|title=Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 5/19/2013|publisher= |website=HipHopDX|accessdate=May 22, 2013}}</ref>


==Track listing== ==Track listing==
{{Track listing
{{tracklist
| extra_column = Producer(s)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ughh.com/rittz-the-life-and-times-of-jonny-valiant/STGM227CD/ |title=Rittz - The Life And Times Of Jonny Valiant - Audio CD - Underground Hip Hop - Store |publisher=Ughh.com |date= |accessdate=2013-05-08}}</ref> | extra_column = Producer(s)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ughh.com/rittz-the-life-and-times-of-jonny-valiant/STGM227CD/ |title=Rittz - The Life And Times Of Jonny Valiant|publisher= |website=Ughh.com |date= |accessdate=May 8, 2013}}</ref>
| total_length = | total_length = 59:38
| title1 = Intro | title1 = Intro
| note1 = | note1 =
| writer1 = {{hlist|]|Michelle Nguyen|Jeffrey Smith}}
| extra1 = Track Bangas | extra1 = Track Bangas
| length1 = 2:07 | length1 = 2:07

| title2 = My Interview | title2 = My Interview
| note2 = | note2 =
| writer2 = {{hlist|McCollum|]|Walter L. Williams Jr.|Richard Brown|Brandon Winslow}}
| extra2 = Five Points Music Group | extra2 = Five Points Music Group
| length2 = 4:17 | length2 = 4:17

| title3 = Like I Am | title3 = Like I Am
| note3 = | note3 =
| writer3 = {{hlist|McCollum|Miguel Brown}}
| extra3 = M. Stacks | extra3 = M. Stacks
| length3 = 3:51 | length3 = 3:51

| title4 = Fuck Swag | title4 = Fuck Swag
| note4 = | note4 =
| extra4 = Stephan 'Lifted' Taft | writer4 = {{hlist|McCollum|Stepan Taft}}
| extra4 = Lifted
| length4 = 2:54 | length4 = 2:54

| title5 = Wastin Time | title5 = Wastin Time
| note5 = featuring ] | note5 = featuring ]
| writer5 = {{hlist|McCollum|]|Dominique Tipton}}
| extra5 = Kasper Brightside | extra5 = Kasper Brightside
| length5 = 4:51 | length5 = 4:51

| title6 = Goin In | title6 = Goin In
| note6 = | note6 =
| writer6 = {{hlist|McCollum|Sweeten|Williams|R. Brown|Winslow}}
| extra6 = Five Points Music Group | extra6 = Five Points Music Group
| length6 = 4:25 | length6 = 4:25

| title7 = Always Gon Be | title7 = Always Gon Be
| note7 = featuring ] | note7 = featuring ]
| writer7 = {{hlist|McCollum|Matthew Cooper}}
| extra7 = Coop Take Off On Em
| extra7 = Coop Take Off on Em
| length7 = 2:59 | length7 = 2:59

| title8 = My Clothes (Interlude) | title8 = My Clothes (Interlude)
| note8 = | note8 =
| writer8 = McCollum
| extra8 = Snake and Bat Music
| extra8 = ]
| length8 = 1:40 | length8 = 1:40

| title9 = Amen | title9 = Amen
| note9 = | note9 =
| writer9 = {{hlist|McCollum|Sweeten|Williams|R. Brown|Winslow}}
| extra9 = Five Points Music Group | extra9 = Five Points Music Group
| length9 = 3:49 | length9 = 3:49

| title10 = For Real | title10 = For Real
| note10 = | note10 =
| extra10 = Stephan 'Lifted' Taft | writer10 = {{hlist|McCollum|Taft}}
| extra10 = Lifted
| length10 = 3:31 | length10 = 3:31

| title11 = Sober | title11 = Sober
| note11 = featuring ] | note11 = featuring ]
| writer11 = {{hlist|McCollum|]|Jihad A. Hud II|Sweeten|Williams}}
| extra11 = Five Points Music Group | extra11 = Five Points Music Group
| length11 = 3:27 | length11 = 3:27

| title12 = Say No More | title12 = Say No More
| note12 = featuring ] & ] | note12 = featuring ] & ]
| writer12 = {{hlist|McCollum|]|]|Jonah Appleby}}
| extra12 = Jonah 'Matic Lee' Appleby
| extra12 = Matic Lee
| length12 = 5:00 | length12 = 5:00

| title13 = Switch Lanes | title13 = Switch Lanes
| note13 = featuring Mike Posner | note13 = featuring Mike Posner
| writer13 = {{hlist|McCollum|]|Mike Posner}}
| extra13 = ]
| extra13 = {{hlist|]|Mike Posner}}
| length13 = 3:24 | length13 = 3:24

| title14 = Misery Loves Company | title14 = Misery Loves Company
| note14 = | note14 =
| extra14 = Jonah 'Matic Lee' Appleby | writer14 = {{hlist|McCollum|Appleby}}
| extra14 = Matic Lee
| length14 = 4:18 | length14 = 4:18

| title15 = Heaven | title15 = Heaven
| note15 = featuring ] | note15 = featuring ]
| writer15 = {{hlist|McCollum|]|Sweeten|Williams|R. Brown|Winslow}}
| extra15 = Five Points Music Group | extra15 = Five Points Music Group
| length15 = 4:10 | length15 = 4:10

| title16 = All Around the World | title16 = All Around the World
| note16 = | note16 =
| extra16 = Jonathan McCollum, L. David McCollum | writer16 = McCollum
| extra16 = {{hlist|Jonathan McCollum|L. David McCollum}}
| length16 = 4:55 | length16 = 4:55
}} }}
{{Track listing {{Track listing
| headline = Deluxe edition bonus tracks | headline = Deluxe edition bonus tracks
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| collapsed = yes
| total_length = 1:10:54
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| title17 = Gravy
| note17 =
| extra17 =
| length17 = 3:55
| title18 = Never Lettin' Go
| note18 =
| extra18 =
| length18 = 3:46
| title19 = Drift Away
| note19 =
| extra19 = Bunson & Beaker Beats
| length19 = 3:35
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = Strange Music pre-order digital bonus track


| title20 = Same Shit, Different Day
| title17 = Gravy
| note17 = | note20 =
| extra17 = | extra20 =
| length17 = 3:55 | length20 = 3:15

| title18 = Never Lettin Go
| note18 =
| extra18 =
| length18 = 3:46

| title19 = Drift Away
| note19 =
| extra19 =
| length19 = 3:35
}} }}

==Charts==
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|-
!Chart (2013)
!Peak<br/>position
|-
{{album chart|Billboard200|25|artist=Rittz|accessdate=September 19, 2013}}
|-
{{album chart|BillboardRandBHipHop|8|artist=Rittz|accessdate=September 19, 2013}}
|-
{{album chart|BillboardIndependent|6|artist=Rittz|accessdate=September 19, 2013}}
|}


==References== ==References==
{{reflist}} {{Reflist}}

{{Rittz}}

{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Life and Times of Jonny Valiant, The}}
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Latest revision as of 03:47, 24 November 2024

2013 studio album by Rittz
The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant
Studio album by Rittz
ReleasedApril 30, 2013
Recorded2012–2013
GenreHip hop
Length59:38
LabelStrange Music
Producer
Rittz chronology
The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant
(2013) 		Next to Nothing
(2014)
Singles from The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant
  1. "Switch Lanes"
    Released: April 12, 2013

The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant is the debut studio album by American rapper Rittz. It 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.

Background

In August 2012, Rittz signed to Tech N9ne's Strange Music record label. In November 2012, in an interview with HipHopDX, Rittz explained that he was 11 songs into his first album, saying, "With the 11 songs that I got already, the way I work is that I get the base set. If I can get the base set of the overall sound I’m looking for - the vibe of the album - then I can sprinkle in the other types of records. Story song, insert here. Girl song, insert here. But the music; the production; the beats actually set the tone. I think I’ve gotten that. So, as long as I’ve gotten that - I was a little worried at first because I wasn’t set on the beats. But now I got it. Now it’s just time to put in the spices and make it a complete thing."

Singles

The first video for the album was released on March 28, 2013, for the song "For Real". The first single, "Switch Lanes" featuring Mike Posner, was released on April 12, 2013. On April 10, 2013, the music video was released for "Like I Am". On May 13, 2013, the music video was released for "Switch Lanes" featuring Mike Posner.

Critical response

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
DJBooth
Exclaim!5/10
HipHopDX
XXL (XL)

The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant was met with generally positive reviews from music critics. Edwin Ortiz of HipHopDX gave the album four out of five stars, saying, "While Rittz hasn’t yet reached his recording pinnacle, The Life And Times Of Jonny Valiant provides a thorough impression of his abilities as well as what he can strive for in the coming years. Going on nearly two decades since he first grasped the notion of becoming an emcee, it may have taken longer than expected, but Rittz is finally seeing the fruits of his labor flourish." David Jeffries of AllMusic gave the album a positive review, saying, "This debut effort should still satisfy those who follow Tech N9ne and the Strange Music roster, as stoner anthems, swaggering club music, and punch line-filled putdowns are the man's bread and butter." Dave William of XXL gave the album an XL, saying, "While these struggles might seem like a bit of a downer on paper, Rittz should win over listeners with the unmistakable honesty he raps with. He’s a highly affable “underdog,” one who can rap about his misfortunes with confidence, hope and determination."

Nathan S. of DJBooth gave the album four out of five stars, saying, "Hip-hop needs someone every outsider can relate to, someone who remains dedicated to being himself (and sounds damn good in the process). If Rittz can continue to do that, and Jonny Valiant suggests he can, he’ll attract more fans than any poser possibly could." Peter Marrack of Exclaim! gave the album five out of ten, saying, "One of the few uplifting moments on Rittz's new album occurs when he's shouting out his homies in Toronto — Droppin' Knowledge booked Rittz for a spot date in late 2011, which contributed to the Atlanta, GA rapper's early buzz. The rest of the album is morose, a diatribe against commercial rap bloated with personal confessions."

Commercial performance

In its first week of release the album entered the Billboard 200 at number 25 and sold 14,000 copies in the United States. In its second week the album sold 3,200 copies. In its third week, the album sold 2,300 copies bringing its total sales to 19,000.

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Intro"Track Bangas2:07
2."My Interview"
  • McCollum
  • David Sweeten
  • Walter L. Williams Jr.
  • Richard Brown
  • Brandon Winslow
Five Points Music Group4:17
3."Like I Am"
  • McCollum
  • Miguel Brown
M. Stacks3:51
4."Fuck Swag"
  • McCollum
  • Stepan Taft
Lifted2:54
5."Wastin Time" (featuring Big K.R.I.T.)Kasper Brightside4:51
6."Goin In"
  • McCollum
  • Sweeten
  • Williams
  • R. Brown
  • Winslow
Five Points Music Group4:25
7."Always Gon Be" (featuring Mike Posner)
  • McCollum
  • Matthew Cooper
Coop Take Off on Em2:59
8."My Clothes (Interlude)"McCollumSnake and Bat Music1:40
9."Amen"
  • McCollum
  • Sweeten
  • Williams
  • R. Brown
  • Winslow
Five Points Music Group3:49
10."For Real"
  • McCollum
  • Taft
Lifted3:31
11."Sober" (featuring Suga Free)Five Points Music Group3:27
12."Say No More" (featuring Tech N9ne & Krizz Kaliko)Matic Lee5:00
13."Switch Lanes" (featuring Mike Posner)3:24
14."Misery Loves Company"
  • McCollum
  • Appleby
Matic Lee4:18
15."Heaven" (featuring Yelawolf)Five Points Music Group4:10
16."All Around the World"McCollum
  • Jonathan McCollum
  • L. David McCollum
4:55
Total length:59:38
Deluxe edition bonus tracks
No.TitleProducer(s)Length
17."Gravy" 3:55
18."Never Lettin' Go" 3:46
19."Drift Away"Bunson & Beaker Beats3:35
Total length:1:10:54
Strange Music pre-order digital bonus track
No.TitleLength
20."Same Shit, Different Day"3:15

Charts

Chart (2013) Peak
position
US Billboard 200 25
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard) 8
US Independent Albums (Billboard) 6

References

  1. "The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant (Deluxe Edition) by Rittz". Itunes. April 30, 2013. Retrieved May 8, 2013.
    - "The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant (Deluxe Edition)". Amazon. Retrieved May 8, 2013.
  2. "XXcLusive: Tech N9ne's Strange Music Signs Rittz". XXL. August 29, 2012. Retrieved May 8, 2013.
  3. Company, The (November 29, 2012). "Rittz Ponders Why He Isn't Mentioned Amongst Other White Rappers, Explains "Two Atlantas"". HipHop DX. Retrieved May 8, 2013. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  4. Nguyen, Michael (April 30, 2013). "Rittz Affirms "Fuck Swag" Stance; Says He Doesn't Believe In Selling Out". HipHop DX. Retrieved May 8, 2013.
  5. "Rittz - For Real - Official Music Video". YouTube. Retrieved May 8, 2013.
  6. "Switch Lanes (feat. Mike Posner) - Single by Rittz". Itunes. April 12, 2013. Retrieved May 8, 2013.
  7. "Rittz - "Like I Am"". HipHop DX. April 10, 2013. Retrieved May 8, 2013.
  8. "Rittz f. Mike Posner - "Switch Lanes"". HipHop DX. May 13, 2013. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
  9. ^ S., Nathan. "Rittz - The Life And Times Of Jonny Valiant". DJBooth.net. Retrieved May 10, 2013.
  10. ^ Marrack, Peter (April 8, 2013). "Rittz - The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant". Exclaim. Retrieved October 9, 2013.
  11. ^ Ortiz, Edwin (April 29, 2013). "Rittz - The Life And Times Of Jonny Valiant". HipHop DX. Retrieved May 8, 2013.
  12. ^ "Album Review: Rittz, The Life And Times Of Jonny Valiant". Xxlmag.com. April 8, 2013. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
  13. Jeffries, David (April 30, 2013). "The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant - Rittz : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved May 8, 2013.
  14. Paine, Jake. "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 5/5/2013". HipHop DX. Retrieved May 8, 2013.
  15. "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 5/12/2013". HipHopDX. Retrieved May 14, 2013.
  16. "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 5/19/2013". HipHopDX. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
  17. "Rittz - The Life And Times Of Jonny Valiant". Ughh.com. Retrieved May 8, 2013.
  18. "Rittz Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved September 19, 2013.
  19. "Rittz Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved September 19, 2013.
  20. "Rittz Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved September 19, 2013.
Rittz
Studio albums
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